Oil Lamp Wick Trimming

[cabo_sailor]

This was covered, in part, on a recent thread re: lamp oil. I'm posting this here so as to not hijack the other thread and perhaps make it easier to find in future searches.

A poster gave their recommendation on trimming a simple wick, to wick, no sharp edges and a gentle curve. This I'll try on one of my oil lamps but the other trawler lamp has a circular wick that provides more light. How should that wick be trimmed? Need it be trimmed at all?

Thanks,
Rich

[GordMay]

I used to cut the top straight, and then trim the ends in a slight curve (like a fingernail).
A straight cut wick will not burn completely and be smoky/sooty. A pointed wick will burn hot & fast, but give out little light.

See also ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...amp-34688.html

[zeehag]

i trim my round wicks with a straight razor. the flat ones i use rounded scissors and a straight razor so the edges are rounded.

[cabo_sailor]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i trim my round wicks with a straight razor. the flat ones i use rounded scissors and a straight razor so the edges are rounded.

Could you expand upon that please? Primarily for the round wicks? Straight razor is not a problem, I use them to shave with and have a half dozen or so. It's the particulars of what am I looking to achieve that is the conundrum.

Rich

[zeehag]

roll the wick up to where you wish to trim it. use straight razor to trim and ta daa is good --just make sure ye dont have threads or strays --will make burn bad.

[S/V Alchemy]

I also trim mine akin to a fingernail. Seems to work, and I concur that if you leave them blunt-ended, a lot of smoke and stink seem to prevail.