View Full Version : How to Make a Fire Fork!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_11.jpg
A fire fork is used to hold things onto a stick, you can buy them but like most bushcrafters I prefer to make my own.
They are not as pretty as the ones you can buy but they do exactly the same job and are about 99% cheaper ;)
What you need:
18" of relatively stiff steel wire (you can snarf this from a broken fence.)
Wire Cutters
Strong Pliers (Square or round nose, it doesn't matter)
Something Cylindrical.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_01.jpg
-----
Ok, get the wire and snip it to about 18", this is plenty long enough for this project.
Find out where the middle is and wrap it around a cylinder, this can be a stick, a board marker or in my case, a lipstick tube :)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_02.jpg
Only wrap once, like shown above and then grab your pliers, I personally work better with round nose ones but what ever you have is good.
Try to make the bend as close to the loop as possible:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_03.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_04.jpg
Do this on both sides:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_05.jpg
Now about 2" down you will need to make another bend in the wire.
This is towards the middle like this:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_06.jpg
Do it on both sides.
Now grab the wire about half way again and bend it into a 'U' shape:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_07.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_08.jpg
Pull the two apart a bit and bend the ends in to make the prongs:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_09.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_10.jpg
Finished!
To attach your fork to a stick all you need to do is thread the stick through the standing
loop and then squeeze the two U shaped bits so they overlap and pop the end through.
NB: You need to use pretty stiff wire to get the tension to hold the fork to the stick.
Happy Bending!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a92/mjphoto/Fire_Fork_11.jpg
Nice one! :D
cheers,
Toddy
Ah, I see, I was trying to work out what this was for but now I see it's for toasitng things over a fire?
Yup, I've successfully toasted bread, a couple of sausages and numerous marshmallows :D
Ah OK, I just use a stick.
John Fenna
09-03-2008, 15:55
Erm....why not just sharpen a forked stick in situ?
Or am I missing something?:confused:
Lol, you aren't missing anything John. I just saw them on a site once upon a time and thought I could make one of those!
The metal heats up and cooks meat from the inside so it's about 20% quicker. A forked stick works as well ;) although it dosen't really cook the food from the inside, and using one of these is quicker than stripping and sharpening.
Each to their own :)
bushscout1
09-03-2008, 18:19
You can also use these with any dead stick lying around - rather than everyone cutting live branches from trees.
I know that the use of green branches / wands can be done responsibly (by coppicing etc), but thats not always the case, and is not always allowed / sustainable in more heavily used places.
I've got one and think they're a good idea - although I also like to use a green stick (if the circumstances allow).
I hadn't thought about the cooking from the inside bit - I'll pay more attention in future.
Brilliant! I got a couple of fire forks from http://www.leevalley.com for Christmas as stocking stuffers... this is a terrific tutorial, and nice photos too.
Cheers,
Mungo
Great Tutorial !!! Better than "forking" out £4 for a light my fire one !!
http://www.proadventure.co.uk/acatalog/firefork.jpg
Ogri the trog
09-03-2008, 19:06
Great tutorial Cobweb,
Though I would advise caution if you were to "Snarf some wire from a broken fence!"
Most fencing wire that I've come across has been galvanised with zinc - which is known to give off toxic fumes when heated. I don't know if the heat of a standard cooking fire is high enough to produce the toxins but it might not be worth the risk. A length of stainless steel wire shouldn't be too difficult to source for this project and would be a longer lasting.
ATB
Ogri the trog
bikething
09-03-2008, 19:09
A length of stainless steel wire shouldn't be too difficult to source for this project and would be a longer lasting.
I've been wondering about using that 'piano wire' you used to be able to buy from model shops in various thicknesses ..
One more bit of kit that you dont really need
I'm loving the negative responses to this and other threads tonight. Keep 'em coming folks, I'm sure the originators of the threads are delighted at being put down by superior people that go out with their toothbrush and Mora and nothing else.
Probably not, but it weighs next to nothing, cooks sausages (or fishes) without mucking up a pot, makes good toast without scorched fingers, and howks out boiled things with no fuss......and all the while it's fire hardening a diggin' stick :D
cheers,
Toddy
Ooops cross post with Spamel.
I like these for several reasons.
1) They're really good for kids, esp. small kids. Even some adults turn sharpening a stick into a dangerous activity.
2) They prevent the sausage from rotating on the stick.
3) They're very lighweight
Globetrotter.uk
09-03-2008, 19:37
cheers I was about to by 2, out comes the wire
I'm loving the negative responses to this and other threads tonight. Keep 'em coming folks, I'm sure the originators of the threads are delighted at being put down by superior people that go out with their toothbrush and Mora and nothing else. What will it be next a how to make a microwave:lmao:
What will it be next a how to make a microwave:lmao:
Is that supposed to be funny?
Is that supposed to be funny?hand bags :D
Somehow it seems you're not taking this seriously and just want to rip other peoples posts, thoughts and ideas. I've no idea what makes you think you are the all seeing all knowing expert on a hobby that has so many variations that nobody can even describe it without disagreement from other people.
