Wax paper anyone?

[chem_doc]

I've been playing with learning firestarting skills (my neighbors think I'm either a pyromaniac or mad. Possibly both.) and have been focusing on "common" firestarting materials: tinder fungus, cotton balls in vaseline/wax, etc.

I found out something that I'm not sure has been posted here. If it has, please forgive me. I searched, but didn't find anything specifically on this.

Wax paper... you know, the paper treated with wax used for cooking/non stick purposes and sold by the roll cheaply in almost every grocery store? That stuff makes excellent tinder.

It doesn't burn long. But a section of it can be folded up rather compactly into a survival tin, I would think.

Even with my ham-handed firestarting skills, I was able to set it alight with my Firesteel. I'd rip off a chunk of the corner of the sheet, rip it up into small pieces, and pile these up against the corner of the remainder of the sheet, which had been crumpled up in a ball. A few strikes later and the ripped part lit, which immediately set ablaze the wadded up ball.

I'll have to see if it's waterproof (I imagine it is, what with the wax protecting the paper).

I was able to get a decent fire going last night using this stuff...

Doc

 

[Toddy]

To the Scots out there, try the wrapping from a plain loaf
I know, I know, "Bad stuff, no goodness, no bran, no........" but it's brilliant for toast, it doesn't fall apart in the soup, wipes up the gravy, and I have to admit, the outsiders are mine! :swordfigh

Back on topic; haven't tried the cake tin stuff; nice one

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Ogri the trog]

Hey Doc,
You really are on a quest to set the world alight!
I haven't tried wax paper yet (but I will soon, now that it has been mentioned). I tried a candle, which was difficult until you get the knack.
You'll have to try things like tortilla chips, prawn crakers and brazil nuts

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Gailainne]

To the Scots out there, .... the outsiders are mine!

What are these "outsiders you mention ???? do you mean "Heels"

I've had this conversation at work too, interesting how for even something as common as a "Scottish Plain" the end slices have different words to describe them East and West, aint life wonderful,

Fifer

Stephen

 

[chem_doc]

I was curious about setting it ablaze given how well the cotton w/wax on it burns. I was eyeing the Parchment paper in our "various and sundry rolled product goods, such as aluminum foil, cling wrap, wax paper, etc." drawer, but I figured that it wouldn't be waterproof, at which point you may as well just carry some tissues.

I've tried the candle w/firesteel, but failed. My "kung fu" isn't good enough yet to do that trick.

 

[Ogri the trog]

I've tried the candle w/firesteel, but failed. My "kung fu" isn't good enough yet to do that trick.

Of course there's a trick to it - or a technique if you like.
It has to be a candle with a charred wick, which you have to tease it out very thin and fibrous. It's sometimes easier to hold the striker and candle in one hand and move the flint
After a bit of practice, its a great party piece!

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Gailainne]

With a candle, the wick does'nt normally have enough surface area, you need to either fluff it up, (like you would a feather stick) ot else add cotton wool, and fluff that up, plus a lot of perseverence, (try, try, try, and try again stuff), truth be told I would prefer searching out the right tinder, getting a fire going and then lighting the candle from it much easier.

Stephen

 

[Shewie]

Thanks for the tip Doc, I reckon I`ll be trying that next time SWMBO goes out.

Have you tested it after a soaking yet, like falling into a river soaking ???

 

[chem_doc]

Thanks for the tip Doc, I reckon I`ll be trying that next time SWMBO goes out.

Have you tested it after a soaking yet, like falling into a river soaking ???

Not yet. That's on tonight's agenda. That and something involving vodka martinis.

SWMBO (which is something I also refer to the wife as) is out of town, so I'm a bachelor this week.

 

[Goose]

Not yet. That's on tonight's agenda. That and something involving vodka martinis.

SWMBO (which is something I also refer to the wife as) is out of town, so I'm a bachelor this week.

Hmmm, Vodka, potential pyromaniac, reading BCuk and the wifes away recipe for disaster, or at least scorched carpets and work tops:yikes:
It is times like this that people come up with ideas such as thermite filled arrows:Thinkingo

 

[chem_doc]

It is times like this that people come up with ideas such as thermite filled arrows:Thinkingo

The evening hasnt' turned out *quite* as I had it planned. I substituted Guinness for the vodka (the vodka will come tomorrow).

As for the thermite arrows... Have you been talking to my wife?!

Doc

 

[Porcupine]

somehow the mental image of ray mears using thermite as tinder is wrong

 

[Toddy]

Hmmm, Vodka, potential pyromaniac, reading BCuk and the wifes away recipe for disaster, or at least scorched carpets and work tops:yikes:
It is times like this that people come up with ideas such as thermite filled arrows:Thinkingo

You've met my bother then The scary thing is they work :yikes:

Outsiders/ Heels of the loaf......usually we call them doorsteps

cheers,
Toddy.......oh, and if you *really* want your paper to flareup nicely , try soaking it in a mixture of water and saltpetre and then drying it off.....brilliant

M

 

[Matt Weir]

The ends of a loaf are called 'the crusts' and please stop this talk of drink as I'm on a weekend only thing and have just come off call so need no temptation on a Thursday night ta very much .

BTW what was this thread about? Oh aiye great idea Doc. Let us know how you get on wet .

 

[chem_doc]

I was right. I drenched the wax paper in the sink and it still went right up. It *might* have been a little harder to start, but nothing difficult.

There were some water droplets on the paper after shaking it off, which made an interesting "sizzle" as the paper burned... But they didn't prevent the paper from lighting.

 

[Matt Weir]

Nice one Doc, good discovery. I will add a couple of sheets to my tinder pouch.

 

[mace242]

I have a plan - It'll make me millions. I'm off to get a while load of tesco own brand (value if they do it), paint the box green, put a RM logo on it and chuck it on evil bay. I'm thinking it'll do at least as well as the fuellid.

 

[mayfly]

Wax paper being used by Rob from Woodsmoke to light a hangi fire. It is good stuff.

 

[xylaria]

The wrapper from oatso simple is good stuff. I really helps that early morning evil conundrum of needing a coffee to wake up enough to be able to light a fire to make a coffee.

 

[w00dsmoke]

For those inclined... there's a guy on ebay that sells all the ingredients for thermite, including something to light it!

And for those who have no knowledge of the stuff, read "The Monkey Wrench Gang" , apparently for a good demonstration of what it's capable of! snigger! Now thats what i call fire lighting!