Carbide and Fuel Headlamps

[Flying Zombie]

I was curious what the difference was, if there was one between Carbide and Oil Fuel lamps, as well as what the heat is like during and after a ride? Is it warm or just flat out HOT to the touch?

Opinions on use?
Opinions on certain lamps?
All welcome.

Thank you!

 

[SSG]

Carbide is pretty wild. The calcium carbide comes in little "rocks" and fills the bottom tank, the top tank holds water with an adjustable drip rate. When water and calcium carbide mix they produce acetylene gas! The gas vapors are then burned. A kerosene lamp is pretty standard oil lamp type, with an adjustable cotton wick. They both probably get pretty hot during use, they have a little vented chimney on the top but it's all metal so its going to absorb a bit of heat. I imagine kerosene is easier since you can just blow it out and re light it later. I imagine you have to dump the calcium carbide out after each use, you probably don't want it sitting putting off acetylene gas in the garage.

 

[Flying Zombie]

Thanks for the info SSG! Im really glad I asked, I wouldnt have known any of this, especially the Chemical Garage I hadnt considered that as a possibility.

I sure appreciate the feedback, mate! Excellent Knowledge

 

[SSG]

Check out the lamp section in this book. https://books.google.com/books?id=1...wAQ#v=onepage&q=electric bicycle lamp&f=false
Don't discount electric lamps either, they've been around since about 1890.

 

[Flying Zombie]

I always liked the idea of having a fire light my way~