Wick holders

[searn77]

Does anyone know a place online where I can purchase decent wick holders? I've tried buying one from a monastery but it's not very good. The flame remains barely visible. I've communicated with one of the monks there and he basically told me that the wick holders aren't that good and the monastery is searching for another place to start getting some themselves.

[Suaidan]

Dear Rdr Anthony,

What kind of wick holders are you looking for? There are a great many different types and usually the type of wick you use makes the difference. Is it just basic cotton wick (i.e. twine)?

I don't know where HTM gets theirs, but one of those lasted me a little under a decade. I would probably suggest one with a handle.

[Suaidan]

Are you looking for something like this? (These in my opinion are the best ones for adjustable lighting)

http://www.orthodoxgifts.com/products/P ... -Cork.html

[searn77]

Yes, I was looking to use a cotten wick. But I haven't had the best of luck with what I have bought so I was just wondering if someone could recommend one to use that they've had success with. HTM emailed me back explaining to me how to set up their wick holders (as I'm kind of new to using oil lamps) and if they lasted you for a little under a decade then I'll definitely have to buy one from them and try it out. Thanks.

[Suaidan]

Yes, I was looking to use a cotten wick. But I haven't had the best of luck with what I have bought so I was just wondering if someone could recommend one to use that they've had success with. HTM emailed me back explaining to me how to set up their wick holders (as I'm kind of new to using oil lamps) and if they lasted you for a little under a decade then I'll definitely have to buy one from them and try it out. Thanks.

Well, they sell different kinds of wick holders if I remember.

The one in the pic I sent is the type I used.

[searn77]

Yes, I was looking to use a cotten wick. But I haven't had the best of luck with what I have bought so I was just wondering if someone could recommend one to use that they've had success with. HTM emailed me back explaining to me how to set up their wick holders (as I'm kind of new to using oil lamps) and if they lasted you for a little under a decade then I'll definitely have to buy one from them and try it out. Thanks.

Well, they sell different kinds of wick holders if I remember.

The one in the pic I sent is the type I used.

Yes, the one in the pic you sent is the one that I asked them about. That kind of wick holder is the only kind that they show for sale on their website.

[Suaidan]

As for wick, a great way to get an economical amount of wick (and even supply others when needed) is to buy standard 100% cotton twine at any major market store. It can provide a year of wick! Getting the right thickness is hit and miss. Cut it at even lengths (I suggest about 1 1/2 feet for a 3-4 inch lamp*), and simply make sure to put the water in first so that only the oil gets on the fresh wick to "condition" it. Barring no heavy gusts of wind, rare signs of Divine warning, or difficult fasting periods a full lamp of this sort should require only daily changing on most days!

*Another money saving idea for an easy and convenient votive lamp: get a three day glass votive candle (available in most supermarkets for less than $1.00 last I remember) and burn it out. Scrape the metal holder out, scrub out remaining paraffin with a Brillo pad, and voila! Your new stand-up lamp. Easy and convenient, and if you want another lamp for travel, it's cost effective!