Do you have to burn the lantern mantels?

[Classic Finn]

F.Y.I. mantels are radioactive. Make sure you remove the old ones with gloves like latex. I use to work at a place called Fernald and I had to go through machines that detect radioactive material on me.. The machines were set apart about 2 feet apart and they were about 4 feet wide. The day I had to go to work, I replaced my mantels, went through the machine and set the machine two down from me off. Took me a few secs. but I realized what I had done. I had the remains of the mantels on my pants.. I had to go through an hour of decontamination...

Modern Coleman lanters are not radioactive.

Here is a little mantle history:

Older Silk Lites contain thorium. (thorium is radioactive)

Gold Tops replaced the Silk Lites when thorium use ended.

Gold Top mantles went away, maybe as only a marketing move to get back to a green color, and the current mantles use the exact same formula as the Gold Tops.

Some brands of mantles other than Coleman still contain thorium as indicated by the ingredients listed on the package.

Jeremy

Ok that had my wife and I worried also. But now that clears things up.
I love this learning ..and believe me Im taking it all in.

Thanks.

[rainjer]

I have a couple comments on the video.

1) You don nit need to keep the match or torch on the mantle while you burne them in. Light the bottom & let them burn. If they go out, re-light them.
2) You do not need to put the glass and top back on to light the lantern. I think it is better to leave them off if it is the first time you have lit the lantern or if you have put on new mantles. They tend to flare up more the first time & it is easier to get the match in the right spot to light it.
3) Only spin the knob like he showed on modern lantern. Older lanterns there will be a tip cleaner seperate from the fuel knob.

Jeremy

[Nitetimes]

Even banging around in the tear I can get a couple of seasons out of a set of mantles, it actually takes quite a jolt to damage one. Just my experience. Doug

How does the Coleman Lantern burn in cold temps? Since Id love to use this lantern of ours in winter as well.

Same as it burns any other time of the year...bright!!!

[Nitetimes]

I have a couple comments on the video.

1) You don nit need to keep the match or torch on the mantle while you burne them in. Light the bottom & let them burn. If they go out, re-light them.
2) You do not need to put the glass and top back on to light the lantern. I think it is better to leave them off if it is the first time you have lit the lantern or if you have put on new mantles. They tend to flare up more the first time & it is easier to get the match in the right spot to light it.
3) Only spin the knob like he showed on modern lantern. Older lanterns there will be a tip cleaner seperate from the fuel knob.

Jeremy

I was thinkin' that was a little overkill myself. I've only ever lit the bottom and let them burn and smolder up. Occasionally one will go out but not often.

[Rock]

Don't recall how old I was when I poked at one and it crumbled. Maybe 7 or 8.

I do seem to recall that I got no dessert that night.

Eric

[Classic Finn]

Even banging around in the tear I can get a couple of seasons out of a set of mantles, it actually takes quite a jolt to damage one. Just my experience. Doug

How does the Coleman Lantern burn in cold temps? Since Id love to use this lantern of ours in winter as well.

Same as it burns any other time of the year...bright!!!

Just thought maybe there is a difference in temps for it. Any special requirements.

Classic Finn

[Nitetimes]

Even banging around in the tear I can get a couple of seasons out of a set of mantles, it actually takes quite a jolt to damage one. Just my experience. Doug

How does the Coleman Lantern burn in cold temps? Since Id love to use this lantern of ours in winter as well.

Same as it burns any other time of the year...bright!!!

Just thought maybe there is a difference in temps for it. Any special requirements.

Classic Finn

Nope, they really don't care what the weather is like, they just seem to work.

[Classic Finn]

Even banging around in the tear I can get a couple of seasons out of a set of mantles, it actually takes quite a jolt to damage one. Just my experience. Doug

How does the Coleman Lantern burn in cold temps? Since Id love to use this lantern of ours in winter as well.

Same as it burns any other time of the year...bright!!!

Just thought maybe there is a difference in temps for it. Any special requirements.

Classic Finn

Nope, they really don't care what the weather is like, they just seem to work.

Okidoki that be good enough for me.