Firepiston

I tried to make one using 1/2" lucite tubing and cylinder and superglue. No ember, yet. I'll try again, but next time, use either 3/8" or bore through a thicker cylinder. It's on my list of things to pick up again.

Mike
 
Hey guys....

Yup, I've used firepistons before. They are incredible! I think they are the neatest trick in the world.

Barry Keegan and Steve Leung of New York are the EXPERTS on these things. They have published articles on making and using them, even from North American woods. Check out issue 4, volume 5 (most recent?) of WILDERNESS WAY magazine for comprehensive instructions and tips.
 
Yes I have made several of my own design and I am currently working on a new design that will be easier to produce using only primitive tools. This new design should also produce more compression and the ability to more rapidly remove the plunger.
I have had good sucess using char cloth in the fire piston and I also had sucess using polypore more commonly known as false tinder fungus. I have never tried true tinder fungus ( innotus obliquous), but I think those who have used it have good sucess.
The key to sucess is to have use a dense low permeable material for the housing and the plunger along with a good gasket. It is also essential that you remove the plunger quickly or the ember will burn up all the air in the fire piston and die.
 
Hey Doug,

I've used true tinder fungus (Innonotus Obliquous) a bunch. Works great!
 
To go to Steve Leung's site, and he is the man, go to www.geocities.com/firepiston
I have used his plexiglass one and I have an ebony kit to make one. I haven't started yet. He has pretty good examples of how they work and they are awesome. If you want progression start with a handrill, then bow and drill, then firepiston. You will appreciate so much more. Take care.

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Yol bolsun,
Jamie
 
I talked to Steve. His fire pistons start at $90 but you can buy his ebony kit for $25 + $5 for shipping.

Thought I would try it on my own first. I picked up a 1 x 1 x 5" piece of plexiglass for $1.75 and a 1/2" hardwood dowel for $1. I'm going to start drilling out the plexiglass tomorrow. Anyone have any hints on how to find Innotus obliquous in the field?


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Hoodoo

The low, hoarse purr of the whirling stone—the light-press’d blade,
Diffusing, dropping, sideways-darting, in tiny showers of gold,
Sparkles from the wheel.

Walt Whitman
 
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