[TheForge] fire piston

[Daniel Hayes]

If you continue on with the results of a Google search, you'll now only find additional video sites but also discussions of the variable in fire piston design and construction (i.e. large versus small bore, material options, tinder holder configurations, etc.). I think looking for this sort of information is what got this thread started.

---- Washington, Aubrey O. <awashington at ou.edu> wrote:
>
> I Googled "fire piston" and found a site that had a video of one being used.  It appeared to actually work!  The flammable material was actually attached to the end of the piston, rather than in the bottom of the cylinder.   With that set-up, the smoldering material was on the end of the piston when it was pulled out.
> 
> ________________________________
> 
> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net on behalf of robert hensarling
> Sent: Tue 6/6/2006 11:49 AM
> To: munlaw2 at hcsmail.com; Sponsored by ABANA
> Subject: Re: [TheForge] fire piston
> 
> 
> 
> Wow, I'm having a hard time believing that.  Not saying you're wrong mind
> you, but the PSI to ignite diesel is pretty high, and even then some of the
> engines have glow plugs to assist in ignition.  I would love to see a video
> of the fire piston being actually used to start combustion, being like I am,
> then I'd believe it (well, maybe)  :o)
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ron Childers" <munlaw2 at hcsmail.com>
> To: "'Sponsored by ABANA'" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2006 11:43 AM
> Subject: RE: [TheForge] fire piston
> 
> 
> A fire piston is a prehistoric tool the aborigines used for starting fire.
> It is essentially a piece of wood with a hole bored almost through it
> (cylinder) and a ramrod (piston) that is sealed air tight. A piece of
> flammable material (tender, like charred copra or palm fiber) is placed at
> the bottom of the cylinder into which the ramrod is placed and given a very
> hard whack; this causes the tender to ignite (compression ignition)and it is
> dumped out onto more tender, then blown to get the fire going. This is the
> principle upon which the diesel engine operates.
> 
> Ron Childers
> 
> On Jun 5, 2006, at 4:54 PM, Washington, Aubrey O. wrote:
> 
> > No, but it sounds like fun!  Ah...What's a fire piston?
> >
> > ________________________________
> >
> > From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net on behalf of schade at acegroup.cc
> > Sent: Mon 6/5/2006 4:49 PM
> > To: Sponsored by ABANA
> > Subject: [TheForge] fire piston
> >
> >
> >
> > Has anyone ever used a fire piston to make fire?
> >
> > Any tips?
> >
> > Bob
> >
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