View Full Version : Elder tinder
Fallow Way
11-07-2004, 15:19
Yep thats right, elder tinder. I honestly dont know if this is commonly known or what, i certainly havent seen it mentioned.
Take out the pith (so obviously best to find a thicker peice ie more pith) of dead standing elder.
Lights with a flame (match/lighter) easy as pie, and goes on a firestrike pretty easy also. Discovered it today experimenting.
I`m going to get replies from everyone saying "yeah, we know, where have you been?" lol
Elder pith was used by the romans and alike as wicking for their oil lamps too.
Oh and yea we know where you been? :wink:
Well done Nomad! Just goes to show the power of experimentation! :biggthump :chill:
Justin Time
11-07-2004, 18:16
I'm afraid I won't be able to use this tip. You see my family brought me up with good manners and one thing they were very strict on was that I was never to take the pith out of my elders........ :lol: :lol: :lol: :sulk:
I'll get me windshirt......
awww, come on, somebody had to.....
I'm afraid I won't be able to use this tip. You see my family brought me up with good manners and one thing they were very strict on was that I was never to take the pith out of my elders........ :lol: :lol: :lol: :sulk:
I'll get me windshirt......
awww, come on, somebody had to.....
:naughty: :rolmao:
Thers always one isn't there!!!
:-)
Ed
I'm afraid I won't be able to use this tip. You see my family brought me up with good manners and one thing they were very strict on was that I was never to take the pith out of my elders........ :lol: :lol: :lol: :sulk:
I'll get me windshirt......
awww, come on, somebody had to.....
*Ouch !!"! hahahah :o):
very good :rolmao: :rolmao: :rolmao: :boot: :35:
Don't encourage him :banghead:
;-)
Ed
bushwacker bob
12-07-2004, 22:54
The outer wood of elder also makes exellent kindling.The best technique for breaking it is to gently tap it all the way round whilst holding it on something hard. if you try to split it with your blade it throws the blade out and you end up with lots of little bits. If you work out what I'm trying to say you should end up with long bits of kindling and your pith in one piece.
Beside tinder you can also use it to fashion a body for a fishing float as it is very boyant.
justin time, i thought it was good, mandy thought it was brilliant! :o):
plenty of elders on my patch, thanks for the tip!
cheers, and.
Elder is also a traditional Spoon wood especially among Celtic peoples, the natural hollow where the pith was is used to help make the bowl and thus saves that part of the job. Of course you'd need a fairly large piece and so would likely need a big branch or main stem.
Never tried to make one myself though.