Excellent video there bro. My dad said he went fishing with carbide, they had a glass bottle with a marble in it. Carbide would be put in the bottle and thrown into the water, water would go in and then the bottle would upend allowing the marble to drop down and close off the opening. Then wait for the bottle to explode stunning the fish and they would float to the surface. Sorry for my bit of useless information but it was something I remembered from my childhood. Safe travels
The best moment to me is lighting up the burner. Maybe now we have more bright and efficient lights, But this thing right here is unbeatable. I mean the preparation for light up it's truly missing these days
I saw this because I have an old miner's helmet and bought a new light with Calcium Carbide. I have some old bikes, but not like you. But the two go together nicely, so I am happy I got to see this! Thank you!
Really enjoyed this, Sandy. I was aware of these old lamps but had never understood exactly how they worked. Thanks to you and Colin for a very clear and enjoyable lesson! 🙂
Well, what a happy coincidence......My brother and I were only talking about this type of lamp on Thursday evening. I will show him the video....our questions are duly answered. Many thanks Sandy (& Colin of course).
I've got an old carbide lamp of my dad's which I had working a few years ago. It is a single self contained unit, just front. It may have been for a push bike. The interesting thing is that the lens has blackout paint on it, so it was still being used probably into the 40s. I was able to get calcium carbide from a caving supplier in the early 2000s. I think they continued using carbide for caving because of the quality of the light. It was the development of white LEDs which pushed out carbide for caving, as I understand it
Very interesting. I can remember as a child in the early 1960s, the miners working in the levels,in the local South Wales valleys using carbide lamps on their helmets. Certainly takes me back a few years.
It was lovely to see this. I have an old Miller carbide cycle lamp I was given (were they nick named The Prince of Darkness or was that Lucas?). It needed soldering back together (another story) but I managed it and took it for a run one night on my cycle- a 1980's Copenhagen Pedersen- with some battery back up to be safe. The light was piercing bright but kept going out over bumps. The lamp, being for a cycle, had a sprung bracket which would have steadied it had I not used a magnifying glass lens which weighed it down! I also remember that I ran out of water and got a can of Lilt in a newsagents which I used. That was about 40 years ago now. I still have the lamp and a can of Calcium Carbide.
What a wonderful video you have shot Sandy. That is a fantastic record of the past that will remain on TH-cam for a very long time. Thanks to you both. Bye Stuart 🤗
I am a member of The Forum Classic Camp Stoves (and Classic Pressure Lamps)and many members have a great interest in Carbide lamps. I love the light from them.
Thanks very much always wanted to know how they worked and this is the first time it’s made any sense to me. Thank Colin very much for me please 👍 what a great Vlog 😃
Beautifully demonstrated chemistry lesson. I’ve heard of these lamps but had no idea of there working until now. Thank you Colin & you Sandy for the education. Atb Andy
I thought this was going to be a bit dull (no pun intended). It was fascinating - thank you. These very old classic bikes always seem to have a wonderfully comfortable seating/handlebar arrangement.
I know it's a bit of a trek from were you are but the annual Pioneer run from epsom downs to Brighton for pre 1915 motorcycles, tricycles and sidecar outfits is well attended and a good day out
a few years back I worked at a metal fabrication shop that had a carbide generator which produced acetylene. That coupled with a tank of oxygen comprised our cutting torch. Twas a nasty job cleaning out the generator tank. Thanks Sandy and Colin . Interesting clip. Colin presents to be a true gentleman. Makes for a worthy friendship.
Very interesting Sandy , i had no idea thats what you did for lights in the old days , i used to have a dynamo on my pushy in the 60s . I had a chuckle when the cyclist pass Colin at the end :-)
I enjoyed that Sandy, as a kid one evening my dad fitted one of his old carbide lamps to my 5 speed Racer, I was amazed how bright it was, but then I was using the crappy Eveready lights that we all had at the time. My dad's still got all his old motorbikes, including two 1920s Raleigh's. He loves his bikes, can't remember my name but his bikes have stuck!
