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Either you thought I was creating a molotov cocktail, or you liked the experiment presented in Episode 2. This is a good trick to know in case of an emergency. Here are all the details for you to create your own homemade oil lamps!
*Be careful, if you are a minor please use adult supervision*
How Oil Lamps Work:
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| Capillary Action from one cup to another. |
Oil lamps are one of the oldest means to produce light in low lighting areas. The technology behind an oil lamp is very simple. After soaking a wick into the fuel (oil) the flame will draw the oil up the wick like a sponge draws water. This action is known as capillary action.
Capillary action can be seen in nature as trees grab water from the ground and bring them to the furthest leaves on the branches. Capillary action happens because there are small tubes that liquid can either elevate or depress into. This happens because of the cohesion of the surface of a tube, and the adhesion of the liquid. This causes the water to act against gravity. Capillary effect happens in cotton, or paper towels because there are many small spaces between the fibers that act like tubes, and the liquid moves into those spaces. Capillary effect is also known as "wicking."
Here is what you need:
- Beer Bottle
- Siccors
- Old sock, or anything 100% Cotton
- Cooking Oil
- Lighter/matches
Procedure:
Step 1: Create your wick from your old sock by cutting a section from it. Cut it vertically so you can have a lengthy wick.
Step 2: Carve a hole into the your bottle top. Cut the hole wide enough to fit your wick.
Step 3: Push your wick through the bottle top.
Step 4: Fill your bottle as close to the rim as you can with the fuel (oil). If you do not have enough oil just add water before you pour your oil. The oil will float to the top, and will still work just as well.
Step 5: Dip the short end of the wick into the oil.
Step 6: Wipe off the access.
Step 7: Insert the long end of your wick into the bottle, and twist the cap on.
Step 8: Wait an hour, or until you notice the wick has started to absorb the oil.
Step 9: Ignite your wick.
For best results:
Let your wick soak in the oil for a few hours.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil has worked best for me.
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