Fire - "Blow-pipe"

S

stitchawl

Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
2,849
Anyone else carry one, or am I the only crazy? I find it really useful on days when there is no wind, damp rainy days, or when the wood that is available isn't so great.
I carry a one-meter long piece of fish-tank plastic hose, the larger bore stuff you'd use for the filter or as a syphon. When I'm making a fire, especially if the wood is damp, instead of fanning like a maniac to add air to the fire, I hold one end of the hose at the base of the fire and blow into the other end. It turns the fire into a blast furnace and really gets the fire going strong! :thumbup:

Doesn't weigh anything and takes up little room in my pack, but sure can turn 'less than ideal' wood into a roaring hot fire quickly. Also works well for 'spot heating' to boil up a pot of water quickly for some tea without having to make the entire fire larger.

Stitchawl
 
i dont carry one, but i have used one for getting a coal fire going...i had a piece of copper pipe attached to it though, put the copper right in the coals and puff away. DONT INHALE! :)
 
I use one with a 8" length of aluminum tube on the end to stick in the fire. Really good at getting a fire going again when it tries to die out.
 
That's a pretty cool idea that I haven't tried yet... I think rescueriley mentions one of those on one of his youtube videos.
 
I have used blow pipe for many years. I also use one on the BBQ. I made mine out of, what I call here in Kansas, shatter cane. I really don't know the real name but it has a pithy center. I cut it in the fall when it is still fairly green while I am sitting down hunting for squirrels. Take out my knife and make rings around the bark then peel it off to make white rings that I color later when dried out. I take a clothes hanger, straighten it out, heat the end to cherry red and pound it out flat. Make a slight bend in the end and chuck it into a drill, and use it to remove the pithy center. Make great lightweight blow pipe that I give away for Christmas. You can also make one out of brass or copper pipe, put a cap on it and drill a small hole in the end, it gives you more velocity. Nice thread. One of these days I will figure out how to post some pictures if it is not too difficult.
 
I carry one with me its a cut off collapsible antenna affixed to some plastic tubing..It allows me to get into the into the embers to blow without blasting my eyses with smoke..it also affords greater control when blowing..and is handy for using coals to burn tools..Its an underated piece of kit I think...Great thread man!!

heres a pic:

PICT0011.jpg


Its also featured in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlCFrtPGui0&feature=channel_page
 
Last edited:
RescueRiley said:
I carry one with me its a cut off collapsible antenna affixed to some plastic tubing..It allows me to get into the into the embers to blow without blasting my eyses with smoke..it also affords greater control when blowing..and is handy for using coals to burn tools..Its an underated piece of kit I think...Great thread man!!

heres a pic:

PICT0011.jpg


Its also featured in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlCFrtPGui0&feature=channel_page
Click to expand...
Nice idea. Looks like some oxygen tube and the metal keeps the end from melting.
 
THanks for the compliment...I wish I could say it was my idea...LOL...But it is Oxygen tubing...the metal also telescopes if need be.
 
Also hollow stem plants can be used. Phragmites communis and Dispsacus sylvestris are a couple of examples.

Doc
 
I usually carry an extra section of tent pole that matches the tent I am carrying for this purpose. I generally try to carry gear that can serve more than one purpose and this way, I have a back up in case of an unfortunate incident with the tent.
 
bikermikearchery said:
Old piece of aluminum arrow works.
Click to expand...

The thinner the better, too. I use a section from an Easton Jazz.

The nice thing about aluminum arrow shafts is that they're given a springy heat treatment that resists denting or bending.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Also hollow stem plants can be used. Phragmites communis and Dispsacus sylvestris are a couple of examples.

Doc
Click to expand...

That's what I have used. i don't know the real name, but we've always called them foxtails. They have very thin and long hollow stems and work great for getting a coal going.
 
I've used two separate blowpipes over the years... my primary is 18-24 inches of surgical rubber tubing which can also be used as a restricting band, sling, cover for neck chain, siphon, etc. The secondary is the sheath of my basic mora with a drain hole drilled in the tip which also allows use as an "air intensifier" for spoon/bowl burning. I never cared much for the aquarium tubing, since it doesn't stretch...

Rarely have I been able to locate a natural stem when I've really needed it. (I'm also basically pretty lazy....)
 
Last edited:
docgra said:
I've used two separate blowpipes over the years... my primary is 18-24 inches of surgical rubber tubing which can also be used as a restricting band, sling, cover for neck chain, siphon, etc. The secondary is the sheath of my basic mora with a drain hole drilled in the tip which also allows use as an "air intensifier" for spoon/bowl burning. I never cared much for the aquarium tubing, since it doesn't stretch...

Rarely have I been able to locate a natural stem when I've really needed it. (I'm also basically pretty lazy....)
Click to expand...

Thumbs up to the surgical tubing, so many uses for first aid, fire, as well as a drinking tube for puddles, and fire accelerant(1 inch burns like ranger bands). And slingshot, fishspear launcher is obvious. Limited by inventivness only.
 
I would double up the usefulness and carry surgical tubing..which is also great for a slingshot and tourniquette.
WOW...I didnt read all the posts..seems others have the same opinion. Gene
 
Another thing it's useful for is as the engine for a lifting type trap. (as seen in Hoods Woods video.)

Doc
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top