Motorbikes occupy a special place in a mans heart if he has a "bent" for motor bikes that is:) Your dads old bikes could be worth a pretty penny now Sam
Really good guys. Thanks. My father told me about carbide lamps on cars and bikes but they were before my time - which was the 50s. Really excellent demonstration by Colin. Much appreciated Sandy. This is a classic video. Seeing this takes me back to my caving days. Those with some spare cash used ex miner's electric lights. The less well off used carbide lamps. Bit risky underground, as some old mines could have had gas (fire / explosion risk) and just one drip in the wrong place could hit the flame and extinguish the light. The advantage was on expeditions where electric lights had a limited running time, whereas the carbide lights were refillable and you could go on for days underground if needed. Always needed some sort of electric back up torch.
People were still using carbide lamps to go caving back in the 70s. May well still be using them today. I still remember the smell of the little devils. Handy for lighting your cigs tho'.
Thanks Sandy and Colin. Fascinating tutorial on the motorbike gaslight. I have never seen or heard of these before. Great presentation. Cheers, Dan. Stay safe. ✌️🏍🇨🇦
What a delight to watch your friend Colin demonstrate a long since redundant process, and show his wonderful vintage Enfield. It must be a pleasure to ride, it’s a real head turner. Thank you for sharing.
A couple of things; Fascinating stuff there. I'm glad we've moved onto halogen!!! Years ago my dad told me that when he was a boy ( back in the early 30s) him and his mates used to put carbide crystals in a tin with a little water then throw the tin into the River Itchin by Woodmill Lane. He laughed and told me it would go off like a depth charge. Lastly, thank you for bringing my attention to Itchy Boots.
I loved this. Great video. I really enjoy seeing things from the recent past (~100 years or so). It's really admirable how well designed and robust things were. I wonder why they didn't simply use fuel from the main tank to produce the flame? Perhaps the carbide gas produces a brighter flame, or maybe it was simpler to use a chemical reaction to provide gas pressure instead of a fuel pump? Might be worth stockpiling some Calcium Carbite. I have a feeling that the purchase of chemicals is going to be banned in the UK in the next few decades. I'm glad I stockpiled a load of incandescent lamps, and strike anywhere matches while I had the chance... Sure enough, you can't get them anymore. The next thing is fluorescent tubes - They're next to be phased out.
That was a great video. Thank you Sandy and Colin. I was interested in Colin's tip for coping with oncoming headlights. I have a 1936 Austin Seven Ruby. Which back in the 90s I used as my main car. The 6v lights are about as bright as 2 candles! However, I could see my way around the country roads reasonably well, until a car would come up behind me. Then the reflections between the mirror, windscreen and back window made things very difficult. I never used to bother dipping the lights. They are not bright enough to cause any problems to oncoming motorists.
Great video Sandy. When I was small, there were still a few old hand held carbide lights in my grandfathers shed. After a great deal of fooling around, and dealing with a 50 year old can of carbide that was mostly reduced to powder, my cousin and I got one to work. Of course, you had to light a match to see the flame it produced in the dark. LOL
Hi Sandy, it would certainly be an experience to operate an acetylene lamp on one ☝️ of your wild 😜 camps. Worth getting your head round to work out how to do it. I think 💭 it may be done ✅ by rigging up a pot holing lamp or using an old or replica bicycle lamp.
Oh man that sweet sound of the single cylinder, went through heart ❤❤. Absolutely rare these days
The way this guy explained everything reminded me of the antique road show. Love the video
Colin knows his stuff when it comes to old motorbikes and carbide lamps
What a very interesting video ,loved it sandy thank you.
Excellent video there bro. My dad said he went fishing with carbide, they had a glass bottle with a marble in it. Carbide would be put in the bottle and thrown into the water, water would go in and then the bottle would upend allowing the marble to drop down and close off the opening. Then wait for the bottle to explode stunning the fish and they would float to the surface. Sorry for my bit of useless information but it was something I remembered from my childhood. Safe travels
People that designed those light were just as smart, if not smarter, than we are today. Very interesting.
Smarter, avg. iq has been declining since the 1800s
Starting from scratch need more smartness. Not just developing and updating is smart. You need to grow up man.
