Post by The Cell on Nov 22, 2012 14:37:10 GMT -5
The Clay Pot Candle Heater
Part One -- the Quad-Core™ Radiator, the "Heart" of the Kandle Heeter™ Candle Holder.
The Basic Components consist of three "nest-able" unglazed terra cotta pots (an "Azalea" pot, a 3" pot, and a 1-1/2" pot). The quality of the terra cotta is very important. Low grade terra cotta may break up when being bolted together, will not retain heat as well as higher grade terra cotta, and often does not have a favorable esthetic appearance. We use primarily imported Italian Terra Cotta. The Italians have been making Terra Cotta for thousands of years, and their quality and consistency is excellent! We would like to locate an American company making a comparable (or better) product, but have not found one so far. (Expect to spend $5-$7 for pots.)
The pots are joined together and held apart by a 3 inch 1/4" diameter standard steel bolt and an assortment and assemblage of 1/4" hex nuts, thrust washers, and flat washers. The assemblage of nuts and washers increases the thermal mass and expedites effective and efficient thermal transfer of the heat concentrated in the steel inner core into the surrounding matrix of ceramic cores. One of the unique aspects of the Kandle Heeter™ Candle Holder is that it tends to "heat up" from the bottom up. This is because of the assemblage of washers and nuts on the 1/4" bolt. Without the assemblage, the heat from the candle rapidly flows upward to the top of the unit, and thence (uselessly) to the ceiling. The increased thermal mass of the steel inner core effectively concentrates the thermal energy of the candle inside the matrix of ceramic cores and transfers the heat to the surface of the outer core from the bottom up! (The "hole" in the bottom of the smallest pot may be need to be enlarged to 1/4" diameter -- be sure to use an appropriate ceramic drill, or you may bust the small pot.) Expect to spend $3-$4 on inner steel core components.)
Assemble the components using a 7/16" deep well socket on a 3" extension. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN ANY NUTS -- YOU MAY BUST THE CERAMICS! Use the photograph on the home page which shows an exploded view of the inner part of the Quad-Core ™ Radiator to help guide you in the assemblage.
Of course if you use your assemblage "as-is" you will be leaving the head of the 1/4" bolt exposed -- this is definitely a serious burn issue. In operation, this bolt becomes very hot, and touching the head of this bolt will result in an immediate severe burn! So, use a 4" ceramic saucer as a "cap" to the radiator unit. (See home page for photo of completed unit.) Be sure to use a high temperature glue or cement to secure the saucer to the base of the largest pot. We use a product called Cast Iron Stove Gasket Cement manufactured by Rutland Cement of Rutland, Vermont. (Expect to spend $1-$2 for the saucer, and $3-$4 for a small tube of the cement.)
Allow the assembled and capped radiator to dry for 24 hours.
Congratulations! You have (perhaps) successfully completed the first part of your manufacturing process.