Tinder demo (long+pics)

[DeadeyeLefty]

I wanted to take a crack at uploading video to photobucket, so I figured I'd do a 'tinder demo' on what's just become my favorite tinder to pack with me. It's a hunk of Donnacona, which is similar to acoustic ceiling tile. It's made from compressed wood fibre (sawdust), comes in 4X8 sheets and is used for soundproofing ceilings and walls. I just finished a job with it so I've got some scraps to play with. The plant that this stuff comes from sprays it with flame retardant, but it's just a surface coating and doesn't penetrate very deeply. I assume that's standard but I don't know for sure
Video 1
Video 2
They are taken with a phone, so you know what to expect. I uploaded them as 3G2 files and photobucket converted them to flv (flash) files automatically. Cool !

Here's a pic sequence:

Slice off a thin wedge to get at the fibrous center:

A bunch of fibres scraped up with a knife:

The weapons of choice:

Ta-daa !! First strike. Skeptics: watch the videos.

Next mission: different methods of making it more waterproof (PJ, oils, alcohol gel, ??)

 

[stingray4540]

Very cool! Good job on the videos.

I work in construction and I frigin hate this stuff! Messes me up worse than fiberglass insulation. I never thought of using it as tinder though.

 

[Liam Ryan]

Yes, that's cool, I like that it's compacted and probably kiln dry. I wonder if there glues that are holding it together that are slightly flammable?

 

[Bushman5]

well goddman! i'm surrounded by the stuff, never thought to use it for tinder.

Thanks!

 

[lmalterna]

I am always a bit disturbed by the low flashpoint in building materials!! Nothing like a scrap of SPF to blaze a fire!!! Good to find the plus though. I might try some bits of acoustic ceiling tile...

2Door

 

[Mikel_24]

Cool videos... it is always nice to know that you can use that for tinder.

My main goal is being able to find/make tinder out of natural materials so I don't have to worry about carrying any. Otherwise we will end up discussing about wheter is worth to carry dry tinder when you could pack a handfull of bic ligthers for the same weight... And really, I don't want to highjack your thread!

Great job man,
Mikel