If somebody wants to do something, let them crack on. Positive help in this instance could be helpful, but to ridicule a person because it doesn't fit in to the carry less know more ethos that some people seem to worship smacks of insecurity on your part. Is Ray Mears wrong because he carries a DC4 when he coud use a stone from a river? Are you gonna be the one to tell him he hasn't got a clue? Somehow, I doubt it.
That's an excellent tutorial!
Sod the nay-sayers and be happy with what you want to do.
I think this could be great with my Scouts. Thanks!
Okay, Jason, since you find the idea so risible.
Go on, you post a tutorial on how to make something that will do all the firefork will, and we'll discuss just how useful or practical, or not, that it may be.
Tbh I don't see this as any different to one of those folding handles for billies :confused:
cheers,
Toddy
bushyboo
09-03-2008, 19:59
I dont see what the problem is bushcraft to me is all about improvising and making that from a bit of wire is improvising to me
good tutorial mate
keep experimenting
Gordon
John Fenna
09-03-2008, 20:11
Whoa!
When I asked if I was missing something the initial reply pointed out that - yes I was!
I had not thought of the cooking meat from the inside as well or that some may find sharpening sticks dangerous or non sustainable.
So yes the wire has it points (:D pun!) and making your own IS a lot more satisfying than buying the ready mades!
I was not trying to put anyone down - it was an honest enquiry into the reason for having one.
They obviously have their supporters, though I do not think I will be making one myself as I tend not to grill too much - I carry a bl**dy great bake stone for my bannock and fry stuff on it as well - but I can now see their bushy potential.
Good luck to all DIYers out there!
Ogri the trog
09-03-2008, 20:16
Spamel,
I have absolutely no interest in being negative to any or all threads, my post was merely to indicate the possibility of a health issue that I want people to be aware of. I am more than willing to remove my post if someone can come up with definate information as to the heat causing toxic emmission issue.
I'm sure that if you were to look back at my posts, there would be a good number advising making something for yourself rather than buy blindly without trying.
Ogri the trog
No Ogri, I found that informative and could stop somebody killing themselves by inhaling the fumes. No probs with that, just some folk knocking someone for trying something seems a bit off to me. Maybe I'm just a bit irritable at the moment. I'll call it a night I think and pop back tomorrow.
Somehow it seems you're not taking this seriously and just want to rip other peoples posts, thoughts and ideas. I've no idea what makes you think you are the all seeing all knowing expert on a hobby that has so many variations that nobody can even describe it without disagreement from other people.
If somebody wants to do something, let them crack on. Positive help in this instance could be helpful, but to ridicule a person because it doesn't fit in to the carry less know more ethos that some people seem to worship smacks of insecurity on your part. Is Ray Mears wrong because he carries a DC4 when he coud use a stone from a river? Are you gonna be the one to tell him he hasn't got a clue? Somehow, I doubt it.Sorry if I have up set you. but what is wrong whith a stick and as far as insecurity meet me and you will find thats not my problem .is it me or has this site gone down the pan it just seems that this site is kit kit and more kit
British Red
09-03-2008, 20:34
Genius - I'm going to have to make one just for the fun of it!
Red
Enough.
Silly posturing does no one any favours.
DIY kit is surely a good thing :rolleyes: especially something so simple. Two foot of wire and five minutes of time, or £5 to buy.....
This particular bit of the forum is "DIY and Traditional Crafts" so the thread is totally appropriate, and I know of forks being used to deal with food near fires for over two thousand years so it's hardly a new concept.
cheers,
Toddy
Thank you Toddy for putting an end to the bickering.
Silly buggers.
From memory, I think if it got to about 900C then the zinc boils off. At temps around there, it is pretty nasty, used to be a major hassle when casting things. I reckon if paranoid, you could heat it at 900C for a couple of hours to remove the zinc. However, lets be honest, you won't reach about 300C unless you shove it in the embers or don't have anything on it. The meat/bread would do an effective job of cooling it. A small amount of zinc might rub off on your food, but that would be pretty small.
I wasn't critising your idea, indeed I think it's clever the way you use springs to hold it open, it's just I use a stick. If I'm in an area that couldn't handle one green stick being cut, I'd not camp there as I'd see it as being unsuitable for bushcraft. I like something a bit more natural, and I don't have to carry it, but whatever. I don't personally think it constitutes true bushcraft, although I don't do true bushcraft but I do as close as I can, with a few luxuries like an axe, knife, and some food. I suppose this is just another luxury.
John Fenna
09-03-2008, 21:11
Not as much as a luxury (or as heavy as )my bake stone!
Still bushy in my book!
Keep up the good work Charlotte!
John is your bakestone one of the Lakeland pizza baking stones?
I have one of those, and it's excellent, but I never thought of taking it out with me.
I do find a cast iron girdle a good thing though if camping where I can get the car close. I've baked on one since childhood, scones, bannocks, soda break, pancakes, oatcakes, tattie scones, ginger nuts :rolleyes: and even pastry works well on the girdle.
cheers,
Toddy
John Fenna
09-03-2008, 21:57
Toddy!
