Green stick or branch that’s at least 2 feet (61 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) thick Cotton cloth or birch bark Fuel, such as kerosene, naphtha-based camp fuel, lighter fluid, or rendered animal or vegetable fat Matches or lighter
Alternatively, you can use a strip of birch bark if you don’t have fabric. Find a birch tree and peel a strip that’s about 6 inches (15 cm) wide and 2 feet (61 cm) long. If you’re using bark, you’ll also need twine, rope, string, or some reeds to tie it in place.
For birch bark, wrap the bark snugly around the end of the torch. When you get to the end of the bark, hold the bark in place and tie a string or reed around the top and bottom of the wick to hold the bark in place.
With a birch wick, you don’t have to soak the wick because the bark contains natural resins that will burn.
Don’t burn your torch in dry, heavily wooded areas, as you could set the surrounding wood on fire. Don’t burn the torch inside houses or buildings. Hold the torch at arm’s length to avoid burning yourself. Be mindful of any falling sparks and embers, too, as these could ignite your clothes or other surroundings.
Hollow reed, stick, cane, or bamboo piece Fuel Matches or lighter
Because cattails are rather flimsy, you’ll also need to find a hollow stick or cane that you can insert the cattail into. The stick will act as a holder. Make sure it’s at least 2 feet (61 cm) long.
Good fuels for this purpose include diesel fuel, naphtha-based camp fuel, lighter fluid, or rendered animal or vegetable fat.
A cattail torch could give you up to six hours of flame. Don’t burn these torches inside or near other flammable objects. Hold the torch away from your body to avoid burns.
Aluminum pole that’s at least an inch (2. 5 cm) thick and 2 feet (61 cm) long Kevlar fabric Kevlar twine Scissors 2 quarter-inch (6 mm) self-drilling aluminum screws Drill or screwdriver Bucket Naphtha-based camp fuel Old towel Matches or lighter
Kevlar is a durable synthetic fabric that’s made from plastic. However, it’s flame-resistant and doesn’t melt, making it ideal for torches. [5] X Research source Kevlar is often used by fire jugglers and fire poi performers.
Aluminum has a smooth surface, and to prevent the Kevlar wick from sliding down the torch, you have to secure it in place with screws. It’s important to use aluminum for the pole and screws, because aluminum won’t conduct the heat from the torch.
Use two pieces of twine to tie the fabric, one near the top and bottom of the wick.
To put out the flame before it burns out, cover the top with a metal container, such as a soda can with the top cut off. Hold the can there to smother the flame until the torch goes out.
