What I hate most about making fire with a magnifying glass are the spots in your vision during & afterwards......
Been looking for a glass magnifying lens for the fire kit off and on for some time. Found this 7x one and will report back after I use it some to find out how it works. It is a hair over 1 1/2" wide.
Somehow missed this thread, but I'm I'm a bit of a pyromaniac as well Major problem with my firekit is it's trying to be all things to all men at all times ........just too much.Sure I'm missing something, but here's a bit of a list:1. BIC lighter with cable tie thingy to prevent the fuel lever being pressed.2. Storm proof matches3. Ferro rod(s)4. Magnesium bar(s)5. Magnifying glass6. Parabolic mirror made from bottom of a spray paint can - thickest walled can I could find.7. Char cloth and rope in the shoe polish can that can be used to make more.8. Cotton wool9. Steel wool10. Petroleum jelly.11. Glycerin and Potassium permanganateI know I'm missing something......Broken and blistered from trying, but friction fires with everything from hand drills, bow drills, even pump drills, too many kinds of wood to mention..........mostly there will be smoke, but so far not one fire IIRC that achievement was my new years undertaking & resolution for 2014
The bow drill is one way I've never tried yet. It's been on the back burner but never acted upon. Maybe this summer???
Quote from: David on January 24, 2016, 07:38:45 AMThe bow drill is one way I've never tried yet. It's been on the back burner but never acted upon. Maybe this summer??? Don't forget pix!!!!!
Have you considered starting a fire with one hand. Most of your items will work but you need to practice, especially with your weaker hand. Those one handed Ferro Rods are also nice.
G have you ever used a fire piston to start a fire? I have not used one and am curious as to how well they work.
Thanks A. The only one I'd seen in the past was very expensive so didnt consider it at the time. It's good to see cheaper one's out there now.
Here are some of the tools I use for creating fire.One of the fire-pistons is my homemade version.
Sulfur Matches or Spunks...lit with charcloth.Flint and Steel candlebox made from a candy tin and shotshell base socket.