As part of the BCUSA Intermediate BushClasses this was one of the electives.
I've played with magnifying lenses since I was a kid, this exercise brought back some fond memories.
The video at the bottom shows the process.
From my experience, it's easier if you mount your lens in a stick and stabilize it, focused, then you have both hands for manipulating what you are trying to ignite. My hand is a little too shaky to hold the lens steady on one focal point, I can still do it as seen in second part of the video, it is just easier for me to set the lens and focus on the combustibles.
Used the rectangular lens as found in Turley's kit and an old 3" lens I've carried around for ages. These small rectangular lenses work really well, smaller than a credit card. If conditions are right they make fire starting easy. No reason not to carry one around with you, besides, I find other uses for them. Pulled a splinter out of my palm the other day that I couldn't see with my naked eyes.
The basswood inner bark worked well, the mix of paper-wasp nest, dry grass, and birch bark worked real well too. I did find that focusing the point on darker material resulted in faster coals. All the particulars are in the video.
I've played with magnifying lenses since I was a kid, this exercise brought back some fond memories.
The video at the bottom shows the process.
From my experience, it's easier if you mount your lens in a stick and stabilize it, focused, then you have both hands for manipulating what you are trying to ignite. My hand is a little too shaky to hold the lens steady on one focal point, I can still do it as seen in second part of the video, it is just easier for me to set the lens and focus on the combustibles.
Used the rectangular lens as found in Turley's kit and an old 3" lens I've carried around for ages. These small rectangular lenses work really well, smaller than a credit card. If conditions are right they make fire starting easy. No reason not to carry one around with you, besides, I find other uses for them. Pulled a splinter out of my palm the other day that I couldn't see with my naked eyes.
The basswood inner bark worked well, the mix of paper-wasp nest, dry grass, and birch bark worked real well too. I did find that focusing the point on darker material resulted in faster coals. All the particulars are in the video.
I have the same problem with shaky hands. I use a small magnifying glass with a handle attached. I can stick it in the ground or prop it up against something. Works real well on a sunny day.
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not alone.
DeleteUse a washed out old deer, moose, or hare turd to catch the focused light- turns into a large ember very efficiently.
ReplyDeleteRoger that George, certainly does!
DeleteAnother guy with shaky hands here. I'll have to try that stick in the ground trick.
ReplyDeleteHope it works for you, it's a fun exercise with kids.
DeleteYeah I generally always use a forked stick and wedge my lens in the fork. I haven't seen one of those magnifying cards. That's very handy. I'm going to try and fine one.
ReplyDeletenice job on that. You have tell practice makes perfect. Thanks AG
Thanks OE, those cards can be found in any drugstore, all over ebay etc. Pretty handy.
DeleteNice post- makes me want to try it sometime.
ReplyDelete