UCO candle lanterns

bowdonkey · #1 10/21/07, 11:23 AM

Have any of you used these, especially the 3 candle Candleir? We have one and it's awesome. What I would like to know, is there a place where I could purchase a mold for making the size candles the lantern uses? Go to www.ucocorp.com and check them out. I personally believe they're safer and more bulletproff than a kerosene lantern in the long run.

bowdonkey · #2 10/22/07, 05:49 AM

Or maybe someone here can direct me to a candle site of some sort that may have this info. I've done a bunch of searches but so far nothing.

FreightTrain · #3 10/22/07, 10:32 AM

i use the single candle one... love it for backpacking or canoeing... adds just a touch of warmth to a single person tent when its cold and wet.
it is extremely tippy tho and the metal on the top WILL brand you for life if not careful... i setup mine on the lid to my pot.. it helps but its still tippy.

no idea about making your own candle for them

Windy in Kansas · #4 10/22/07, 11:34 AM

Is a three candle power light enough to read by without undo eyestrain?

FreightTrain · #5 10/22/07, 11:41 AM

also, campmor sells a conversion to use lamp oil or Kero in the lamp, i have it and its just OK i guess, i had problems with the heat from the flame making the oil expand and overflo from the vent hole on the top near the flame... no idea if they would work in the three candle lantern

Wisconsin Ann · #6 10/22/07, 01:12 PM

yes, you can read using the threecandle lantern. If it's fairly close by. I set mine up with a reflector if I'm going to read. Have had the single candle lantern for decades. bought the threecandle a few years ago. love it. puts out a LOT of light on a dark walk to the outhouse

also gives off a fair amount of heat. more than enough to heat up a tent.

as to making your own candles, 2 ways to do it: measure the diameter of the candle, buy a pvc pipe the same diameter (interior diameter of the pipe). 2nd way would be to dip candles. just keep dipping until they fit the size.

I'd suggest beeswax in a 50/50 mix with commercial candle wax. burns longer, and smells great. might want to test a couple tho...the candlelantern is a bit like a container candle...the wax melts inside the lantern and forms a bit of a pool for the wick to soak up. more of a pool than a straight candle does.

ahha! I see they sell a 100% beeswax candle for the lantern. there's my answer about the 50/50 mix. guess it will work just fine. I like the 100%beeswax even more

should burn up to another 50% of time.

bowdonkey · #7 10/22/07, 02:03 PM

I also use the single candle lantern when camping. I have the reflector that attaches to the top and you can read a book if it's hanging about a foot above it. Use the pack flat model, not the one that clips to the side of the lantern, it's useless. I also use about a foot of lightweight chain that came off a windchime and attach that to the lantern, then that to some parachute cord and tie off to top of tent. Don't have to worry about knocking it over. I haven't used the reflector for the 3 candle model, but yes you can read a book if it lies close to the lantern. Thanks for the tip about molds and candles. It would be nice to find a mold that would do a dozen at a crack. Does anyone know any good candle sites?

Marilyn · #8 10/22/07, 04:04 PM

It's not a candle site, but have you checked Lehman's?