Quart Jar Oil Lamp

[Sideshow]

Here's something that took me about 5 minutes to make and works really well. Not my idea, but I forget where I originally saw it.



Materials:
Mason Quart jar (any size will work, but quart size is ideal)
Coat hanger or similar stiff wire
Piece of wick material (a strip of t-shirt in this case)
Pliers

First, cut the wire and bend it into a spiral shape with a "U" at the end to hold the wick. Make a stem and handle on the other end. It should look something like this:



Next, cut about 5" of wick and pull it through the "U" portion of the holder. Take the pliers and squish the two sides of the "U" to hold the wick in place.



You will probably want to make the wick holder a bit shorter in the jar. You only want 1/2" or so above the oil level to minimize smoke when lit. Put the holder into the jar and pour in some oil; any oil will work, olive oil works well. Saturate the wick. Light it.



This lamp is quite safe, as the pool of oil will not ignite from the wick. It puts out quite a bit of light. As with all flammables, use with caution and do not allow it to burn unattended.

[Beast]

How hot does the glass get? Too hot to handle?

[Sideshow]

I had it lit for about 10 minutes and it was still easy to pick up.
If that s a concern, another piece of wire can be wrapped around the neck of the jar and used as a hanger/holder.

[~Hippie3]

even simpler-
round wick [cotton cord]
thru hole in lid
of quart jar of oil.