How to Light an Oil Lamp

In the day, oil lamps were the prime source of light for most households. They still hold an important place in today's world. Oil lamps can light the way when electricity isn't available. If you buy a new lamp, you should read and follow the manufacturer's instructions in order to achieve the best results. If you bought a good-used one with no paperwork attached, you may wonder how to use it. Obviously, how to light the oil lamp is something you'll need to know, so let's get started.

Preparation
Place the lamp on a hard, level surface. Carefully lift the glass chimney up and off the burner; set it aside. Raise the wick up by turning the thumbwheel on the shaft on the base of the burner clockwise. Trim the wick, if necessary, with a pair of sharp scissors. It should be straight across with no ragged edges. Then, adjust the height of the wick again so its edge is just above the top of the burner.

Light the Oil Lamp
Use a lit match or a candle lighter to light the wick. Hold the source of the flame so the flame is just touching the top of the wick. The entire width of the wick should be lit. Grab the glass chimney by its top and carefully replace it onto the burner. Adjust the brightness of the flame on the oil lamp by turning the thumbwheel on the shaft on the base of the burner. If the flame begins to smoke, turn the wick down to lower the flame. You may need to adjust the wick again as the oil lamp burns.

Extinguish the Flame
Turn the wick down so it's just even with the slot in the burner. Cup your hand and hold it over the top of the chimney on the oil lamp. Blow a quick breath of air across the top of the chimney into your hand. Blow again if necessary.

Warnings
1. While the oil lamp is lit, keep it on a hard, level surface. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
2. To avoid burns, don't touch the glass chimney or remove it.
3. After the oil lamp is extinguished, allow the glass chimney to cool down before the lamp is relit.

Resources
Kassidy Emmerson
http://columbialightingcompany.com/Lamp_Safety_Guidelines.php
http://www.redskyatnight.com/oil.html