How to make jute tow

[Banjoman]

For those who might be interested, here’s how I make jute tow.

Start with something like this


Cut it to about this length



Separate it into strands



Separate those strands again




You end up with something like this

 

[hanshi]

I did the same thing to make tow. I cut the lengths a little shorter than you did but otherwise we seem to do it the same way.

 

[AwwNaww]

Giving the ball of twine to a cat might be quicker.

 

[tenngun]

Do it the same way

 

[Trigger]

I'll ask here. easy to make and I have it for the garden.

How much we packing down there? And all.

 

[Trigger]

Would it brush out like that.. the right hair brush and a pony tail of it might go smooth brush it out..

 

[wiscoaster]

Cool. Very nice how-to. Bookmarked for future ref.

 

[Trigger]

Cool. Very nice how-to. Bookmarked for future ref.

Screen shot it.. make a Google pics folder for muzzloader..

That what I do for easyer references.

I'm going to organize what I want and maybe even order a photo book of the important stuff.

Like this one was a video.. I screen shot the info for info. It's pyrodex vs BP.

 

[wiscoaster]

Screen shot it.. make a Google pics folder for muzzloader..

That what I do for easyer references.

I'm going to organize what I want and maybe even order a photo book of the important stuff.

Post it online as a PDF?

 

[Banjoman]

I'll ask here. easy to make and I have it for the garden.

How much we packing down there? And all.

In my shooting pouch I carry about a baseball to softball sized wad because it’s soft and mashes flat easy enough.

 

[Banjoman]

Would it brush out like that.. the right hair brush and a pony tail of it might go smooth brush it out..

I don’t brush it. It’s just like that when you separate the strands.

I’ve tried real flax tow, sheeps wool, wasp nest, brown paper, news paper, grass, leaves, wool scraps and a couple other things I don’t recall right now. Other than real tow, this is the best wadding I’ve tried. I like it.

 

[Trigger]

Post it online as a PDF?

No clue how.. I think I need an app to convert it..

I don't mind when I get it organized posting it.

You might see skychief and all in it maybe a screen name or two.. it's kinda cool.

 

[Trigger]

I don’t brush it. It’s just like that when you separate the strands.

I’ve tried real flax tow, sheeps wool, wasp nest, brown paper, news paper, grass, leaves, wool scraps and a couple other things I don’t recall right now. Other than real tow, this is the best wadding I’ve tried. I like it.

If I like it.. I'll stuff my teddy bear With it. little one. One of the beanie baby things.. I'll see what the kids give me.

 

[Trigger]

.

 

[Ohio Rusty]

That jute tow is excellent for starting fires with a flint and steel. Get your char cloth glowing, wrap it in a bundle of jute tow, blow on it then WOOSH !! The historical village where I volunteer in the Blacksmith shop, I do alot of fire demonstrations for the public. I have alot of jute cord to unravel yet to add to my fire making bundle.
Ohio Rusty ><>

 

[dracer]

thanks

 

[shorthair]

Giving the ball of twine to a cat might be quicker.

Snipping the cats scratching post works fine, and they are determined to make sure that I always have a good supply.

 

[waksupi]

I've used old tent ropes that were worn out. Clean guns with the strands until they wear out for that job, then use it for tinder. Old rope itself works great for flint and steel tinder.

Waste not, want not!

 

[Notchy Bob]

For those who might be interested, here’s how I make jute tow.

Start with something like this
View attachment 311476

Cut it to about this length

View attachment 311477

Separate it into strands

View attachment 311478

Separate those strands again

View attachment 311479


You end up with something like this

View attachment 311480

That’s exactly how I do it, too. Great minds think alike, as my dad used to say.

For starting fires with flint and steel, I start with about a two-foot piece… three handspans, from the tip of the little finger to the tip of the thumb. Cut that in half, then cut the halves in half, and you end up with four pieces roughly six inches long. Then pull them apart just a @Banjoman said, and you have a perfect size bird’s nest for getting that fire going.

I prefer to keep a coil of the twine handy and just prepare the “tow” when or as needed. The tow is easy to prepare and the twine is more compact for carrying than the fluff, and who knows? You might need a piece of twine for tying or binding something. In that case the tow wouldn’t do you much good.

I prefer a jag and patches for cleaning and leather, felt, or card wads for shooting. Jute tow lights up very easily, which is why it makes such good tinder, but where I live it can create a fire hazard when shooting.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

That jute tow is excellent for starting fires with a flint and steel.

For starting fires with flint and steel, I start with about a two-foot piece …

FYI, there is an 'oil' or other processing lubricant on those balls of jute, so while 'dry', it is not a clean dry if you will. For best results when using as a fire starter, take 3-4' cut lengths and tie them off to a tree out in the backyard to air and dry out in the sun, wind and/or rain for weeks/months at a time.

Gather some when you know it's good and dry! And store it in a non-periodic correct ZipLok baggie, haha!

At one woodswalk I attend, one is not only timed when starting a fire with flint and steel, but you also need to light a candle by that flame too! One 'pro' did it in only 7-seconds the other weekend! Yup, you read that correctly!