Primitive Jar Oil Lamp

This is a Homemade Jar Oil Lamp. Inspired by the old oil lamps that use vegetable oils, this oil lamp burns slow but true. I meant to upload this by Diwali, but I was a bit late. This lamp uses a small baby food jar and is very simple to make. As for the lighting and fuel consumption, I do not have exact measurements. However, "[a]s a rule of thumb, oil lamps burn about half of an ounce of oil per hour"(Antique Lamp Supply, 1).

For this oil lamp, you don't need many materials. The materials and tools I used can easily be substituted.

1. Vegatable Oil
2. Essential Oils (Optional)
3. Lighter
4. Glass Jar
5. Cotton Wick
6. Sharp Object

Take your jar with the lid and use the sharp object to pierce a hole in the top. Usually there will be a tab at the top of the jar. That is where you poke the hole. Instead of using a skewer like I did, you can also use other sharp tools like box cutters or knives.

This next step might be a bit tricky. We must thread the wick through the hole we just made. To do this, I twisted the wick tight and used my skewer to push it into the hole. You can also use a toothpick or any other object to just force it through the hole. I had to enlargen the hole to make it fit. Remember, the tighter holes will restrict the flow of oil to the top. Once the wick is through the hole, pull it through until a short stub is left at the top.

This step is very self explanatory. Just pour your vegetable oil into the jar. Fill the jar about 8/10 of the way. You can use any liquid vegetable oil you want. I used some old rancid oil that was not fit for cooking. You can even use animal fats like bacon grease. Keep in mind that dirtier oils will release putrid smells and burn less efficiently. Pure virgin oils like olive oil or sesame oil are one of the best options for a clean brighter flame.

In order to use your lamp, it needs a constant flow of oil. Cover the wick with the oil including the top part. If you want, you can add essential oils for a nice smell. Once the wick is fully saturated, you can light the wick. However, make sure only a small portion of the wick is on top, because if there is too much wick the flame will burn out of control and make smoke. If you get everything right, the flame should be bright and small with no smoke. Congratulations! Your Primitive Jar Oil Lamp is complete! Enjoy the warm glow of the flame, knowing that this lamp will carry on the legacy of the legendary oil lamp.