Pianotech

  • 1.  Alcohol lamp maintenance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-19-2018 10:31
    This may be a dumb question but...

    Does anyone have a way to prevent the alcohol in my shank-burning lamp (with the long neck) from evaporating over time when not in use?

    Admittedly, this is not a HUGE problem, but rather a minor annoyance. I am hoping that someone with more ingenuity than I, has addressed it.

    If the answer is as simple as: "Just get over it and fill it up!" will also suffice if that proves to be the case.

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 2.  RE: Alcohol lamp maintenance

    Posted 09-19-2018 10:36
    Replace the O-ring gaskets. A hardware store item.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 3.  RE: Alcohol lamp maintenance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-19-2018 11:04
    Traditionally, (as in 'my experience'), the problem with these lamps has been related to poor (as in loosely) fitting wick material, that allows liquid alcohol to flow from spot if angles downwards.  I haven't used one in many years so I don't know what sort of wick stuff is available now.  
    As to your particular question, I'd be more inclined to think that, over time, the same capillary action that feeds an active flame would be active (through evaporation).  More so than a poorly fitting top (but maybe that too).  I'd try getting a little rubber or plastic cap - like those on some spout bottles.  Not sure if you carry it around or it stays in shop, but you could also try keeping it in a zip-lock of some sort.  Weigh it regularly to see if you're loosing fuel.
    As long as you're ultimately good with the JGOI solution, why not have some science fun?  If you take good pictures, you can always get a Journal article out of it.

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    David Skolnik [RPT]
    Hastings-on-Hudson NY
    914-231-7565
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  • 4.  RE: Alcohol lamp maintenance

    Posted 09-19-2018 12:45
    After using the lamp, remove the wick tube and install the cap for the hole. This way, the container remains sealed.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 5.  RE: Alcohol lamp maintenance

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-19-2018 15:29
    Oh, so THAT was what that second cap (that I misplaced many moons ago) was for...😣

    I should replace the o-rings though. They're pretty old. I thought about a little cap on the spout but didn't quite know where to start with it.

    I actually found another cap in my tool chest, but the threads don't match. Must have been for an old discarded unit from years ago. 

    If I had the matching cap, that would also solve the other annoying problem of transportation, with alcohol leaking out into my stuff.

    Duh!

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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