Wow, what a beautiful motorcycle! And the vintage lights. I love it!
certainly a valid reason to ask for someone to refill their blinker fluid 😂
How terribly delightful.
Lovely old Rover, too. A man who takes care of his things.
This is an amazing vid. A trip back in time to "cutting edge" tech. Cheers Mates!
The best moment to me is lighting up the burner. Maybe now we have more bright and efficient lights,
But this thing right here is unbeatable. I mean the preparation for light up it's truly missing these days
You alwasy have the most interesting topics. I loved the end where the pedal biker passed.
Growing up in the 60's I remember my dads 6v beetle, the lights weren't much better than Colin's carbide lights
Intersting history
Another great video.
I saw this because I have an old miner's helmet and bought a new light with Calcium Carbide. I have some old bikes, but not like you. But the two go together nicely, so I am happy I got to see this! Thank you!
My oldest bike is a 77' CBF Super Sport. I really enjoyed this video!
Wow, that was an education into history!
I thought you would enjoy this with your love of all things "Lamp":)
hello!
my fellow Royal Enfield rider!!!
Bloody brilliant to watch lads, really interesting.
Very nice demonstration. We do live a life of convince today compared to 100 years ago.
Really enjoyed this, Sandy. I was aware of these old lamps but had never understood exactly how they worked. Thanks to you and Colin for a very clear and enjoyable lesson! 🙂
We used some of those lamps back to early 1980s, the minners brought back those rocks to light the lamps, very bright and good resistance to wind
That was a very interesting video enjoyed it
Pure classic- that ride
BRILLIANT 10 OUT OF 10, SANDY AND COLIN.
Another excellent interesting video. Thank you Sandy and Colin 👌
what a great idea for a bike video ;;; now we will all want some carbide lights ;;
I love these videos. Really love that old bike.
Hi there Mark , I am glad that you have enjoyed the video's. I have enjoyed using this wonderful old bike for nearly 40 years. Regards Colin
Awesome.....thanks for posting
Fascinating Sandy 👍
Really enjoyed that Sandy, yet again learned something new.
Unexpected an wonderful. Than you so much! ATVB.
Thanks Sandy and Colin. That was way cool. Very interesting.
Thanks for sharing.
Fascinating thanks for posting
Old is Gold
Well, what a happy coincidence......My brother and I were only talking about this type of lamp on Thursday evening. I will show him the video....our questions are duly answered. Many thanks Sandy (& Colin of course).
Great Video Lads, enjoyed it .
I've got an old carbide lamp of my dad's which I had working a few years ago. It is a single self contained unit, just front. It may have been for a push bike. The interesting thing is that the lens has blackout paint on it, so it was still being used probably into the 40s. I was able to get calcium carbide from a caving supplier in the early 2000s. I think they continued using carbide for caving because of the quality of the light. It was the development of white LEDs which pushed out carbide for caving, as I understand it
You can still buy carbide, apparently there are two suppliers on ebay. Yes I'm sure it was stll quite popular in the 40's
Cheers Sandy really interesting video thanks 👍🏍
Brilliant stuff!!!
Very interesting. I can remember as a child in the early 1960s, the miners working in the levels,in the local South Wales valleys using carbide lamps on their helmets. Certainly takes me back a few years.
It was lovely to see this. I have an old Miller carbide cycle lamp I was given (were they nick named The Prince of Darkness or was that Lucas?). It needed soldering back together (another story) but I managed it and took it for a run one night on my cycle- a 1980's Copenhagen Pedersen- with some battery back up to be safe. The light was piercing bright but kept going out over bumps. The lamp, being for a cycle, had a sprung bracket which would have steadied it had I not used a magnifying glass lens which weighed it down! I also remember that I ran out of water and got a can of Lilt in a newsagents which I used. That was about 40 years ago now. I still have the lamp and a can of Calcium Carbide.
Loved this vlog, very informative and Colin is very knowledgeable on all that is two wheels.
very interesting .didnt know they had gas lights
Great stuff, I remember when I was about 16 that people who went caving they sometimes used carbide lamps on the safety helmets.
Technology is amazing
Cool! and very clever, and interesting.
