Little black particles in Premier wax.

[Rampaging Chipmunk]

Just noticed that about five small black bits have appeared in my neon yellow wax Premier lamp. The coil is disintegrating, isn't it?

[Erin]

Likely, yes. Sadly, this is common in their newer lamps. My two Heritage Grandes have this problem and it only is going to get worse, not better. Not sure if they didn't use the right kind of coils or what...

[Rampaging Chipmunk]

Is there any way to get a new globe from customer service? I'm guessing no, but I figured I might as well ask.

[Erin]

You can, if it's within 30 days, but it'll likely do the same thing. Your best option (albeit the one that's the most effort and not worth the time) is to replace the coil. But for what these lamps cost, it's just not worth it. 

[Rampaging Chipmunk]

I got in October, so that won't work. I might try replacing the coil one day, but not right now. I'm quite upset with this. I'm not going to keep buying lamps that have such a high likelihood of malfunction. Lava Lite has lost a customer.

[Erin]

Their stuff post-2002 is hit or miss, in terms of quality. You're better off buying their US-made stuff on eBay or buying Mathmos. 

[Rampaging Chipmunk]

Do the Mathmos ones require substantial modification to work in America?

[Erin]

Depends. Some people just use an adapter, some use a converter and some re-wire them. I have re-wired (socket and all) an Astrobaby and it's fairly easy. I made a thread on it here: http://oozinggoo.ning.com/forum/topics/how-i-finally-rewired-my

The main problem is the cost of getting them here. 

[Rampaging Chipmunk]

Well, at least I have a globe and base to experiment with if I want to make a totally custom lamp. That's something, I guess.

[Erin]

Yeah. It's something alright. ;) There's tons to learn here, but the general consensus on new(er) Lava Lite lamps is buy at your own risk. They all have their issues, it's just a matter of which lamp has which issue.