JK - So, did the Big Lots candles not fit at all? You mentioned the ones it came with rattles around inside...

PS - I believe that one is also produced by UCO. Or, I should say I know UCO makes a similar one.

PPS - I've been planning on using a SP Mesh Globe as a tea-candle "lantern" (more of a windbreak really). Obviously I would not use this in a tent...

http://alcanstove.exblog.jp/7131391/

this is not only alcohol stove but tab candle lantern.
small & light.
"chou karu" it means ultralight.

He is a famous Japanese producer of the stove.

Edited by JSBJSB on 02/12/2008 09:42:46 MST.

Thanks Yukio

This link is great. I like the idea of the tea candle and stove design.
The pictures on alcanstove.exblog.jp are not only helpful but also indicate that there are other options for going UL

As well we learn some Japanese

Edited by rogerb on 02/12/2008 10:33:34 MST.

Hi Joshua,
They work (but are not dripless like the ones sold for $2.25 at REI for only 6). The thing is, the candle falls out of the metal casing because they're really cheap. You can actually bend the rim in a bit to secure the wax but that still doesn't solve the problem of the wax turning to liquid and potentially spilling. Maybe if you're committed to candle lanterns and don't mind paying more, this one is worth it. I guess I was just trying to eat my cake and have it too by having an endless supply of candles for $2! Oh well...

I haven't used a candle lantern for years, not since I moved to the PNW where winters are warm. But when I lived in Montana it was a wintertime staple. It's amazing how one tiny flame can warm up a tent! I just went through my footlocker of odds and ends and found my Early Winters spring loaded, telescoping lantern, and my favorite, the Linden midget lantern that I got from REI back in the 60s. The price tag is still on the box: $3.45. It uses tea candles and weighs 90gm total & is not quite 4" tall. Somewhere I have a French folding lantern that springs open into a rectangular box and has mica panes and is about the same as the EW in weight.

I ran across this in The Complete Walker IV about lithium batteries:"...designed for auto-wind cameras...the word from battery specialists is that the internal chemistry of lithium cells diminishes their performance in low drain devices such as flashlights." I have never used them myself because they cost so much, but I do like the idea that they weigh 60% less!

> the word from battery specialists is that the internal chemistry of lithium cells diminishes their performance in low drain devices such as flashlights.
Um ... forgive me, but flashlights are LOW drain?

Anyhow, I think you will find that the book is way out of date in high tech areas, including this one.

Quite correct, Monty's info is out of date.

Some of the highest battery energy densities and capacities are found in certain Li formulations, and best performance is achieved at very low drain (1-5 mA). Recently the best of them can handle higher continuous current draws, enough to power LED's, but at the cost of lowered total capacity.

Unfortunately, many of these battery types are not sold retail, and are only used by the military, in remote sensing devices, or other high-tech equipment (I found one interesting battery at a great price, but minimum order was 50 batteries).

See the SAFT web site for all the information you've ever wanted about a many Li battery types.

What's wrong with cutting a door in a aluminum can and putting a tea light inside?

Lift the pull tab and you've got a great hanger.

The hole in the top makes a great vent.

About as UL as you can get.

Hi Yukio,

That stove/lantern looks pretty slick. One question for you though: do you know how it folds down and packs up? It looks delicate, but it also looks like the legs are fixed to the outside.

Just curious.

Thanks,
Dave

I have made and used a candle lantern made the way you describe from a small V-8 vegetable juice can. They work reasonably well but are easy to bend or squash in your pack.