Survival candle

[sparky415]

I saw this on youtube
Its a bit like Sporks corrugated cardboard dipped in wax fire starter, hes probably made one of these in the past knowing how he likes making outdoor gear 

Survival Candle

As you know I have a garage full of crap stuff so decided to have a go at making one 

They are not as elegant as the little penny burners but very robust and you don't have to worry about spilling meths or evaporation over time 

I found what I think is an old film tin and some candles that have been kicking around here for 20 years (I think I got them from the Army surplus store) 









Wick insertion tool in action 











That works   

[Neil]

I bet it smells though

Its a good idea though. I've got a bunch of candles, I might make one just to pop at the back of the pantry for emergencies.

[sparky415]

Its not too bad 

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

Good stuff Sparky...that's a classic "Hobo" burner (aka Buddy Burner)...they are stinky though (the burner...well maybe the Hobo too  )

Have you tried them as a cooker yet? They do work, but be prepared for very sooty pots.

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

...you can keep them going by adding chunks of wax as they are burning.

[rp252]

That looks good mate, might just have a go at making one myself.

[sparky415]

I have only lit it to see what it looked like, I think I will save it until the warm weather gets here 

 Rp, Very easy to do
The hardest thing is cleaning the wax off the top of the cooker afterwards 

No one has noticed the 'Wick insertion tool' yet   

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

I saw it! Just thought you were a little hard on your tableware...or it was a brain hook for your other hobby of preparing Egyptian Mummies...

[Neil]

Same as Spork 

[Gareth]

Very cool Tony.  I especially like the wick insertion tool.

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

Now I'm wondering which SAK tool I can modify into a wick insertion tool... 

[rp252]

I had a go at making one of these myself. Works a treat . I didn't use a special wick insertion tool though

Took about 5 candles to make the thing. Mini homegrown hobo stove. Cheers mate

[sparky415]

I am not sure if the wicks will work when I relight it but as I had them floating around in the wax I thought 'why not'
Then I thought how do I get the wicks in and don't want to get my long nosed pliers covered with wax 

Spork, I think its use would be a bit limited, Unless you are getting in to the whole taxidermy/mummification thing 

Mine took five x 41/2 inch candles 

[Neil]

I thought I had a round Altoids tin that I could use.  Just went hunting to find my youngest has nicked it to make a robot head

[Gareth]

At least it went to a good cause.