10174 citronella bamboo torches

We invested in a number of these devices during a recent trip, together with the recommended oil and tapers. Despite claims in Brico that they would last for hours our efforts met with more limited success (a record of 3 minutes.) But they seem very popular and I have to assume that we were doing something wrong. We would be accordingly grateful for guidance from anybody who has employed these things successfully! Our (unsuccessful) modus operandi was as follows: fill reservoir half full with citronella oil; extend taper about an inch above the top of the oil container, having ensured that the end within the reservoir is submerged in the oil; light taper, having placed the pole in upright position; repeat procedure 3 minutes later, periodically renewing burnt-out taper (every 12 minutes or so.)

Category
Food & Drink

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/10/2008 - 17:21

Was the taper completely soaked in the oil all the way to the top before lighting?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/11/2008 - 01:32

As Juliancoll has suggested the taper does need to be completely saturated by the oil - fill the oil container to at least 2/3 - also the taper should only just be visible above the top (ie 1/2 cm max) of the container, an inch is too much.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/11/2008 - 03:42

[quote=Ragusano;94651]We invested in a number of these devices during a recent trip, together with the recommended oil and tapers. Despite claims in Brico that they would last for hours our efforts met with more limited success (a record of 3 minutes.) But they seem very popular and I have to assume that we were doing something wrong. We would be accordingly grateful for guidance from anybody who has employed these things successfully! Our (unsuccessful) modus operandi was as follows: fill reservoir half full with citronella oil; extend taper about an inch above the top of the oil container, having ensured that the end within the reservoir is submerged in the oil; light taper, having placed the pole in upright position; repeat procedure 3 minutes later, periodically renewing burnt-out taper (every 12 minutes or so.)[/quote]
i also bought these a few years back,incredibly made in Louisiana U.S.A,had the same ,similar problems,tried with shorter taper etc noticed wind affected them a lot in the end they went on the bonfire and invested in other things which were /are more expensive but without the effing around,p.s. we now have some pretty small solar lights (don't bother with these either ) they're made in china,of course,one in three only half work..just use the cheap terracotta dishes with citronella for mosquitoes and proper lights.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/15/2008 - 17:42

Heard some time back that the boffins had sussed that what attracts mozzies, & presumably midges, is the carbon dioxide trail we give out. They have created a CO2 generator coupled with an Insectocutor type gadget that deals with the sods. Thats what I heard, but no more news since then. Anyone heard anything?
Pilch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/16/2008 - 08:49

Well Ragusano I don't suppose that you have ever owned a parafin lamp? These bamboo lamps/torches work well and are used in our village at festa time. They sit in wall brackets and once filled last all night. (They are sold in two sizes). Fill them almost full and leave the wicks to soak, ideally all day long. Others have told you what to do. The tricky bit is unscrewing them to re fill them. I usually need a wrench to twist the top open. Messy job. Be careful where you place them as they can "burn" tender plants.