Technology by the Oil Lamp
Posted October 22nd, 2007 by Greg
It is often a running joke in my world, programming by the light of the Amish Double wick. As a hopeless techie and programmer, I am forever attached to technology. This does not mean that I cannot enjoy some aspects of life without electricity.
The Amish Double Wick lamp is one of the first purchases that I made from Lehman’s. I find candles very comforting and relaxing but sometimes lacking a bit in light output. Incandescent lamps are far too bright, besides they do not have the soft glow or dancing flame that is so soothing. Forget fluorescent lamps, they say the cycle of the lamps is imperceptible to humans, I dislike it none the less. At Lehman’s I am fortunate enough to have a desk lamp with an incandescent bulb, that is on the entire time I am at work. It serves to offset the fluorescent lamps of the office. I do not think Galen would want me to run an oil lamp at the office, I should ask him though. What do you think Galen?
My version of the Amish Double wick is one of the last examples with the old style font. It holds a lot of oil, which gives me a lot of time between fill ups. The oil I use (Lamplight Ultra-Pure) does not smell, give off any fumes, cause me any headaches, and burns clean. I try to keep the wick trimmed properly but this is an art I have not mastered yet. Filling the font is done in the garage, the large gallon size bottle is sometimes difficult to control and the font suddenly fills faster toward the top, spills are frequent.
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