My stone is actually a trad Welsh Cast Iron "girdle" designed for Welsh Cakes (dammio - what else cariad!), locals call it either a "girdle" or "Bake Stone " though it is neither lingerie or stone...it weighs a ton and is great for bannock and a darn sight more - inc susages, toast, baconfry, real bacon etc (just like the top of a woodburning stove) - I never carry it too far though, and too far is not very far at all! :D
Perhaps I should try out a bent wire fork - for light weight cooking.....:rolleyes:
The one I use in the house actually has Girdle cast into the bottom of it :D
and here was me thinking only Scotswomen cooked on a girdle not wear it ;)
I flash fried venison in butter and ransomes on one up at the Crannog at one of the meet ups...seemed to go down well :cool:
cheers,
Toddy
John Fenna
09-03-2008, 22:04
Now that sounds good!
Good idea Cobweb,
Have you tried extending the forks and what was the result?
I had a go earlier with a bit of wire I had lying about, took 30 seconds to make - excellent post. Not really worried about the zinc problem, I reckon transfer to food would be very minimal and since I usually have my fires in a well ventilated place :D I'll take my chances.
Nice.
Made something like this a few years back. Was meant to toast bread on both sides without having to touch it. Made in two parts of coat hanger.
Long handle with a figure of eight on the end.
=====8
And then the bread cradle with two hooks that go in the eyes of the 8.
(S shaped from the side, and U shaped from the top, if you err, can decipher my poor description :) )
Means can toast one side, and with a sort of rotation of the hand , toast the other.
PS Dont forget the marshmallows. :D
John Fenna
10-03-2008, 09:05
If you are into wire work I recommend the book "Skills of the Australian Bushman" by Ron Edwards.
This has "how to" type descriptions of all sorts of things from kids toys to swags, buildings to boats, plaiting to telling a horses age from its teath!, leather work to making a didgeridoo mainly using scrap and using LOTS of fencing wire!
Dr Onion
10-03-2008, 09:16
Spamel,
I have absolutely no interest in being negative to any or all threads, my post was merely to indicate the possibility of a health issue that I want people to be aware of. I am more than willing to remove my post if someone can come up with definate information as to the heat causing toxic emmission issue.
I'm sure that if you were to look back at my posts, there would be a good number advising making something for yourself rather than buy blindly without trying.
Ogri the trog
Just to add to this, Zinc Oxide vapour forms at 750C (under normal conditions and Zinc itself will boil at 900C) which on inhalation can cause "Metal Fume Fever". (I only know this as it happened to me in a lab with a leaky fume cupboard) This is reversible and will alleviate itself over time (assuming you remove yourself from exposure!) with no long term damage being recorded for brief exposure.
Exposure limit for Zinc Oxide is 8 hour TWA 5mg/m3. Zinc fumes from a small piece of wire in a well ventilated area (outside) will be minimal if any (campfires can produce anything up to 500C - sometimes more and sometimes less) but there is always the chance of transfer from the metal itself to the food in contact with it.
I personally would be very cautious about using zinc coated anything in a fire but that's just me and my "non self poisoning policy"!! lol :lmao:
Just my 2 cents worth and personal experience from working in the chemical industry and producing COSHH reports on a daily basis.
Cheers
Dr O
Bernie Garland
10-03-2008, 09:44
Just to add to this, Zinc Oxide vapour forms at 750C (under normal conditions and Zinc itself will boil at 900C) which on inhalation can cause "Metal Fume Fever". (I only know this as it happened to me in a lab with a leaky fume cupboard) This is reversible and will alleviate itself over time (assuming you remove yourself from exposure!) with no long term damage being recorded for brief exposure.
Exposure limit for Zinc Oxide is 8 hour TWA 5mg/m3. Zinc fumes from a small piece of wire in a well ventilated area (outside) will be minimal if any (campfires can produce anything up to 500C - sometimes more and sometimes less) but there is always the chance of transfer from the metal itself to the food in contact with it.
I personally would be very cautious about using zinc coated anything in a fire but that's just me and my "non self poisoning policy"!! lol :lmao:
Just my 2 cents worth and personal experience from working in the chemical industry and producing COSHH reports on a daily basis.
Cheers
Dr O
I know why don't we all start wearing safety boots,high vis jackets and hard hats oh and don't forget the safety glasses,when bushcrafting,come on everthing has a risk.
bernie
Why don't we all start wearing safety boots,high vis jackets and hard hats oh and don't forget the safety glasses,when bushcrafting,come on everthing has a risk.
bernie
LOL! If you like but I'll stick to my usual, and continue to make decisions based on good advice and a hint of recklessness on my part ;)
Dr Onion
10-03-2008, 10:04
Sigh!!
That's not what I was advocating Bernie, not even slightly.
I'm not entering into a bun fight here in any way, the information I posted is from a purely chemical point of view as the question was asked and I provided an answer since I have worked with Zinc in the past.
