How Does Obliteration Wick Trimmer Work?
What is an Obliteration Wick Trimmer?
An obliteration wick trimmer is a specialized tool used to cut and shape candle wicks to achieve an optimal burn. The purpose of an obliteration wick trimmer is to trim the wick to a precise length and shape for proper capillary action of the melted wax. This helps prevent issues like tunneling, mushrooming, smoking, and sooting in candle wicks.
Obliteration wick trimmers cut the wick sharply at an exact right angle for maximum efficiency. This creates a clean, even tip on the wick which maximizes how the liquefied wax is drawn up through the braided fibers. A sharp, perpendicular cut to the wick promotes full melting of the top of the wick during burning. This is essential for clean, complete combustion and an even glow.
In summary, an obliteration wick trimmer is a specialized candlemaking tool designed specifically to cut wicks at the optimal angle and length for proper capillary action of wax and clean, complete burning of the wick.
History and Development
Obliteration wick trimmers were first invented in the 1870s during the Industrial Revolution. They were developed as a solution for trimming the wicks in oil lamps, which were commonly used for lighting at the time. The frequency of lamp use required wicks to be trimmed daily to maximize light output and minimize smoke. Hand trimming wicks was tedious and time-consuming.
The first obliteration wick trimmer was patented in 1874 by John Koopman, an American inventor from Cleveland, Ohio. Koopman’s design used a clockwork mechanism and rotating blades to automate wick trimming. His “Automatic Wick Trimmer for Lamps” patent described how turning a crank would rotate the blades against the wick to cut it.
Further innovations in wick trimmer design came in the early 1900s. Albert Marshman of England patented an “improved” wick trimmer in 1900 that added adjustable cutting combs and simplified the gearing. In the 1920s, American inventor William Hadaway patented a new wick trimmer technology using reciprocating blades instead of rotating blades. Hadaway’s design became the standard for most modern wick trimmers.
Obliteration wick trimmers continued growing in popularity through the first half of the 20th century during the age of kerosene lamps. They became a common household tool to make wick maintenance easy and consistent. Although the advent of electric lighting made wick trimmers obsolete for lamps, they are still produced and used today for cutting lamp wicks, candles, and certain welding equipment.
Main Components
The main components of most obliteration wick trimmers help define how they function and operate. Many models include the following key parts:
- Casing – The exterior shell or housing that contains the inner workings. Usually made of durable plastic or metal to withstand regular use.
- Cutting blade – A sharp metal blade attached to an arm inside the casing. As the arm moves, the blade cleanly slices through the wick at the set length.
- Wick insertion rod – The rod or tube that the wick gets inserted into. Often has measurement markings on it to indicate cutting length.
- Length adjustment dial – A knob or dial on the outside of the casing used to set the desired cutting length.
- Internal spring – Provides tension to bring the cutting arm and blade back to starting position after trimming the wick.
- Gear system – Gears connect the length adjustment dial to the internal cutting arm and blade to control the trimming length.
Understanding the role of each component helps explain how the obliteration wick trimmer is able to quickly and precisely trim wicks for candles or oil lamps.
How It Trims the Wick
An obliteration wick trimmer trims the wick through a precise cutting mechanism. The process begins by inserting the wick into the trimmer. The wick is fed through a guide tube that positions it to enter the cutting area. Once in place, an automated cutting blade trims the wick to the preset length. As the blade slices through the wick, the trimmings fall down and collect in a removable tray at the base of the trimmer.
The cutting mechanism uses a small, circular razor blade that spins rapidly to chop through the wick. The speed and sharpness of the blade ensure a clean, even cut every time. The blade’s position can be adjusted to control the length of wick that is left after trimming. This allows the user to customize the cutting length as needed for different candle wick sizes.
After trimming, the cut wick pieces accumulate in a collection tray that slides out for easy disposal. This helps keep the trimmer clean and prevent buildup of wick trimmings during high-volume production. The collection tray also simplifies the process of reusing or recycling the excess wick material after it’s been trimmed.
Setting the Cutting Length
Obliteration wick trimmers allow users to precisely set the cutting length to achieve the desired wick height. Most models have adjustment dials or levers that control the cutting mechanism.
On basic models, a numbered dial sets the length in millimeters. Turning the dial to the desired number sets the cutting height for that length. More advanced trimmers may have a rotating lever with detents for common wick heights, making it easy to quickly set popular sizes.
Higher-end trimmers allow even greater precision with a sliding lever that can be positioned along a calibrated track. This allows the cut length to be set anywhere within the trimmer’s range down to a fraction of a millimeter.
Some trimmers have multiple cutting heads for different candle sizes. In these models, each cutting head may have its own separate cutting length adjustment to allow optimal height setting for each wick diameter.
Regardless of the exact mechanism, being able to correctly set the cutting length is critical for achieving a neatly trimmed wick every time. Always consult the user manual for the proper method of adjusting the cut length on your model.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance and cleaning is critical to keep an obliteration wick trimmer functioning properly. There are a few key maintenance tasks that should be performed regularly:
Lubrication
The cutting blade should be lubricated before each use to keep it sliding smoothly. Use a lightweight oil and apply a few drops along the blade. Make sure the oil coats the entire length of the blade. This prevents corrosion and residue buildup.
