I usually post videos on Wednesday but since so many of you have been asking for this information I decided to swap the stories and you will get the video today instead. Derek “Deek” Diedricksen shares how he makes his cool little vegetable oil heater.
Sorry this video took so long to make and post- I explain why in the clip. So many people kept asking about this little heater that I HAD to finally man-up and get this out there. As you’ll see, this heater is simpler than you might have thought- and its the very first design you see in the most updated edition of my book “Humble Homes, Simple Shacks…”. Thanks for your patience- and you’ll need more of it, as this micro-episode is a little lengthy (I cover so much that should have split it into seperate videos!).
Kind of a modern take on the Inuit seal oil lamp.
http://ronwassink.blogspot.com/2010/12/inuit-kudlik-oil-lamp.html shows one version. http://www.sila.nu/live/page?atom_id=liveaudioblog&date=2005-04-08 has some audio.
To also save yourself from a grease fire you can float a half inch of water on top of the oil. The water acts as a natural barrier between flam and oil. This way when the oil is done the water soaks into the wick and automatically puts out the fire as well.
Ummmmm….not quite. Oil is less dense and floats on top of water.
too bad the oil/water trick doesn’t work- that would have been great!
A few people on the comment thread of the actual youtube post have some decent advice- esp. pertaining to rocket stoves….I’m learning a bunch on this kinda stuff myself…as its all one big experiment…
I’ve watched some of your videos and I think what you’re doing is great, Deek.
We have used some basic Dietz oil lamps at our cabin, a couple of these will throw out a lot of heat. portable and safe
Lately we’ve been making bacon fat outdoor candles much like yours, but without the clever lids. That’s a fantastic idea that we’re definitely going to try, thanks. The bacon fat works well by the way, burns strong, resists the wind, and doesn’t smoke. It doesn’t even smell much like bacon when it’s burning, perhaps sadly. 😀