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the last English carbide caplamps (for 2 sets)
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the last English carbide caplamps (for 2 sets)
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the last English carbide caplamps
(2 Sets >>New Condition w/o tags ) The advances leading up to the carbide caplamp as we know it started as early as 1897. The first carbide lamps that resemble modern ones came on the scene in 1900. However, they did not have real popularity until the 1920's. Carbide caplamps were primarily used in mines, with other markets supported by farmers, hunters and other outdoors persons. Other larger carbide lamps were used as handlamps for mining foreman, motorcycle headlamps, bicycle lights, military searchlights, and other purposes. For decades the carbide lamp was the only headlamp considered suitable for caving. Its unmatched durability and economy made it the only logical choice for any caver who valued his or her hide. However, the carbide lamp was slowly abandoned for electric lights as they became more reliable and less expensive. Since the advent of LED lighting (which is admittedly lighter and far more economical) carbide lighting has become even more uncommon. Even in their waning popularity, carbide lamps are still a symbol of caving, and still have unmatched durability. Still, the market is giving way to the electric light. In 1984 the last Justrite was made, ending American production for 19 years. In 1995 Premier produced the last English carbide caplamp. The carbide lamp operates because of a chemical reaction between calcium carbide, and water: CaC2 + H2O => C2H2 + CaO + heat However, t is another chemical reaction that occurs within the lamp bottom between the lime (calcium oxide) and the water to produce calcium hydroxide. CaO + H2O => Ca(OH)2 The water is stored in a reservoir above the carbide. Set at a rate determined by the user, the water will drip into the carbide chamber. When the water touches the carbide it will produce a hot, damp lime powder and acetylene gas. The gas passes through a filter, through a gas tube, and then through the tip w the gas can be ignited to produce a bright, gentle flame. The light produced by the flame is much different from that of the light produced by a incandescent bulb. Incandescent bulbs produce one very bright spot. Though the spot can be adjusted in many cases, t is a sharp contrast between what is in and out of the spot. Since the eye adjusts to the brightest light it detects, the user will experience a sort of tunnel vision. A carbide lamp will produce a soft diffuse. The light of a carbide will not penetrate as far, but the diffuse will be broader. If you are going to use a carbide lamp you should first know how it works. The diagram to the right shows a cross section of your lamp.Carbide Lamp Cross Section # Valve Control- allows the user to set the rate at which the water drips into the carbide chamber. # Control Slots- allow the user to set the water valve to set positions. # Water Door- is the door through which the user puts more water into the carbide lamp. # Reflector- reflects and focuses the flame. Parabolic reflectors are most efficient in focusing the light. # Striker Assembly- The assembly is made up of a cap, hex nut, spring, flint, and spark wheel. Much the same as with a lighter, the flint will spark and ignite the acetylene gas. # Wing nut- holds the reflector to the reflector base, preventing it from moving or rotating. A hex nut sometimes replaces a wing nut. # Burner Tip- The gas must pass through a small hole (smaller than that of the gas tube) which can be removed and easily cleaned. The burner tip provides this convenience. # Water Chamber- reservoir containing the water. # Hook- allows the user to mount the lamp to a helmet by means of a bracket. # Gas Pipe- delivers the gas to the tip. # Felt Plate- separates the felt from the gas tube and water chamber. # Felt- acts as a filter to prevent carbide and other impurities from entering the gas pipe. # Felt Spring- This is also called a felt clip. It holds the felt and felt plate in place. # Gasket- A rubber gasket is necessary to prevent gas from escaping from the carbide chamb... 
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