Wednesday, February 9, 2011

How Do You Make a Torchlight?

By Drew Lannom


When preparing for a camping trip, a great idea can be to make your own torchlights. In order to do this, you will want to gather the right materials. All you need to do this project is a clean and empty tuna fish can, a soup can that is empty and fully cleaned, some three foot pieces of PVC pipe, a long strand of wick, and some torch fluid. You will find, however, that it can help to bring along an extra bag to carry the dismantled used torches in so that the soot does not get on your items on the way back home.

With all of your materials gathered, you will want to start by using a screwdriver to punch a hole in the bottom of the tuna fish can. If you have children who will be making their own torches, it is highly recommended that you complete this step for them before allowing them to take on the project so that you can decrease the chances that they will be injured. The remainder of the project should be safe for children as long as they are well supervised and an adult is in charge of actually lighting the torches upon completion.

Start by threading your strand of wick through the hole in the tuna fish can. When this is done, securely fasten the soup can, in the upright position, to the piece of PVC pipe. This will create the body of the torch, and when it is securely attached, bury the bottom of the pipe in an area free of leaves and other flammable debris as well as away from tents and sleeping bags. Now fill the soup can with torch fluid and put the tuna can on top of it in the upside down position with the wick soaking in the fluid.

Allow your wick to soak for at least half an hour and then light it with your torch lighter. This is all that you need to do to enjoy your own great homemade torchlight. Bringing extra wick and fluid is always recommended. When the trip is over, be certain to take apart your torches and bring the parts home for proper disposal, as they are not biodegradable.

Remember to bring along extra fluid and wicks in case they are needed throughout your trip. When the camping trip is over, you will find that you can easily dismantle your torches so that you can bring the parts back. Because these materials are not biodegradable, you will want to take them home and dispose of them properly. These torches are incredibly simple and affordable to make and can provide a great sense of roughing it during your next camping trip. When you want an enjoyable project that teaches new skills and offers benefit, this is certainly a fantastic one to take on.




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