I've seen this photo many times over the past couple of months, and people seem to really love the idea...
From survivaltek.com comes a different twist on the photo I've seen so often of cooking on top of a cross-cut log...
A couple of weeks ago I was a vender at a local Faire. One of the benefits is
that you get to meet interesting folks who share a wealth of wisdom from their
experiences. One particular item was the Swedish Log Candle which was news to
me. Of course, any topic with fire interests me because firecraft is my
specialty. In this case, it’s not a fire making method, but more akin to a
campfire method. It all begins with a seasoned log and a chainsaw.
First, stand the log upright and begin to cut
downward using 4 overlapping cuts in the same way that you would cut a pie,
creating 8 equal triangles. Each cut can be made as low as 4 inches from the
bottom. Some suggest that you can use the chainsaw blade tip to cut slightly
lower at the junction of cuts, thus creating a shallow well at the bottom.
Next, you need an accelerant such as kerosene, lamp
oil, or lighter fluid to use as a fire starter or primer. Because I’ve already
used my chainsaw, I also have the accompanying mixed gasoline, which works very
nicely. Just pour the fluid down the middle of the cuts, wetting each wedge tip
in the process, then let it soak for a minute or so. Be sure not to stand over
the log when you light it, but stay off to the side, lighting it with an
outstretched hand.
After a slight “poof” of flame, the fire slowly
begins to grow, starting slender then broadening outward. The edge of the wedge
acts as kindling which sustains the process. As with all campfires, the quality
and type of wood will determine the speed and brightness of the flame along with
the duration of burn time. With appropriate cookware and suspension, this could
be used for cooking, or with supervision and safe surroundings, it could be used
decoratively at your next event. In any case, it’s a fun experience and well
worth the time and effort to make.
A couple of weeks ago I was a vender at a local Faire. One of the benefits is
that you get to meet interesting folks who share a wealth of wisdom from their
experiences. One particular item was the Swedish Log Candle which was news to
me. Of course, any topic with fire interests me because firecraft is my
specialty. In this case, it’s not a fire making method, but more akin to a
campfire method. It all begins with a seasoned log and a chainsaw.
First, stand the log upright and begin to cut
downward using 4 overlapping cuts in the same way that you would cut a pie,
creating 8 equal triangles. Each cut can be made as low as 4 inches from the
bottom. Some suggest that you can use the chainsaw blade tip to cut slightly
lower at the junction of cuts, thus creating a shallow well at the bottom.
Next, you need an accelerant such as kerosene, lamp
oil, or lighter fluid to use as a fire starter or primer. Because I’ve already
used my chainsaw, I also have the accompanying mixed gasoline, which works very
nicely. Just pour the fluid down the middle of the cuts, wetting each wedge tip
in the process, then let it soak for a minute or so. Be sure not to stand over
the log when you light it, but stay off to the side, lighting it with an
outstretched hand.
After a slight “poof” of flame, the fire slowly
begins to grow, starting slender then broadening outward. The edge of the wedge
acts as kindling which sustains the process. As with all campfires, the quality
and type of wood will determine the speed and brightness of the flame along with
the duration of burn time. With appropriate cookware and suspension, this could
be used for cooking, or with supervision and safe surroundings, it could be used
decoratively at your next event. In any case, it’s a fun experience and well
worth the time and effort to make.
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