I have had zinc poisoning before and it is not pleasant - like a really bad bout of the flu and it knocks you for absolute six. Not something I would assume any of us would like to experience when we have walked until we are miles from anywhere with no immediate access to proper medical care.
However, if you read my post again you will see that I mention that the likelihood of getting Zinc poisoning is fairly negligible considering the mass of metal we are talking about.
Everything does have risk but we can manage risk to a certain extent - and in this instance we can completely negate the risk by using a different metal which is easily obtained for a measley few pennies or free if you know your local ironmonger.
Again, just my 2 cents and information that I thought had been asked for earlier in the thread.
I don't post much on these forums and this thread is a prime example as to why!
Cheers
Dr O
Bernie Garland
10-03-2008, 10:17
i know what your saying and your most probably right. but are the chance's of poisoning your self with your toasting fork. greater than a log falling and breaking your toe,a stick poking you in the eye,your billy can tipping over and scolding your hands the list go's on,thats my point with out a doubt this country has gone health and safety mad and posts like these are making it more so,i also don't want a bun fight but what started of as an imformative thread in my opinon has been taken over by health and safety experts.
bernie
Dr Onion
10-03-2008, 10:42
Well, no - that's why I have stated twice now that the chances of actually getting Zinc poisoning from the mass of metal involved are minimal. :confused: :confused: :confused:
But then the chances of having a log fall on you are minimal unless you sleep under a beech tree by choice or cut down a branch while standing under it - something we don't do because we know what can happen if we do. Much like the chances of tipping a billy can and scalding your hands are minimised by either wearing gloves and gripping the billy tightly or setting a correct balance when tipping and keeping your hands out of the path of flowing water. Health and safety mad or just common sense and being well informed of the dangers?
Well, that's me done now - hopefully my information has answered the question that was originally asked by Ogri.
Bernie Garland
10-03-2008, 10:51
so you admit the chances are minimal,why all the bumth then?
bernie
Dr Onion
10-03-2008, 11:27
http://worldofthestrange.co.uk/images/misc/bangdesk.gif
Bernie Garland
10-03-2008, 11:42
[QUOTE=Dr Onion;383277]http://worldofthestrange.co.uk/images/misc/bangdesk.gif[/QUOTEB
Bang your head on your keyboard by all means,but to me common sense prevails,the chances of being poisoned by a wire toasting fork are far greater than wining the lotto.so do we need all the health and safety side of things,thats all i'm trying to say,its common sense, if i saw black acrid smoke coming of my toasting fork i wouldn't use it.simple.
bernie
so you admit the chances are minimal,why all the bumth then?
bernie
Better to know than not Bernie, while I am and no doubt you are willing to take the chance that nothing much will happen, some might not like the risk ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_fume_fever
... the info also applies to other things such as Matt Weir's new firebox, which may well be Galvanised and subject to the same small risk. So, if we knows what the symptoms and risks are we can act if anything does happen.
Makes sense to me.
As per, I am going to be mocked and insulted for my take on this but, what the hay.
If you don’t know what the risks are, how can you assess them? Dr O’s bumf explains the risk, it’s up to you as to whether that ‘minimal risk’ is something you are willing to accept. Afterall if you don’t know there is a risk, and just what that risk is, how can you make an informed judgment?
Only the ignorant wish to remain ignorant.
Just to add to this, Zinc Oxide vapour forms at 750C (under normal conditions and Zinc itself will boil at 900C) which on inhalation can cause "Metal Fume Fever". (I only know this as it happened to me in a lab with a leaky fume cupboard) This is reversible and will alleviate itself over time (assuming you remove yourself from exposure!) with no long term damage being recorded for brief exposure.
Exposure limit for Zinc Oxide is 8 hour TWA 5mg/m3. Zinc fumes from a small piece of wire in a well ventilated area (outside) will be minimal if any (campfires can produce anything up to 500C - sometimes more and sometimes less) but there is always the chance of transfer from the metal itself to the food in contact with it.
I personally would be very cautious about using zinc coated anything in a fire but that's just me and my "non self poisoning policy"!! lol :lmao:
Just my 2 cents worth and personal experience from working in the chemical industry and producing COSHH reports on a daily basis.
Cheers
Dr O
My daughter ate half a tub of zinc oxide cream when she was six months old without any ill effects. I rang the hospital and they said it was very common for babies to eat this particular brand of cream and they had never known anyone to have ill effects except diarrhea.
Personally I prescribe to a deliberate self poisoning policy, as i find the best way discovering if something is poisonous for your good self to try it out. Everything is toxic it is just a matter of degree, if a substance is ingested to extent that mild poisoning is produced you know the effect level. BUT THEN ME AND DR ONION ARE IDOITS;)
Please note wood produces cancinogens when burnt so please can all of you start waring breathing equipment when using sharpened sticks instead of coat hangers to cook your toast. oh and don't burn your food as that gives you stomach cancer.
I hope that puts stuff into perspective. :D :joke:
good little device though, stuff falls off sticks. i weave up a little grill thing for certain types of food, but not everywhere has whities.
oh and don't burn your food as that gives you stomach cancer.