Many thanks Sandy many years ago used carbide for other pursuits HI
Really interesting, thanks to both of you
That is one great explanation of the Carbide lamp - thanks!
Hi there I am glad that you have enjoyed your history and science lesson. Regards Colin
Very interesting.Those lamps must have got extremely hot.
They got hot but not to an extreme unless you mixed the gas with pure oxygen of course:)
Great How to Sandy. Will be much needed when the finish the drive backwards LOL
What a wonderful video you have shot Sandy. That is a fantastic record of the past that will remain on TH-cam for a very long time. Thanks to you both.
Bye Stuart 🤗
Excellent, if I remember correctly 'lighting up' time used be published in the local evening paper, back in the sixties.
Yes I can remember that and in more recent years possibly into the 80's
I am a member of The Forum Classic Camp Stoves (and Classic Pressure Lamps)and many members have a great interest in Carbide lamps. I love the light from them.
Thanks very much always wanted to know how they worked and this is the first time it’s made any sense to me. Thank Colin very much for me please 👍 what a great Vlog 😃
Hi there I am glad that you have enjoyed your history and science lesson. Regards Colin.
Beautifully demonstrated chemistry lesson. I’ve heard of these lamps but had no idea of there working until now. Thank you Colin & you Sandy for the education. Atb Andy
Hi there Andy I am glad that you have enjoyed your history and science lesson. Regards Colin
Very interesting, and well done Colin for an excellent explanation and demo.
I thought this was going to be a bit dull (no pun intended). It was fascinating - thank you. These very old classic bikes always seem to have a wonderfully comfortable seating/handlebar arrangement.
LOL well it wasn't that bright either:)
Hi guys. Thanks that was very interesting information about your gas lamps. I will have to try and light the ones on my 650gt continental 😂. 👍👍.
Found that very interesting thank you. Your eye looks much better `Happy Days` :-)
You said it Sandy, very interesting video, quite impressive!! Have a great weekend!!✨👍
Truly amazing
I know it's a bit of a trek from were you are but the annual Pioneer run from epsom downs to Brighton for pre 1915 motorcycles, tricycles and sidecar outfits is well attended and a good day out
a few years back I worked at a metal fabrication shop that had a carbide generator which produced acetylene. That coupled with a tank of oxygen comprised our cutting torch. Twas a nasty job cleaning out the generator tank. Thanks Sandy and Colin . Interesting clip. Colin presents to be a true gentleman. Makes for a worthy friendship.
Very interesting Sandy , i had no idea thats what you did for lights in the old days , i used to have a dynamo on my pushy in the 60s . I had a chuckle when the cyclist pass Colin at the end :-)
That was great. I have heard of carbide lamps but never knew how they worked. Very interesting 👍
Hi there to you and I am glad that you have enjoyed your history and science lesson. Regards Colin
I enjoyed that Sandy, as a kid one evening my dad fitted one of his old carbide lamps to my 5 speed Racer, I was amazed how bright it was, but then I was using the crappy Eveready lights that we all had at the time. My dad's still got all his old motorbikes, including two 1920s Raleigh's. He loves his bikes, can't remember my name but his bikes have stuck!
Motorbikes occupy a special place in a mans heart if he has a "bent" for motor bikes that is:) Your dads old bikes could be worth a pretty penny now Sam
How cool was that? Thanks, Sandy and Colin. 👍👍🏍️
Well done.
Really good guys. Thanks. My father told me about carbide lamps on cars and bikes but they were before my time - which was the 50s. Really excellent demonstration by Colin. Much appreciated Sandy. This is a classic video.
Seeing this takes me back to my caving days. Those with some spare cash used ex miner's electric lights. The less well off used carbide lamps. Bit risky underground, as some old mines could have had gas (fire / explosion risk) and just one drip in the wrong place could hit the flame and extinguish the light. The advantage was on expeditions where electric lights had a limited running time, whereas the carbide lights were refillable and you could go on for days underground if needed. Always needed some sort of electric back up torch.
People were still using carbide lamps to go caving back in the 70s. May well still be using them today. I still remember the smell of the little devils. Handy for lighting your cigs tho'.
Very educational for riders who have not seen this before, thanks for the time and effort to produce it.
