Sun Fire
How to Make Fire Without Matches or a Lighter
It's one of those skills which everybody should have. The ability to start a fire without using a lighter or box of matches. Here are a handful of well known firemaking techniques that can be fun to try
The Friction Technique.
We all know that rubbing things together makes them warm up and if you have ever watched any of the excellent Ray Mears Bushcraft TV series you will have seen Ray use a variety of friction based techniques. But be warned, some of these techniques can be hard work. But making fire using these basic bushcraft techniques can be enormously satisfying.
Basically, you need two pieces of wood, one to act as the fireboard and the other as the spindle. This wood must be bone dry. You will need to make a tinder nest using dry grass, wood shavings or other material, like cotton wool.
Cut a V shaped notch in your fireboard and place some bark under the notch to catch the smouldering ember. Make another indentation at the point of the V for the tip of your spindle. You can use a bow to spin your spindle nice and fast to create a lot of friction. You can use the bow to spin the spindle really quickly, creating a lot of friction and heat. Hopefully you will soon see wisps of smoke coming from your fireboard. Once you have created a burning ember, transfer this to your tinder nest using a piece of bark. Then gently blow to make fire.
Fire Sticks
Once upon a time people would carry a piece of high carbon steel and flint to make fire. The flint would be struck against the steel to create a spark. These days you can find excellent firesteels consisting of a high carbon steel rod and hardened steel striker. One can also use the blade of a knife.
As for all the other techniques, you will need a dry tinder nest for your spark, but this method will not wear you out like the friction based method.
Using the Sun
Everybody remembers using magnifying glasses to scorch things as children. This is another relatively easy way to make fire, if it's sunny. However, we don't all carry magnifying glasses with us wherever we go. You might have a pair of spectacles that you could use, or even a condom filled with water.
Using Electricity
This is a great way to demontrate the power and danger of electricity. For this one you will need a battery and some steel wool. The best batteries to use are the 9V, rectangular variety. By rubbing the battery contacts on the wire wool you'll make it heat up and start to burn. Transfer your burning steel wool to your dry tinder nest and blow to ingnite. Hey presto, you've got fire!
These techniques are great to try when you are next on a family camping trip. Why not include a few fire-making tools with your camping equipment and let your children have a go. But be sure to take plenty of warm outdoor clothing because you might be a little chilly without a fire.
Sun Fire x4500 demonstration
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