Char Cloth from Spent Patches

[wirehairman]

After perusing numerous threads, I set out to make my first batch of char cloth. As I sat pondering where to get some nice, tightly woven cloth, my eyes fell upon the box of spent patches I pick up after each shooting session.

I decided what the heck and gave it a try.

They looked right after "cooking" them.

They also lit up with the first spark I managed to get from my flint and steel (which I'm not very good with yet). Guess I've found a new recycling program for my old patches.

 

[mazo kid]

That's a good way to recycle the patches. Although they are a bit small for my liking, I guess you could take 3-4 of them and arrange them so catching sparks would be easier.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Buy some hemp rope, or jute wrapping string to unravel to make your Nest, to make it easier to blow that ember into fire. Bot are more easily stored, and will burn faster than what I see in your fire kit.

 

[wetpowder]

:thumbsup: Thank you Sir, a great tip. :grin:

 

[Swampman]

linen tow also makes a good "nest" for starting fires. You can use the dirty tow left over from cleaning your gun once it drys.

 

[Many Klatch]

Whatever jute or rope that you use, check first to see if it has been fireproofed. A lot of twine and rope are fireproofed these days, even though it isn't listed on the label. We used to use Macramé twine to make a birds nest but after a few years, we found that we couldn't get the new stuff to light.

Many Klatch

 

[Len Graves]

Right fine idea. I will start saving my spent patches. I did notice that quite a few birds nests at our range are made from spent patches. Bet you can't turn your patches into a house!