Heaven forfend, that I post twice in one thread, but I’d be wary of making such claims, lest a person ‘claiming to be a doctor’ on this site take you to task for posting something that there is only statistical evidence for, I did it once and was roundly attacked, moreover as I could not lay my hands on the hard copy that proved my post I was roundly abused.
Bernie Garland
10-03-2008, 11:59
Better to know than not Bernie, while I am and no doubt you are willing to take the chance that nothing much will happen, some might not like the risk ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_fume_fever
... the info also applies to other things such as Matt Weir's new firebox, which may well be Galvanised and subject to the same small risk. So, if we knows what the symptoms and risks are we can act if anything does happen.
Makes sense to me.
Your right andy we should know the risks,but it was just a bit to health and safety for me personally, taking over a good little idea that a member came up with.after all we all have our own views,and after working on site for many years and seeing all the health and safety issues it got my back up slightly.enough said by me. let the thread get back on course.
bernie
Heaven forfend, that I post twice in one thread, but I’d be wary of making such claims, lest a person ‘claiming to be a doctor’ on this site take you to task for posting something that there is only statistical evidence for, I did it once and was roundly attacked, moreover as I could not lay my hands on the hard copy that proved my post I was roundly abused.
Well, if anything similar happens this time, tell them to "get forked" - ba-doom-tssssh - I thank you! :lmao:
(First off, long time lurker here. This be one of the few places i visit daily to see if something new stirs in the world of bushcraft.)
I`ve got one of those fire-forks from lightmyfire, and i`ve got to say that the wire is pretty darn stiff. The blacksmith in me, thinks that it might be spring steel wire. (Piano wire, 1050-1080 steel or thereabouts. (Don`t really know what piano wire is made of.))
So, if the wire isn`t stiff enough to prod things onto without bending, maybe it`d be worth going with the piano wire? Or something? The wire thickness on mine is around 2mm. (Or 1/32" for those not using metric.)
Quite a useful little tool i tells ya. Add to the fact that it only takes up a tad larger space than a large bic lighter. You might do well without it, but if you`ve ever tried to toast small sausages and other suchlike on a fire, and everything just disintegrated because the prongs on the stick were too large, and in the end you had to eat ash-sausage or go without. Well.. I`m happy with my fire-fork.
If i`d known how exactly to make one of these before i bought one... Well, i`d`ve made one!
Great idea, and great pictures too! Dare i say, :You_Rock_
(And if people used half the amount of energy required to make negative posts, on overlooking the parts they wanted to make negative comments about, things`d be a whole lot better in this world.)
Toddy!
My stone is actually a trad Welsh Cast Iron "girdle" designed for Welsh Cakes (dammio - what else cariad!), locals call it either a "girdle" or "Bake Stone " though it is neither lingerie or stone...it weighs a ton and is great for bannock and a darn sight more - inc susages, toast, baconfry, real bacon etc (just like the top of a woodburning stove) - I never carry it too far though, and too far is not very far at all! :D
Perhaps I should try out a bent wire fork - for light weight cooking.....:rolleyes:
Wow, great idea for the bakestone John, my wife has one which lives in the pantry most of the year, will it be ok if i say you told me to take it ?
crazyclimber
10-03-2008, 13:26
What will it be next a how to make a microwave:lmao:
Actually... well why not? It doesn't need to be hi-tech or super high power, you could use a hand crank generator or a small turbine dunked in a stream or river to power it...
It would never be ultra light because of all the sheilding surrounding it, but once made it would be very carbon and everything-else neutral, you wouldn't need fuel...
For a longer term expedition it surely wouldn't be such a bad idea!
crazyclimber
10-03-2008, 13:29
Well a quick google shows someone's already thought of it. now all we need is a shrunk down version and an RM endorsement before everyone has one ;)
http://thewavebox.com/
John Fenna
10-03-2008, 13:34
Go on then Hireath - I dare you!
Well a quick google shows someone's already thought of it. now all we need is a shrunk down version and an RM endorsement before everyone has one ;)
http://thewavebox.com/
Cool, at just under 30L it'll fit in my rucksack no problems :D
bushscout1
10-03-2008, 13:59
...Great idea, and great pictures too! Dare i say, :You_Rock_
(And if people used half the amount of energy required to make negative posts, on overlooking the parts they wanted to make negative comments about, things`d be a whole lot better in this world.)
Aarya,
First off, welcome to the forums, hopefully as you say you're a lurker, you'll not be thinking that all threads are this demoralising ?!*
Secondly, maybe as a result of this being your first post and are breathing 'fresh air', thank you for rising above the tittle-tattle that has overshadowed this post. Your closing words should be an inspiration to some of those who have posted above.
(I'm all for free speech, but unhelpful negative remarks are just pointless, nevermind not knowing when to pipe down as you've made your point. This comment is not aimed at every negative comment, many are properly made / inquisitive / useful, its just those that seem to be posting for 'sport'.)
