Macchina
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 5,185
Back again with another batch. This will probably be my last batch. These things are quite time consuming, and between a full-time job (very grateful for this), school, and marriage, I don't have much free time left.
I have a new style fire piston now, made with hexagonal stock. Overall dimensions are about the same, but the look and feel are different. Also adds a natural "anti-roll" feature to it.
Price is $70 each. Price include shipping in the USA with a tracking number. Please add $2 if you want insurance, $3 if you want Priority Mail. The price does vary as market prices change for me, but I try to price these as fairly as possible. Keep in mind I make these by hand on a lathe made in the 1930's (yup, still accurate to .001"). The critical dimensions are cut with precision reamers and cutters, but the aesthetics are all cut by hand which is a time consuming process but gives great results. If you have an idea or want a little customizing, please just let me know and we can work something out.
Paypal is the preferred method of payment. My email address is: michaelmcgo@gmail.com
Please email me and post here if you order one or have any questions.
I am open to certain trades for knives. I like Plain Edge only in the Benchmade and Spyderco types. Please only offer fair trades equal to the value stated above. I will combine a couple fire pistons for the right knife if the value is matched accordingly.
Description of fire pistons:
Fire pistons were made centuries ago out of wood and provided natives with a primitive yet fast method of creating fire with limitless uses. A fire piston works on the same principles as a diesel engine in that compressed air creates intense heat. A bit of char cloth is placed in a small pocket on the end of the piston, and when the piston is compressed, this heats the char cloth to such an intense temperature that it glows red, allowing you to start a fire. I've been making these fire pistons for a few years, and have used them on many hiking trips. Char cloth can be made at home and carried with the fire piston, or some natural tinders can be used (certain mosses, fungi, and barks).
Details:
>Machined 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum (Will never rot, and much stronger than wood). Very robust design make this one tough fire starter.
>3/4" diameter wire brushed grip cylinder with precision reamed 1/2" bore piston. O-ring is standard 1/2" OD x 5/16" ID that can be inexpensively obtained at any hardware store should a replacement ever be needed.
>Piston has a tinder retainer machined into its face.
>I machine these fire pistons myself in my machine shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA. They are machined by hand on a lathe, which is time consuming, but also guarantees the highest quality. Tolerances are held very tight for excellent compression and reliability. Each piston is individually mated to it's cylinder for a precision fit.
>These fire pistons are of my own design, and are the result of many prototype models. I found that the method I use is more reliable than a two hand fire piston, and causes much less fatigue on the hands during practice and actual use. It takes a little practice to get the "feel", but after you get the hang of it, it only takes a few tries to get an ember.
Videos of my fire pistons:
Quick Press method
Slam Fire method
Shipping is free to USA buyers. International buyers please email first .
I usually ship out within two or three days of purchase.
Due to the small quantity and profit I make on these, returns cannot be accepted, but if you have a problem please email me and I will work with you. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Thanks.
I have a new style fire piston now, made with hexagonal stock. Overall dimensions are about the same, but the look and feel are different. Also adds a natural "anti-roll" feature to it.
Price is $70 each. Price include shipping in the USA with a tracking number. Please add $2 if you want insurance, $3 if you want Priority Mail. The price does vary as market prices change for me, but I try to price these as fairly as possible. Keep in mind I make these by hand on a lathe made in the 1930's (yup, still accurate to .001"). The critical dimensions are cut with precision reamers and cutters, but the aesthetics are all cut by hand which is a time consuming process but gives great results. If you have an idea or want a little customizing, please just let me know and we can work something out.
Paypal is the preferred method of payment. My email address is: michaelmcgo@gmail.com
Please email me and post here if you order one or have any questions.
I am open to certain trades for knives. I like Plain Edge only in the Benchmade and Spyderco types. Please only offer fair trades equal to the value stated above. I will combine a couple fire pistons for the right knife if the value is matched accordingly.
Description of fire pistons:
Fire pistons were made centuries ago out of wood and provided natives with a primitive yet fast method of creating fire with limitless uses. A fire piston works on the same principles as a diesel engine in that compressed air creates intense heat. A bit of char cloth is placed in a small pocket on the end of the piston, and when the piston is compressed, this heats the char cloth to such an intense temperature that it glows red, allowing you to start a fire. I've been making these fire pistons for a few years, and have used them on many hiking trips. Char cloth can be made at home and carried with the fire piston, or some natural tinders can be used (certain mosses, fungi, and barks).
Details:
>Machined 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum (Will never rot, and much stronger than wood). Very robust design make this one tough fire starter.
>3/4" diameter wire brushed grip cylinder with precision reamed 1/2" bore piston. O-ring is standard 1/2" OD x 5/16" ID that can be inexpensively obtained at any hardware store should a replacement ever be needed.
>Piston has a tinder retainer machined into its face.
>I machine these fire pistons myself in my machine shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA. They are machined by hand on a lathe, which is time consuming, but also guarantees the highest quality. Tolerances are held very tight for excellent compression and reliability. Each piston is individually mated to it's cylinder for a precision fit.
>These fire pistons are of my own design, and are the result of many prototype models. I found that the method I use is more reliable than a two hand fire piston, and causes much less fatigue on the hands during practice and actual use. It takes a little practice to get the "feel", but after you get the hang of it, it only takes a few tries to get an ember.
Videos of my fire pistons:
Quick Press method
Slam Fire method
Shipping is free to USA buyers. International buyers please email first .
I usually ship out within two or three days of purchase.
Due to the small quantity and profit I make on these, returns cannot be accepted, but if you have a problem please email me and I will work with you. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Thanks.
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