I thought about making one too...seems easy enough and I'm pretty handy.Nope never tried it, seen it was kerosene and give it a once over when I got home. Found out it was over a 100 years old and the label is still intact and excellent so I was scared to even do anything with it. I've seen many im CL for sale for well over $250. I think of I were in your situation I'd try and build my own as I've built 4 now using junk I've hoarded over the years with success. Good luck finding one, check Craigslist!
I have a brother in law who is an antique auctioneer and dealer maybe he can help. I have yet to run into anyone who has tried one. I know you can buy them new.
Anyway, thanks again.