As far as the forum being all about kit, perhaps you've overlooked the category you're reading / should find another site if this one is no longer to your liking. From the number of useful replies & views this thread has got I'd say it has been of interest to many.
I hope that Cobweb & Dr O aren't completely put off posting in future.
Rant over.
just read this, good tutorial, thanks for putting it up and keep them coming :D
For those that actually got heated about it, err...why? It's an appropriate subject in the appropriate forum, if you don't like things that people make then don't come and look in this forum, stick to the ones that will not upset your puritan views on what you believe bushcraft is. As for the site going down the pan for allowing appropriate posts/threads in the appropriate places...I'm just confused...:rolleyes:
I'm looking forward to seeing some more articles :D
Bernie Garland
10-03-2008, 17:40
just read this, good tutorial, thanks for putting it up and keep them coming :D
For those that actually got heated about it, err...why? It's an appropriate subject in the appropriate forum, if you don't like things that people make then don't come and look in this forum, stick to the ones that will not upset your puritan views on what you believe bushcraft is. As for the site going down the pan for allowing appropriate posts/threads in the appropriate places...I'm just confused...:rolleyes:
I'm looking forward to seeing some more articles :D
Very well said Tony.
bernie
Excellent tutorial with great pics :approve:
This has got to be the best thread I have read in a long time.....
I do not have a telly, but this thread is my Eastenders... It has it all ....
Toddy...Where you said "Enough" I nearly fell off my armchair laughing....
Excellent tutorial BTW....
:D My only excuse is that it was a looooong night :rolleyes: and three times I fankled 3 x 25 metres of linen thread trying to make a fishing line :( while reading the forum threads last night :eek:
I don't watch tv but for maybe 5 or 10 minutes a week :o What you get on this forum is me as is, not as an imitation of a character from a soap opera.
Actually it's pretty good on BcUK; there are less than a handful of people, out of thousands of members on the forum, that I don't think I could be bothered to either work or walk or talk, with :cool:
Two foot of bendy wire....:rolleyes: :dunno:
cheers,
Toddy
Sorry folks, I've used so many smilies in that last post it looks like confetti :rolleyes: :o
atb,
M
Sorry folks, I've used so many smilies in that last post it looks like confetti :rolleyes: :o
atb,
M
Another couple of smilies and you'll be rivalling abushcrafter - awww he's young and enthusiastic - and there's nowt wrong with that :D
suburban bushwacker
12-03-2008, 17:02
Great thread! i love you guys you're so funny, and some of you intentionally so!!
Seriously if this were a beachcraft forum, there are usually bits of wire all over the beach and so making a toaster from one of them (and taking it home) would be doing your bit for the environment.
Play on.
Uhmmm sorry if I've stepped into the middle of an argument...
As I mentioned previously, love the tutorial - photos are technically great too - good job! Anyway, the fireforks I saw on leevalley.com are at http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=1&p=58249&cat=2,40725,45454 (hope you all can see them)... they're the ones I got for Christmas. As someone previously said on this posting, they keep the food from rotating and slipping down the stick - quite useful and of course small and won't weigh down your kit. Convenient, and doesn't need any upkeep. Hope to see more tutorials like yours on this site!
Good idea for those of us who camp out!
Cheers,
Mungo
My daughter ate half a tub of zinc oxide cream when she was six months old without any ill effects. I rang the hospital and they said it was very common for babies to eat this particular brand of cream and they had never known anyone to have ill effects except diarrhea.
Personally I prescribe to a deliberate self poisoning policy, as i find the best way discovering if something is poisonous for your good self to try it out. Everything is toxic it is just a matter of degree, if a substance is ingested to extent that mild poisoning is produced you know the effect level. BUT THEN ME AND DR ONION ARE IDOITS;)
Zinc oxide is non toxic, zinc oxide fumes are extremely harmful. Not to mention the fact zinc oxide cream is not pure zinc oxide.
I have to say self poisoning is stupid. Plenty of things will kill you in very small quantities.
Oh dear,
What started out as a fine thread, which has inspired me to try out Cobwebs's innovation, has gone down hill fast.
Is there something in the air or water that is bringing on a fog of negativity in the UK generally not only in this thread?
Lets be kind and take the statements expressed in the best possible way.
Those who point out that there is zinc oxide on some wire are merely alerting you to a possible risk so you can make up your own mind. They are not the health police nor did it seem that they were out to denigrate the intelligence of others.
Similarly those who refer to "self poisoning" are simply pointing out that this is the basis of all dietary and medical discovery. Where would we be if our ancestor shamans, herbalists and "witches" did not self experiment with unknown plants and substances? The unknown becomes food (whether staple or spice) or medicine and enlarges our dietary range and betters our health
The shaman's self experiment is arguably morally superior to the modern scientist who poisons others during drug trials. It may even be methodologically sounder.
If I say something like "what would a BBQ be like without carcinogens" it should not be taken as a reckless abuse of my health or a wish to get cancer.
My daughter and I went for a bush walk and cook up this morning. Getting out is good for ones mental health. I urge members to get out as much as possible.
