fire piston

I made another few fire pistons this week. They work about as good as the red handled ones, but by using a different method (striking the whole fire piston on a log or table). Here is a vid and a few pics:

http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k168/michaelmcgo/?action=view&current=UsingAFirePiston.flv

FirePiston1.jpg

FirePiston2.jpg

FirePiston3.jpg
 
The video is too dark for me to see.
Do you have to strike the new one on a hard surface?
Or can you do it handheld? (I don't have particularly soft hands.)
 
Standard Buna O-rings can handle 1000's of psi.

Without a lathe is more challenging, but i bet some folks in here could use a solid brass rod, into a brass tube, cut an O-ring groove in the rod, jam it in.

I hear besides the fit, it's all about the quick stroke to flash the tinder.

though, I haven't tried it.
 
The new ones I designed are made to be struck against a hard object. I did this because it hurt my hands to use the more compact fire pistons I have been making (they do not have the big red ball that is oh so comfy!). I tried making these without a lathe, but in my experience, stock brass and aluminum comes in to rough, and not perfectly round. I found best results occur when you machine the piston and cylinder very tight, then lap them until they slide easily.
 
I've seen some guys epoxy a straight rifle shell (like a .45-70) into a block of hardwood and use that for the cylinder. Wood works well enough for a piston. Add a standard automotive o-ring and some lip balm for lube and you've made your very first fire piston. If you're dissatisfied with the way it works you'll know just how to improve it.
 
That is a good idea there SwedishDwarf. Trust people to figure how to make things work under any condition, cool.

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