Reusing old scented wax and lighting a fully saturated cotton ball with a ferro rod

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gytheran

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Apr 6, 2009
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I uploaded this video today where I show how I re-purpose wax(melted on top of a kerosene heater) in order to make fire tinder and show how to light a fully wax-saturated cotton ball with a standard ferro rod.

[video=youtube_share;pEGoePkm82g]http://youtu.be/pEGoePkm82g[/video]
 
So... Wax On, Wax Off? (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.)
But seriously, how hot does it get compared to a vaseline-soaked cotton ball? I use cotton balls half soaked with melted petroleum jelly, and I get a good 10-12 minutes of very HOT flame. I do have a few almost depleted candles, though, so maybe I'll give this a try and see how it works for me.
 
link2derek said:
So... Wax On, Wax Off? (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.)
But seriously, how hot does it get compared to a vaseline-soaked cotton ball? I use cotton balls half soaked with melted petroleum jelly, and I get a good 10-12 minutes of very HOT flame. I do have a few almost depleted candles, though, so maybe I'll give this a try and see how it works for me.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I don't have a way of testing the temp, though the large flame it produces makes for easy fire starting. I have used Vaseline in the past and while it works, I absolutely hate the mess of it. I can't stand anything greasy on my hands, so when I'm in the woods, having PJ on my hands drives me mad... :)
 
Ever thought about repurposing some lint from the dryer?

I repupose dryer lint to mop up oil spills or wipeout the drain pan when I change the oil in my cars. It's amazing how well it works.



Ric
 
Something I tried recently and forgot to post about, was soaking a cotton tiki-torch wick in wax. I soaked it like you would a candle wick, until all the bubbles stopped and the molten wax was clear again. Then I removed the wick and pulled it tight to tighten the weave and remove the excess. I trimmed a piece off, and it lit just like sparklite tinder. I should try it again, and see what water does to it.
When using lint, make sure its from cotton or linen cloth. If its from primarily synthetic fabrics, then it will be full of flame retardants, which isn't helpful to the task at hand.
 
Phydeaux said:
Ever thought about repurposing some lint from the dryer?

I repupose dryer lint to mop up oil spills or wipeout the drain pan when I change the oil in my cars. It's amazing how well it works.



Ric
Click to expand...

I have thought of it, but the last time I used dryer lint I remember a distinct smell of burning hair. :)
 
Dryer lint absorbs very well. But when it has been compressed, it's hard to convince it to fluff up again.

One benefit of WPJ on a cotton ball is that it can help with chapped lips. rashes, and cuts.

gytheran, you seem to have reinvented the GIANT Candle Wick ! :thumbup:
 
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