In keeping with that thought, and looking back at all of the wonderful uses some folks have made of their canning jars (when not in use for canning) I wanted to show you another way that some of our extra canning jars could be used. I'm sure that many of you have done this or have made this type of lamp...but for those that may not have seen them, take a look at these mason jar lids and wicks.
Now I have several of these lids and caps on some mason jars...and have used them several times as lamps during storms. I put regular lamp chimneys I got from the hardware store on the fixtures and they work great! Just fill with regular lamp oil or what ever you are using for your lamps now...and you can have some good secondary lamps for any power outages that may occur.
The only drawback I found was that some of the wicks were not long enough for me, so I ordered some longer ones. I then found out that I could buy extra wicks in various sizes from nearly any hardware or feed store around...even Wal-Mart has 'em.
Anyway, I thought you might like to see them if you hadn't before. The place I got mine from is called OilLampGuy and he has the wicks as well. In fact, he has a lot of parts and replacement pieces for many lamps. You might want to check him out...
Well, that's it for me for now! I think I'll go have another fresh cup of coffee...want to join me, my friend?
23 comments:
What shape do you trim your wicks? With all the use ours have had I found that making them look like little houses (^) gave the best light with less smoking. Does that lamp use a glass shade?
Hey Stepanie...I usually just cut the wick diagnally. So far that has worked out with lots of light and no smoke.
As far as the shade or chimney, anything you would use on a regular oil lamp will work. It's the same size as the others, except for the screw on lid for the mason jars.
Hope that helps...thanks for coming by!
Hiya Jim! You mean that bad boy just screws onto the top of a regular mason jar?!?!?! Holy moly, that's brilliant!
See now I knew I liked you for more than your good looks! lol
Thanks for that...I'm ordering up a batch today!
Cath
Hermit,
Lehmans.com (awesome store) offers wicks by the foot. For the 3/4" braided cotton, I believe its about 2 bucks a foot. I know when I go to the store, they have spools of the stuff in all different sizes!
Great Idea!
As you said, Anything may be called upon for double duty!
Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Proud Member of Outdoor Bloggers Summit
Southeast Regional OBS Coordinator
Thanks, Jim.
I've not seen these doodads before, although I do have a supply of oil lamps, extra shades, and wicks in store.
I'll have to check out the OilLampGuy.
Hey Cath...yep! That's why I thought they could be a handy item. I had been given some extra jars, really old ones, and in order to keep them from just sitting, I turned them into oil lamps. These lids are pretty handy!
Hey FG...you know, buying some wicking by the roll may not be a bad idea...not only for replacements, but as a future varter item. BTW, I love looking at the Lehman's catalog online, and in the hard copy.
Hey Albert...someday it may be important that we consider all the things we have, and start looking at them in a different way. Knowing the equipment we have on hand really well, I feel, is very important...
Hey Catman...these could be handy as spares, or as a good barter item if needed. Either way, couldn't hurt to have some around...IMHO
Hey, thanks everybody... for stopping by. I really do appreciate it. Hope you all have a really good day!!
Holy Cow!
This was great help and thanks for the link.
-M/L OUT.
Hey M/L...always my pleasure! Glad you could find the link of some value!
Have a great day!
This is a great idea! Thanks! I got your link from MeadowLark & look forward to your postings.
Barb
hmmm...blogger ate that comment. If you were wanting to look at seeds for tobacco here is a good selection of heirloom seeds.
http://www.newhopeseed.com/tobacco/index.htm
Hey Barb...sure am glad you could drop by and have a cup with us. I remember the first time I saw this...I thought "Wow!" so simple yet so useful...had to be thought of by a country person!
Thanks again for coming by!
Hey Stephanie...I appreciate the links to the seed store. I'll defintely be adding tobacco seed to my garden supplies! Gotta have my smokes to go with the coffee, ya know?
Hi Jim
another great post my friend
andy
ps always room for you in the highlands
Hey Andy...thanks so much for coming by. I'm loving the pictures of the highlands...gives me a chance to visit, by seeing the land through your lens and writings.
Keep up the good work, my friend!
Who would of thought! I have a box of 2 qt green Masons, let there be light. Good deal thanks.
Mason jar oil lamp... Now that's redneck! I like it!
Hey Wendigo...always glad to help, my friend. The green jars should make some nice looking lamps...
Thanks so much for dropping by!
Hey Mayberry...gotta admit that this is about as redneck as it gets, huh? Makes ya proud to be a redneck...
I really like this idea. I will go checkout oillampguy.
Thanks Jim
Hey FM...Glad to be of some little service. my man. Thanks for stopping by!
Saw this somewhere last year and started using the lights at home and ranch. found some nice blue jars on ebay. They look and work great. thanks for the tip for longer wicks. Love Lehmanns, too. Great blog. Been lurking.
Hey Debtex...pretty handy little gadgets, huh? I'll bet those blue jars do make some nice lamps...
Don't just be a lurker, come on back for a cup from time to time...
Thanks for coming by!
As often as I have seen your lamps, I have to admit I don't have any. I am putting the thingies on my shopping list tonight!
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