Fire Piston Fail x 2

[dboles]

A friend and i have put together a couple firepistons with high hope of success.
Followed instructions on building from a youtube link using a copper stub out
The other one my friend cobbled together from a junked camper jack hydralic cylinder.
Something eluding us on getting a spark
Both have very good compression.In fact when you push in slightly the piston rebounds slightly.
Using char cloth that I made.It takes a spark very well
Some photos

Metric ruler used for scale

.
Only thing that maybe happening is that we may have made the cup on the end a little too deep.Would that cause ignition failure?
Thanks
Dan'l

 

[stealthchaser13]

As long as you have a total air seal, I doubt it. But, I could be wrong; I've never built or used one of these.

Also, are you making sure that you are pulling the plunger out immediately?

 

[barrabas74]

I have never been able to make mine work either. I dont know what I am doing wrong. It takes a lot of force to push the rod all the way down on mine. How quickly do you have to do it? I have tried different speeds and pressure but still no ember. Not sure if I am using the wrong tinder or what.

 

[LostSoul]

I have never been able to make mine work either. I dont know what I am doing wrong. It takes a lot of force to push the rod all the way down on mine. How quickly do you have to do it? I have tried different speeds and pressure but still no ember. Not sure if I am using the wrong tinder or what.

I have a fire piston that I've tried a time or two and you really have to slam down on it pretty good. It's definitely more than just pushing it for sure. I use charcloth as tinder.

 

[barrabas74]

I have a fire piston that I've tried a time or two and you really have to slam down on it pretty good. It's definitely more than just pushing it for sure. I use charcloth as tinder.

Yeah I agree I mean I slammed this thing into stumps, boards etc (when placing it agains something hard and coming down on the rod) trying to generate enough force without breaking it (its aluminum) and havent had good luck with either charcloth or other tenders. I am a pretty large and strong guy and doubt I am not applying enough downward force. I just wonder if my approach or perhaps my tool is not sufficient.

 

[gbv5501]

I have a Wilderness Solutions fire piston and use charcloth. It took me a little bit to get the motion dialed in. I needed to practice giving it a solid hit and pulling it out in one motion. Because of the seal needed I think that if it is not pulled out fast enough the oxygen in the piston runs out really quick and you'll lose the ember. It was definitely frustrating at times but once I got it dialed it's a neat alternative to a firesteel or other methods.

 

[spareparts]

I ended up buying an aluminum one on line. The mod I did was to drill and attach some 3/4 inch wooden balls to both ends. It looks friggin retarded but they allow me to grip it much better when I compress it and pull it apart faster. With good char cloth it will make an ember every use.