Dimmers and lava

[Anson Cheung]

Hey there, all!

I want to know the answers to these question:

1. My lava lamp has slightly chunky wax (~5 chunks)

2. It has moderate amounts of bubbles.

So, I used a dimmer. It reduced the amount of 1 and 2 by a bit. And then, after I'm done with the buisness, should i continue using the dimmer?

If you need any pics, i'll attach.

[Vision]

Have you tried curing the goo as indicated here? - Chunky Wax

I disagree somewhat with the tutorial, don't get the water boiling, that's dangerous even with a plate sitting at the bottom of the pan, it can overheat the base of the globe and cause it to 'blow out.'

Don't boil the globe, it should be just short of boiling, and slowly bring the temperature down bit by bit, but DO NOT get the goo itself boiling (it can boil even if the water is not). Over the course of 30-40 minutes (after the goo has completely liquified) bring the temperature down to 'hot bathwater' and then remove it from the pan, and let it cool completely.

Contrariwise you can also cure the wax directly in its 'light base' (after you've removed the MasterFluid of course) and begin the cooling process with your dimmer, however, if you're not watching closely, your goo can start boiling rapidly, keep a sharp eye if you go this route.

If you've never removed or replaced the cap on a Lava Globe read this - Capping Stuff

Edit - Reading some of your comments in the Chat box, you seem to be a kid. I don't mean to be rude, but that's what it appears, talk to your parents about going further if you want to fix your lava lamp this way.

[Anson Cheung]

I don't want to do that... Any other solutions?

[Vision]

I'm going to be rather blunt. I'm not trying to be rude, just emphatic.

If you don't want to take steps to correct an issue - than you REALLY didn't want the issue corrected.

It's not entirely honorable to ask for a solution and then throw it in the person's face. I get the impression you'd prefer a simple answer, and this be a simple fix. There isn't one; not one that I know of. If anyone knows of another solution I'd be happy to learn.

[Anson Cheung]

Ok. Fine. Somebody else except for Vision, please answer my question.

Over and out.

Edit: Maybe if I rephrase this:
Ok. Can I solve bubbly wax and chunky wax with dimmers?

Better?

[Dr. WHAT?!]

Anson DO NOT post double threads to the same question here on OG. I deleted your other thread. In fact if you actually took the time and did some of your own research you'd see Vision is right.  Also there's no need to be rude to someone trying to help you dude, there's no room for that here.

[Vision]

Anson, if you're still having issues un-capping the globe - post a picture.

[Keith]

This was posted as a status by Deb:

"All this talk of heating a lava lamp on the stove... Better read up and know what the hell you're doing beforehand.http://ning.it/MzazSC "

I definitely agree with her, make sure you are aware of the dangers.  DO NOT do this with a capped globe (or one sealed in any way)  You CAN NOT see the pressure building in a sealed globe and you can not react fast enough if it explodes.  I have  heated open globes on there base (with a higher wattage bulb) and had good results (that was to recombine separated lava). And to agree with Vision; if you are underage, get parental permission and/or supervision!!

[Mattmos]

He said a while ago, that he is 12 or 13. That's why I don't even get involved
 
Vision said:

Edit - Reading some of your comments in the Chat box, you seem to be a kid. I don't mean to be rude, but that's what it appears, talk to your parents about going further if you want to fix your lava lamp this way.

[Vision]

Keith,

  Following the tutorial I referenced (Chunky Wax) it requires you to uncap the globe and drain the MasterFluid before continuing. So the danger of a 'heated capped globe' is "moot." In my supplementary information I indicated NOT to boil the globe, but heat it at a moderate temperature before boiling.

  And as I mentioned HERE This guy was heating the lamp *directly* on the heating coil of his stove. He was being very ignorant, and unsafe. When I give advice, it includes information to keep you safe.

What is the big deal with everyone freaking out that they're going to *explode* a lava lamp, and kill themselves, or a kid?

It's far more likely you'll drop dead from over exposure to 'Invisible Death Rays' emanating from Mars. How many people have been killed by Lava Lamps? Almost none statistically.

Keith said:

This was posted as a status by Deb:

"All this talk of heating a lava lamp on the stove... Better read up and know what the hell you're doing beforehand.http://ning.it/MzazSC "

I definitely agree with her, make sure you are aware of the dangers.  DO NOT do this with a capped globe (or one sealed in any way)  You CAN NOT see the pressure building in a sealed globe and you can not react fast enough if it explodes.  I have  heated open globes on there base (with a higher wattage bulb) and had good results (that was to recombine separated lava). And to agree with Vision; if you are underage, get parental permission and/or supervision!!

[Keith]

Vision,

My comments were meant to reflect caution, especially for someone reluctant to remove the cap on a globe.  I know the tutorial says to remove the cap but not everyone reading this discussion will read the tutorial.  Is every overheated sealed globe going to catastrophically explode, or pop it's cap?  No, but I don't want to be around if it does. I've spilled hot wax before and it is a mess, even without death or bodily injury.  ;)

Vision said:

Keith,

  Following the tutorial I referenced (Chunky Wax) it requires you to uncap the globe and drain the MasterFluid before continuing. So the danger of a 'heated capped globe' is "moot." In my supplementary information I indicated NOT to boil the globe, but heat it at a moderate temperature before boiling.

  And as I mentioned HEREThis guy was heating the lamp *directly* on the heating coil of his stove. He was being very ignorant, and unsafe. When I give advice, it includes information to keep you safe.

What is the big deal with everyone freaking out that they're going to *explode* a lava lamp, and kill themselves, or a kid?

It's far more likely you'll drop dead from over exposure to 'Invisible Death Rays' emanating from Mars. How many people have been killed by Lava Lamps? Almost none statistically.

[Autumn]

Anson listen to vision. If you don't like his suggestion learn to like the lamp as it is.

[Deb]

Well I think Anson made a wise choice in choosing not to heat his globe on the stove. He's only 12. Especially in light of the fact that grown men in just the past few weeks had beakers explode on them from overheating and by wrapping their lamps in a towel. And no ones freaking out Mr Vision. If by posting a worst case scenario to drive home the fact that heating globes can be dangerous is wrong, well so be it.