Dumb Question #4,389: Making A Torch?

[clovis]

My daughter's vocab list this week included the word "torch".

For whatever reason, she has had a difficult time remembering this word. Since she is a visual learner, I thought I would make a real torch.

(FWIW, I made a mock-up of a torch using a stick and a rag, but it hasn't been enough to commit it to her memory.)

Can you give me some advice on this?

In essence, I'm trying NOT to have an explosion when I light the torch, and I'm going to try NOT to get burned.

Some questions:

How long should my 1 x 1 1/2 stick of wood be?

How many layers should I make the cloth when I wrap it around the stick?

Can I use some steel wire, and twist tighten the cloth to the wood stick, to make sure the cloth doesn't fall off?

I think I'll use 100% cotton for the cloth so it won't melt, like polyester will. How wide should the cloth be when I continuously wrap it around the stick?

Use K-1 kerosene, right?

Since we'll be outside in a big grass field, without the possibility of a grass fire...how do I light the thing?

Do I need to stand back, or anything?

Sorry to ask such a dumb questions. I've never made a real torch in my life.

Is the making of a torch safer and easier than what I've convinced myself of?

Thanks in advance!!!!!! (Please don't laugh too hard at me.)

[artificer]

Rent Shrek, and watch the villagers.

Failing that, just get a flashlight, and assume a british accent while you tell her its a torch.

Get a Tiki torch for the back yard, light it, and see if does the trick.

As for the real torch, take a look at: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Torches

Michael

[meanwhile]

The very best "torch" is one made from a pine burl or knot. Go out in the woods, look till you find a pine limb (preferably one that is down and dry or on a "standing dead" tree). Fetch said pine limb with knot to the barn. Wrap the end you will be holding with duct tape and tape it to a long metal pole. Then light up the knot end and it will burn and burn. Be sure you don't hold the thing over your head since it will drip pine resin and that makes a mess in one's hair........yes....we learned that one the hard way.....

Have fun but stay safe.

Another good torch it to take some of those sparkler things....the stick things you get from the illegal fire cracker places. Get some of those stick sparkler things and tape them all together on the end of a wooden garden stake or you could just use a long stick. Then, wait till it is really dark outside and fire it up......it is probably a good idea to have the water hose handy......and don't chase the cats with it......not nice.....

[Micheal]

Wouldn't be easier just to show her a picture of the "Statue of Liberty"?
No fuss, no mess, nor no fire........

[meanwhile]

Micheal? No mess? No fuss and especially no fire????? That would be no fun!

[geo in mi]

How about an automotive safety flare? The kind you strike on the pavement and it shoots out the red flame.

OR, rent the movie of Indiana Jones in the snake pit--when the torch goes out......
geo

[clovis]

Originally Posted by Micheal

Wouldn't be easier just to show her a picture of the "Statue of Liberty"?
No fuss, no mess, nor no fire........

Funny that you mentioned that.

They are studying the SoL.

I still can't get her to remember what the thing that Lady Liberty is holding.

She is a very visual learner...and typically, she doesn't forget something once we have a hands on learning time.

FWIW, I've seen numerous posts over the years about making torches. I was hoping others could help me out on this project. I don't think it is rocket science, but I want to be safe at the same time.

I'm beginning to believe that many things are becoming lost arts. Plaster work for walls, the stacking of hay mounds, and making a torch are some that come to mind.