Always place oil lamps on flat, stable surfaces and away from table edges. Never allow flammable objects to get near the flame or be above the lamp. Never leave oil lamps or any open flame unattended.
Before using your completed oil lamp the first time, allow the wick to become completely saturated with oil. If you find you want to improve your wick's performance, salt your wick cord prior to putting it through the wick holder (lid).
To salt the wick, fill a mug about three quarters full with boiling water, add two tablespoons of salt and stir until the salt is dissolved. Add your wick material and stir to get it completely soaked. Let the wick cord sit in the salt solution for five minutes, then use kitchen tongs to move the cord onto a cookie sheet. Cover the wick cord with more salt and let dry overnight before using.
When the lamp is in use, a short flame is a sign that the wick is shortening and should be pulled up through the lid a bit, using tweezers or a pair of pliers. Also use the tweezers or pliers to remove any charred wick. Don't pull out too much wick, as a long wick is more likely to smoke.
If you don't want to use as much oil as it will take to fill your lamp's bowl, drop in polished pebbles or add water (which will sink below the oil).