Does anyone have a good US source for solid round cotton burner wicks? Haven't found anything as good as the old German ones and need various sizes like 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". Thanks.
Thanks Jim. What's the approx. diameter of the larger ones when they're not flattened (round diam.)?
Hi Brent , I ran into wick problems when trying out several different types for my 1948 Mamod minor II burner. I ended going with fiberglass wicks for the most even burn , although probably not the authentic approach your going for.
I've found that a good source for natural material to use
as a wick in alcohol burners is... cotton from a mophead.
Since they are not tightly wound it is easy to take apart
and rewind to the thickness you need.
Good Luck,
Wayne
Thanks Wayne. I've used old mopheads also but was hoping to find dense solid cotton wicks of various diameters. The best wicks I've found are the old original ones sometimes found with old steam engines.
Thanks Jim. What's the approx. diameter of the larger ones when they're not flattened (round diam.)?
Brent, The larger ones roughly measure .300 diameter to perhaps .350 so I would guess they are supposed to be 3/8" the smaller ones are much more densely constructed and measure .250.
I would be happy to mail you a couple of dozen of each, or give them to you in person if you come up to the hot air show at Atwater in September.
Jim in Minnesota
PM Research. They have several sizes for their Stirling engines.