has anyone made a fire piston from scratch?

[glycerine]

Have any of you ever made a fire piston from scratch. Looks like a simple design, but I'm wondering if the details matter like diameter and length of the hole/tube. If anyone has a design they would be willing to share, I'd appreciate it!

 

[jimmyers]

I am in the process of making one.

I used a 1/4" brass tube from the Borg per instructions I found. Just got the 4" one and a metal rod that just fit inside.

If you look you can find directions online that show hoe to do it outside a turned peice of wood.

 

[mwenman]

There was quite a discussion about these in a thread either last fall or earlier this spring. Someone was even offering kits in the classyfieds to be had. They are quite interesting!


Found the thread: http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=58336&highlight=piston

 

[glycerine]

I am in the process of making one.

I used a 1/4" brass tube from the Borg per instructions I found. Just got the 4" one and a metal rod that just fit inside.

If you look you can find directions online that show hoe to do it outside a turned peice of wood.

Thanks.

 

[Robert Taylor]

kits were offered by Gary Max at one time.

 

[glycerine]

There was quite a discussion about these in a thread either last fall or earlier this spring. Someone was even offering kits in the classyfieds to be had. They are quite interesting!


Found the thread: http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=58336&highlight=piston

Thanks. I totally missed that thread. But I believe I was busy packing because I moved that next weekend! That explains it...

 

[alphageek]

Not yet, but its on my to-do list for this winter. I got a request for one from a friend.

 

[Everett]

i give

what is a fire plug. Some thing used to fend off the gas on your bottom side?

 

[glycerine]

what is a fire plug. Some thing used to fend off the gas on your bottom side?

Basically it's a small device that will generate alot of heat inside a tube by compressing air. Put a small piece of tinder in it and you can ignite it and then use the ember to start a fire... You'll find alot of info if you google it. More than I can explain, at least.

 

[Andrew Arndts]

what is a fire plug. Some thing used to fend off the gas on your bottom side?

Um, ahh, no...
A fire piston is a device that one can use to start a camp fire. A pseudo primitive tool that is based on how a diesel engine. When air molecules are rapidly compressed within the cylinder, the temperature of the air becomes hot enough to cause combustion. A single thrust of the piston ignites tinder placed in the end of the shaft.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_piston

 

[TellicoTurning]

Not yet, but its on my to-do list for this winter. I got a request for one from a friend.

Mine too... about number 169... :biggrin::biggrin:

 

[Chasper]

I've made them in the past but it has been a few years. Go to this forum http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/forums/8 and you will find more info about them, including some tutorials.

 

[glycerine]

I've made them in the past but it has been a few years. Go to this forum http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/forums/8 and you will find more info about them, including some tutorials.

Thank you!

 

[biednick]

I think i may have succeeded at this. Ill post pictures if it works.