Everything seems better when you gaze into a fire, sit by a brook or look at the hills
I have to say I like the idea of getting a bit of wire and bending it so it holds a stick in place while I cremate some food! In all likely hood I'm not likely to do it, but I don't care, as I like seeing other people play with ideas and make things.
There are many things that may or may not hurt / kill / tickle us and I've found a fair few of them in the damnedest places, up trees, 30 meters under water, in deep dark dank pits, and have survived all, with the merest of scratches! However I'd still rather know what the nasties were, just in case. Hmmm, if you burnt something on the wire and turned it to charcoal ( the food not the wire.. ) .. would that absorb any nasties?.. probably not, and not a serious question. No really it wasn't. Don't answer, please.
From playing with ideas comes development of new ideas. I love seeing picture tutorials of just about anything, no matter how simple or complex. So well done for sharing this. More I say! More!
Cheers, Nag.
Actually, now I think about it you could remove the zinc easily with vinegar or other acids.
A bin that we used for burning sensitive information in Iraq was zinc coated, and it melted off when we lit a large paper fire in in. Do be careful and don't assume that nothing can happen, although I doubt you would come to harm. Get some stainless kebab skewers to bend into shape, they are long and will do the job just as well.
*Pokes head from under blanket*
Finished fighting yet? :P lol
That's a great idea spamel! The pointy end would be perfect and it would be easy to sharpen up the other one :D
Just read this thread with disbelief quite honestly.
Firstly, nice article Cobweb, I like things like this, I wouldn't take it light weight camping, and yes you could carve them but what the hell I've got a set of fold up titanium chopsticks.... IMay get the DoE kids making some of these.
Don't stop posting Dr O, if the others don't want the info they don't have to read it, yes there is an risk in everything but it doesn't cost anything to be better informed, whether or not you act on it is personal choice, but don't give up because of others moaning.
There are some really negative comments on here that are in no way constructive, lets try and make this positive please, I'm off work for a fortnight now and not being able to move far I really don't want to sit here and read petty disagreements.
Wallenstein
13-03-2008, 20:00
So any solid conclusions on the best wire to use?
Would a wire coathanger do the job, or does it need to be a bit stiffer?
Would be great to see pics of any other efforts!
Bernie Garland
13-03-2008, 20:23
So any solid conclusions on the best wire to use?
Would a wire coathanger do the job, or does it need to be a bit stiffer?
Would be great to see pics of any other efforts!
Stainless is best,but i'd have no probs using a coat hanger.
Bernie
The good news for me is that most things I cook over a fire end up heavily carbonised anyway, hopefully that will help counteract any poisoning I may subject myself to :lmao::lmao::lmao:
I'm pretty sure a wire coat hanger would work really well.
Bernie Garland
13-03-2008, 20:32
The good news for me is that most things I cook over a fire end up heavily carbonised anyway, hopefully that will help counteract any poisoning I may subject myself to :lmao::lmao::lmao:
I'm pretty sure a wire coat hanger would work really well.
Totally agree Andy:D
Bernie
lostplanet
13-03-2008, 21:29
What you need:
18" of relatively stiff steel wire (you can snarf this from a broken fence.)
Wire Cutters
Strong Pliers (Square or round nose, it doesn't matter)
Something Cylindrical.
'Snarf' is the funiest word i've heard this year :) Great thread, Good Job.
firebreather
13-03-2008, 21:52
Great tutorial. I love mine (a gift following this thread cheers mate :D ) and will be making others.
Greg
just read this, good tutorial, thanks for putting it up and keep them coming :D
For those that actually got heated about it, err...why? It's an appropriate subject in the appropriate forum, if you don't like things that people make then don't come and look in this forum, stick to the ones that will not upset your puritan views on what you believe bushcraft is. As for the site going down the pan for allowing appropriate posts/threads in the appropriate places...I'm just confused...:rolleyes:
:D
Hey 'Tony', if that is in fact your real name -which I doubt- you leave my mate Jason alone,,:cussing:
Aaron, you are well out of line regardless of whether this was an attempt at humour, sarcasm or irritation.
"Hey 'Tony', if that is in fact your real name -which I doubt- you leave my mate Jason alone,, :cussing: "
Two Mods have stated quite clearly that the thread is fine, in the right place, and there is no reason for any dispute.
Tony not only runs the BcUK website, he allows folks like yourselves to have a voice on it.
There are very few rules, might I suggest you familiarise yourself with them *before* you post again in this manner.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45
Meanwhile you have been carded.
Toddy
Hey 'Tony', if that is in fact your real name -which I doubt- you leave my mate Jason alone,,:cussing:
Ah, heck you caught me :puppy_dog Do you want to tell everyone that's known me for 30 odd years that Tony just isn't my name? I'm not sure how many would believe you but i'm sure that you've based your assumption on something?
As for your mate Jason, heck, I think he's ok and i've enjoyed spending time with him in the past, ask him about the nice big salmon of mine that he learned to ponass with. (Oh, by the way, he calls me 'Tony' as well ;) ) What your post does is prolong an issue that was dead and buried, we don't drag things out, a point was made and that was the end of it..not any more it seems because you wanted to make a point, do the tit for tat thing, which is fine, you obviously thought about it and posted because it was important to you.
