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I want to use floating wicks for my Shabbos leichter but I have a problem. If I don’t put oil at the bottom of the glass when the float reaches the bottom it tips over and blackens or even cracks the glass. However if I do put oil the flame sputters noisily and splatters oil all around.
Any suggestions?
Use water.
When I set up the candles for shabbos, I put some water (colored, to make it look nicer) in the glass. Then I put in the oil (which floats on the water.
The Wolf
I also add water to the glass.
I also heard that tipping floats can be caused if the quality float isn’t good.
Maybe try using floats from a different company and see if it’s any better.
“Use water.
When I set up the candles for shabbos, I put some water (colored, to make it look nicer) in the glass. Then I put in the oil (which floats on the water. “
That sounds so pretty.
When my flames go off, it definitely cracks, makes big noises, and smells awful from burning oil but no, it doesn’t splatter.
I also used to have the problem of the wicks tipping over. I found what solved the problem was doubling the floats. Oh, and I always use water on the bottom, otherwise the glass could shatter.
Al pi kabalah, one is always supposed to have a bit of water underneath an oil candle.
I’m not sure what the problem. While we occassionaly have a *pop* (and splatter) from one of the lights when they go out, they don’t happen very often. Far more oil gets on the leichter and tray from my spilling the oil while filling up the cups in the first place.
FWIW, we use large cups (not the small ones that are used with Channukah menorahs). We fill the cups to about 1/2 – 2/3 of the way with water. The rest is oil.
The Wolf
It sounds like most ppl use water and oil. I use plain oil and the bottom got a little black but usually it’s fine. Never cracked or splattered. Maybe it’s the quality.
I have been using oil for our Shabbos table for many years as it’s a hidur mitzva to use olive oil (heard from Rav Sheinberg).
I have had wonderful results using the stiff wicks(medium to large) that are placed in the hollow metal shaft holders (used for the Chanukah menorahs). The flame never drops down and is always brightly visible no matter how much oil is in the cup and never an odor.
Actually water enhances the flame which is why it’s brought down in the sfarim.
First arrange these wicks in the cups; they will protrude a bit over the shaft. Pour the oil into the cups and over the protruding wicks (so that your initial burning is oil). Light one wick and IMMIDIATELY pour in the water to about a quarter inch below the flame, or to the level you desire (the flame gets brighter as the water level rises) and continue this way until all are lit.
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