Cleaning the Cutting Blade
After extended use, small pieces of wick fibers can accumulate on the cutting blade. About once a month, give the blade a thorough cleaning. Gently wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove any debris. For more stubborn buildup, use a small brush or toothpick to dislodge any packed on fibers. This keeps the blade ultrasharp for smooth trimming.
Emptying Trimmings
Obliteration wick trimmers collect the trimmed fiber pieces in a small receptacle chamber. Empty this out after every couple of uses so it doesn’t overflow. Simply slide out the collection tray and dispose of the trimmings. Having an empty collection chamber also helps keep the inner workings clean.
Safety Features
Obliteration wick trimmers have several important safety features to protect operators during use. These include:
Guards
There are protective guards around the cutting blades and moving parts to prevent hands and fingers from getting caught. The guards have small openings to allow the wick through for trimming, but are designed to block access to the hazardous cutting areas.
Emergency Stops
Obliteration wick trimmers have clearly labeled emergency stop buttons that immediately halt the machine if activated. This allows the operator to quickly stop the trimmer in the event of an emergency or dangerous situation.
Interlocks
The trimmer’s access panels are protected with interlocks that automatically shut down the machine if opened while in operation. This prevents injury from exposing moving parts while the trimmer is running.
Brake
There is a mechanical brake that engages to quickly stop the blade rotation when the trimmer is powered off. This prevents the moving cutting blades from coasting and creates a safer environment for maintenance and cleaning.
Sensors
Some obliteration wick trimmers have optical sensors that detect if hands get too close to the cutting area and automatically stop operation. This adds another layer of protection against potential injuries.
Training
Proper training on machine operation, safety procedures, and emergency response is essential for anyone operating an obliteration wick trimmer. Safety training helps ensure proper use and accident prevention.
Models and Options
There are a variety of obliteration wick trimmer models and options to choose from based on your needs and budget.
Different Brands
Some of the major manufacturers of obliteration wick trimmers include Obliter8, WickTrim PRO, and E-Z Trim. Obliter8 is known for their heavy duty, high performance models designed for commercial use. WickTrim PRO makes more affordable, lightweight models ideal for hobbyists. E-Z Trim focuses on user-friendly models with lots of handy features.
Automatic vs Manual
You can choose between automatic or manual obliteration wick trimmers. Automatic trimmers provide hands-free operation by automatically advancing and trimming the wick. Manual trimmers require the user to advance and actuate the cutting mechanism themselves. Automatic trimmers are typically more expensive but convenient, while manual models are simpler and more affordable.
Sizes
Obliteration wick trimmers come in a range of sizes suitable for different wick diameters. Smaller models are made for wicks less than 1 inch diameter. Medium size trimmers can accommodate 1-2 inch wicks. Heavy duty models exist for large scale operations working with wicks over 2 inches in diameter.
Tips for Effective Use
To get the most out of your obliteration wick trimmer and achieve optimal trimming, here are some helpful techniques to employ:
Make sure the wick is taut in the clamp before trimming. Any slack can result in an uneven cut. Gently pull the wick to remove any slack.
Trim just a small amount at first, about 1/4″, then check the cut. It’s easy to cut off more, but impossible to put it back! Start conservatively.
Use a rolling/sawing motion rather than a chopping motion for a cleaner cut. Apply light pressure and let the blade do the work.
Keep the blades sharp. Replace or sharpen the blades regularly for the best performance.
Clean out wick debris regularly to prevent buildup from affecting the cut. A clean trimmer means better cuts.
Apply firm even pressure when clamping the wick to get the straightest possible cut. Uneven pressure can skew the cut.
Work carefully but efficiently to get through trimming all the wicks in a timely manner.
Follow all safety precautions – don’t have loose clothing or jewelry near the blades, wear gloves, and focus fully on the trimming task.
The Future of Obliteration Wick Trimming
Obliteration wick trimmers have come a long way, but there are still innovations and improvements coming down the pipeline. Manufacturers continue to find ways to make these tools even more efficient, safe, and user-friendly.
Some key areas of future development include:
Increased Automation
New obliteration wick trimmers are incorporating more automated features to simplify the trimming process. This includes trimmers that automatically adjust the cutting length or detect when the blade needs replacement. More models may even feature self-cleaning capabilities.
Enhanced Precision
The cutting precision of obliteration wick trimmers is constantly improving. Advancements in blade design, calibration systems, and cutting guides will enable even more exact wick lengths. Lasers and other technologies could be integrated to remove human error.
Improved Safety
Safety is always a priority, so future obliteration wick trimmers will have more guards, sensors, and fail-safes. Child-proofing features and materials like silicone grips could help prevent injuries. Enhancements to reduce noise, vibrations, and flying debris are also likely.
Obliteration wick trimming will only get faster, simpler, and safer going forward. Companies will keep innovating to stay competitive and meet customer needs. Exciting developments in this essential candle-making tool lie ahead.
