- Joined
- Nov 18, 2010
- Messages
- 6,118
We all have the fatwood, the PJCB, the jute, the magnesium rod, the stormproof matches, etc... We all have something like that. If you spend time outdoors, you know the value of fire, the value of being able to start it quick, and you plan accordingly.
So, over the last month, I got bit hard by the stove-making bug. Made an alcohol stove. Am in the process of the woodgas stove. And during this process, while sitting at my desk with my dremel making all kinds of a mess, I ended up with one thing; metal dust. Aluminum, stainless steel, even a bit of iron(wanted to see what the dremel could do to it).
Then I got to thinking. Thermite. It is a pretty stable, simple compound to whip up. Aluminum, iron oxide, and a dash of magnesium for flavor. Thermite burns good. Real good. Like really, really, really good. Wet wood? Not for long.
So, anyone ever use any of this whilst in the bush? I know it burns quick, but it should be more than sufficient to get your tinder going.
For those curious, it is, according to the internet (I love that place), 8 grams iron oxide to 3 grams powdered aluminum (by weight, otherwise if you go by volume it is approximately 50/50), both of which should be available at most paint stores. The magnesium would be used to ignite the thermite, since a firesteel alone may not be sufficient.
Thoughts? Ideas? Speculation as to whether or not my name is now on a list somewhere?
So, over the last month, I got bit hard by the stove-making bug. Made an alcohol stove. Am in the process of the woodgas stove. And during this process, while sitting at my desk with my dremel making all kinds of a mess, I ended up with one thing; metal dust. Aluminum, stainless steel, even a bit of iron(wanted to see what the dremel could do to it).
Then I got to thinking. Thermite. It is a pretty stable, simple compound to whip up. Aluminum, iron oxide, and a dash of magnesium for flavor. Thermite burns good. Real good. Like really, really, really good. Wet wood? Not for long.
So, anyone ever use any of this whilst in the bush? I know it burns quick, but it should be more than sufficient to get your tinder going.
For those curious, it is, according to the internet (I love that place), 8 grams iron oxide to 3 grams powdered aluminum (by weight, otherwise if you go by volume it is approximately 50/50), both of which should be available at most paint stores. The magnesium would be used to ignite the thermite, since a firesteel alone may not be sufficient.
Thoughts? Ideas? Speculation as to whether or not my name is now on a list somewhere?