Thanks Sandy and Colin. Fascinating tutorial on the motorbike gaslight. I have never seen or heard of these before. Great presentation. Cheers, Dan. Stay safe. ✌️🏍🇨🇦
Wow thanks so much guys 👍
How very interesting.
What a delight to watch your friend Colin demonstrate a long since redundant process, and show his wonderful vintage Enfield. It must be a pleasure to ride, it’s a real head turner. Thank you for sharing.
Hi there I am glad that you have enjoyed your history and science lesson , and yes I do enjoy using all my vintage vehicles. Regards Colin
@@colinmyler4092 Thank you Colin. Hope to see you again. Do you have your own channel ?
Cool
That has encouraged me to go and set up my carbide light set ... brilliant thanks 😊👍
Very nice.
These vids with Colin are excellent. Thanks to both.
Glad you like them!
fanbloodytastic.
Really cool!
A couple of things; Fascinating stuff there.
I'm glad we've moved onto halogen!!!
Years ago my dad told me that when he was a boy ( back in the early 30s) him and his mates used to put carbide crystals in a tin with a little water then throw the tin into the River Itchin by Woodmill Lane. He laughed and told me it would go off like a depth charge.
Lastly, thank you for bringing my attention to Itchy Boots.
Lucas prince of darkness still use the carbide lamp as a reference for the LUX output of Land Rover headlamps.
I loved this. Great video.
I really enjoy seeing things from the recent past (~100 years or so). It's really admirable how well designed and robust things were.
I wonder why they didn't simply use fuel from the main tank to produce the flame? Perhaps the carbide gas produces a brighter flame, or maybe it was simpler to use a chemical reaction to provide gas pressure instead of a fuel pump?
Might be worth stockpiling some Calcium Carbite. I have a feeling that the purchase of chemicals is going to be banned in the UK in the next few decades.
I'm glad I stockpiled a load of incandescent lamps, and strike anywhere matches while I had the chance... Sure enough, you can't get them anymore.
The next thing is fluorescent tubes - They're next to be phased out.
Amazing!
That was a great video. Thank you Sandy and Colin. I was interested in Colin's tip for coping with oncoming headlights. I have a 1936 Austin Seven Ruby. Which back in the 90s I used as my main car. The 6v lights are about as bright as 2 candles! However, I could see my way around the country roads reasonably well, until a car would come up behind me. Then the reflections between the mirror, windscreen and back window made things very difficult. I never used to bother dipping the lights. They are not bright enough to cause any problems to oncoming motorists.
Yes I've heard folk mention 6v lights weren't up to much
Cool 👍👍
Brilliant video that was far and away the best demonstration of the use of acetylene lighting I’ve ever come across.
Hi there Steve , I am glad that you have enjoyed your history and science lesson. Regards Colin
I have kept a couple of my old acetylene caving lamps, used keep one as a spare light on long trips underground. Brings back some old memories.
Wow that reg number !!
Great video Sandy. When I was small, there were still a few old hand held carbide lights in my grandfathers shed. After a great deal of fooling around, and dealing with a 50 year old can of carbide that was mostly reduced to powder, my cousin and I got one to work. Of course, you had to light a match to see the flame it produced in the dark. LOL
Very educational! A lot more effort went into night riding back in those days for sure. Thanks for another great post Sandy.
yes and riding along bumpy roads could put the flame out
I liked seeing that, very interesting.
I really liked that one Sandy!
Absolutely love Colin's High/Low beams!!
Stay safe and healthy my friend!
Thanks Dan, glad you enjoyed this video
Hi Sandy, it would certainly be an experience to operate an acetylene lamp on one ☝️ of your wild 😜 camps. Worth getting your head round to work out how to do it. I think 💭 it may be done ✅ by rigging up a pot holing lamp or using an old or replica bicycle lamp.
Thank you both, very interesting.
Sandy, that my friend made for excellent and most interesting viewing, awesome, really did enjoy this 👌🏻
Thats great to know:)
In the early 70s I had a 1967 BSA 500 Royal Star the headlight was a small light bulb.
Things have moved on somewhat since those days, but it's good to look back:)