What is the type of fuel you are suppose to use in alcohol lamps? Is it "Denatured alcohol"? Isopropyl is something like 70% alcohol, and a lamp I have seen says to use 90% alcohol. Is there a special fuel sold for the lamps?

Andy

Andy,
The container that I am currently using in my alcohol burner states "91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol" and came from the Rite Aid drugstore chain.
I have had problems with the 70% Ethanol/Methanol mixture. It does not burn very well.

The best stuff comes from laboratory supply shops, the label says - 200 proof reagent quality ethyl alcohol. It burns clean w/o blackening whatever you try to warm up.

Best regards,
Greg

Thanks.
I'll have to go shopping for the right type. I have a can of denatured, but it doesn't say what it really is.

Andy

I use Methylated Spirits, Over here it is coloured blue and has ,supposedly a nasty taste,this to try and prevent alcohlics from drinking it. It burns well and very cleanly.

I use denatured alcolhol and it works fine for me.
Also a tip from an old watchmaker. If you leave your part a little too long in the flame and it turns blue, dip it in muriatic acid (used for cleaning stone work), this will remove the blue color.
Brian C.