For clarification though - I think this thread is fine and it's in the right place for the content posted, just like I think that puritan views (of which I admit to a few) are also appropriate when in the right place, or when discussing specific subjects where opinion is part of the conversation, now and then they don't combine well though and that's when we point out that it's not appropriate.
Hope that explains things ;)
I assure you Toddy and Tony it wasnt an attempt at anything or trying to drag anything out, I am just sticking up for a good mate of mine. Feel free to do what you feel you must (and have done). And as regards reading the forum rules, I'm afraid that I feel that it would lead to me spending two precious minutes of my life that I wouldnt get back.
And Tony - sorry about the identity mixup but I was told that you were in fact Lord Lukan, on the run these past years. Obviously the drunken man in the bus station this morning was mistaken!
Cheers, Aaron:)
Bernie Garland
14-03-2008, 22:29
Ah, heck you caught me :puppy_dog Do you want to tell everyone that's known me for 30 odd years that Tony just isn't my name? I'm not sure how many would believe you but i'm sure that you've based your assumption on something?
As for your mate Jason, heck, I think he's ok and i've enjoyed spending time with him in the past, ask him about the nice big salmon of mine that he learned to ponass with. (Oh, by the way, he calls me 'Tony' as well ;) ) What your post does is prolong an issue that was dead and buried, we don't drag things out, a point was made and that was the end of it..not any more it seems because you wanted to make a point, do the tit for tat thing, which is fine, you obviously thought about it and posted because it was important to you.
For clarification though - I think this thread is fine and it's in the right place for the content posted, just like I think that puritan views (of which I admit to a few) are also appropriate when in the right place, or when discussing specific subjects where opinion is part of the conversation, now and then they don't combine well though and that's when we point out that it's not appropriate.
Hope that explains things ;)
Very well said Tony and Toddy,and my apologies for getting a bit irate in thread,i most probably will again sometime get irate, but am in total agreement with the way this forum is moderated.
Bernie
Did some people misread the title of this thread for "How to make a fire fight" ;)
As has been said, I'd probably shave a stick most times but it's nice to have the idea rattling around the noggin with all the scrap wire that's lying around the countryside.
Dunno Wayland, fire and flames have a way of going together :lmao:
Bernie Garland
14-03-2008, 22:39
Just baffles me how an informative thread by cobweb, on making a toasting fork out of a bit of scrap wire, galvanised coat hanger or whatever,can cause all this hassle and must admit i got myself roped in.
Bernie
Oi Tony you leave my mate Aaron alone:p ;) just JOKING
:lurk: This thread had gone completely weird, I haven't a clue why this is gone this way...
I never thought that fire forks would be such a contentious issue...
:twak: :AR15firin :welcome:
This may be a silly question, and goodness knows I'm actually slightly scared to ask it now, but now I've had a thunk about it, I don't get it. Not fire forks, they seem perfectly good, we had a mini trident type of one for our coal fire, and I dare say many of you also had / have something similar if you've got coal fires, but it was thinking about the trident style that made me ponder. Would it be easier to split a stick and insert a U shaped bit of wire in the split and bind it? I am I missing something in the design and usage here, quite likely really as I tend to miss the most obvious even if it's staring me in the face. I'm not saying the bendy thing isn't good, it looks cool as a cucumber I'm just curious. Or is it that once you've done all the bendyness you don't need to split and bind.. ahh see told you I was daft. Answered me own question. well well well.
Cheers Nag.
If you sharpen the points, you scrape the zink off.
Wallenstein
15-03-2008, 18:36
Or is it that once you've done all the bendyness you don't need to split and bind.. ahh see told you I was daft. Answered me own question. well well well.
Yeah, basically the tension of the wire grips the stick, so nothing else required. :)
The thing about splitting the stick is that you still need to split it, probably using a knife. Split too little and the cleft won't stop unwanted rotation. Too much and the split will wander to one side and break off.
The nice thing about these gadgets is that you don't need a knife at all. Just snap a stick off.
I made half a dozen after watching my 16 year old cousin and three of his mates stood in a line sharpening sticks with their SAKs. The follow through was treacherous. If they hadn't all be sharpening in unison they would've punchered each others lungs.
I used an old wire grill shelf from a oven. Ideal, apart from being a tad difficult to bend. Grips the stick well though, and perfect for after dinner entertainment by gripping it on a 16 year olds' little finger.
.... Grips the stick well though, and perfect for after dinner entertainment by gripping it on a 16 year olds' little finger.
:lmao: you're a sick sick man.. :D
Nag.
For heavens sake, I let it cool down first.
For heavens sake, I let it cool down first.
:lmao: ahh thats okay then.. :)
Nag.
scottishwolf
16-03-2008, 01:50
If you sharpen the points, you scrape the zink off.
here here, good first post mate :) :D welcome, it's not always like this btw :o