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Ya, maybe a bit. But to be honest, I'm not fussed about the kids. They have lots of time to learn. It's all those old people my own age that can't make a proper fire that depress me.
Anyways, while we are on the subject of fire starting, one of my boys got me this really cool fire starter from Africa. I'll have to see if I can find it and take a photo. You put a bit of tinder from a dead tree in the bottom of it and then compress the plunger as fast as you can. The gas gets so hot from the rapid pressurization that it ignites the tinder. It's VERY COOL!
I probably do have a drawing. I will have a look for a drawing when I get home. I got the idea from clickspring. I see they are selling them now but they were not when I first made mine.
Using an ignition technique completely different to most fire starting methods, The Clickspring Fire Piston is particularly suited to starting a fire in high wind conditions, and so is a perfect component of any survival, camping or hiking bag. Aside from its practical use, its also a fun gadget...
I use an "old Indian trick" for fire starting campfires....2cups diesel fuel on the wood first and then 1/4 cup car gas ...and one match, works every time.
I use an "old Indian trick" for fire starting campfires....2cups diesel fuel on the wood first and then 1/4 cup car gas ...and one match, works every time.
That's it. You have both failed. No campfires for either of you until you attend an obligatory campfire class and get a passing grade from @Chickenlights.
Diesel fuel and gasoline for Pete sake...... (Insert image of grumbly old man shaking his head in disgust.)
That's it. You have both failed. No campfires for either of you until you attend an obligatory campfire class and get a passing grade from @Chickenlights.
Diesel fuel and gasoline for Pete sake...... (Insert image of grumbly old man shaking his head in disgust.)
People pay millions for fire starting products every year yet the best product is free, I scrounge all my firewood in the neighborhood always great to find some birch and build up a supply of bark, as you say burns hot always have success using it.
I really like the idea of what you are doing.
Engineers will have learned pV=nRT.
So a fire piston would be a great way to make someting "practical"
Takes theory and makes it practice including safety.
Planning, measuring, machining are all involved, and the results are immediately evident (pass / fail / try again)
Marks could be presented for how the thing looks as well as how well it works.
I (sort of) did the same thing as you in the YLab Maker Space members in York Region - we have access to the machine shop at the Dunlap Observatory. I'll steal the idea of the fire piston.
The goals would be simply to make the angles bent from sheet-metal and drill holes in a straight line across the flanges. Different holes can have different functions, such as rivets, countersunk rivets, or screws/bolts. Lots to talk about just with that. Then if a group is making these angles, then they can assemble the pieces together. Alignment of the respective pieces requires matching the holes - starting with pilot holes and up-size drilling would be necessary.
Another lesson would use the lathe to make a simple bushing from round stock. To simplify, we can start with tube stock. To make it more challenging, the bushing can have a shoulder. Even more challenging would be to control the diameter of the bushing so that it press-fits into a hole (and drill+ream the mating hole).
Both of these offer a step-by-step series of operations, and time permitting allow the group to accomplish more or less tasks, depending on their ability and time available.
I commend you on your efforts to put together the training class. My input here is a bit late maybe but anyhow I think the many comments about safety are good advice. In my workspace (cramped corner of the garage), I don't have a picture of my ripped-off fingernail or one of my other ER trips. I do have this paint can permanently on display close to where I do most of my grinding. It's not bloody but speaks volumes. A few years ago a cut-off disc broke. A few moments later I saw a puddle of paint at the back of my bench. Since then my sometimes worn face shield is now close at hand and used whenever grinding, drilling, or doing other such activities.
. Since then my sometimes worn face shield is now close at hand and used whenever grinding, drilling, or doing other such activities. View attachment 23173View attachment 23174
Here is my video on angle grinders. Is it the most dangerous tool? This isn’t advice - just my observations. Use your own sense please and take care of yourself. What else should you be on the lookout for?