magneseum question

[wolfsong]

Is there a problem or concern about shaving magneseum shavings and  and storing them in, say, a film can or something simular befroe you head out into the field? Seems it would save time and trouble, especially if your hands are cold and numb, or it's windy or raining. What do ya think? Wolfsong.

[jpsmith1]

The only things that I can think of are:

1> Friction.  Possibly building up enough heat to self-ignite.  I really don't think this is possible, but figured I'd say it, just in case. 

2> Storage.  More specifically, the storage container popping open and spilling the magnesium that you desperately need all through your bag.

Just my thoughts.

[corbanzo]

Just get some of those tiny bottles with the twist on top, nalgene makes some good ones, so you can get a small enough amount that friction shouldnt be a problem, and they wont spill.

[Ridgeviewer]

You might consider a static charge as an issue. I can't say it will happen, but I do know how hot Magnesium burns if it should...
A cotton ball or two rubbed in vasoilene, and placed in a film vial is safe, and 1/2 cotton ball will burn about a minute. The cotton ball will help catch the mag shavings as you are peeling them, should you decide to try that.
Good luck, Ridge

[dla]

I don't think magnesium shavings are worth the effort - there are better fire starters. I never could get the hang of keeping the shavings together. The Mil-surplus triox bars will light with a spark from a flint - that's what I use.

[WolfBrother]

Is there a problem or concern about shaving magnesium shavings and  and storing them in, say, a film can or something similar before you head out into the field? Seems it would save time and trouble, especially if your hands are cold and numb, or it's windy or raining. What do ya think? Wolfsong.

Long term, surface oxidation on the shavings.  Enough so that they're nowhere near as good as fresh shavings.

The Vaseline cotton ball thing is a VGood idea.

[SharonAnne]

i made emergency fire 'tinders' from corrugated cardboard rolled up and stuffed in plastic film cans. I then filled them with melted wax with cardboard exposed to serve as a wick.

[DCRthe3rd]

I don't think magnesium shavings are worth the effort - there are better fire starters. I never could get the hang of keeping the shavings together. The Mil-surplus triox bars will light with a spark from a flint - that's what I use.

Read what that guy said , and listen to it , forget those shavings , don't believe me , go use them yourself on a nice non windy sunny day , then decide if thats what you want in a survival situation.
That magneseum makes a nice handle for your striker and thats about it , take a candle , light it and drip some wax onto cotton balls and there is your fire starters , the fuel bars work well but cost more although if the fuel bars get wet a little drying off will have them ready to light right up

[tn_junk]

In my past life I worked in the weapons system/munitions industry. Went to a plant where they shaved magnesium for use in He rounds. They had the machines in a building seperate from the main plant, cause the magnesium would ignite ever so often and burn everything up.
Wouldn't even think of storing magnesium any way except solid form.

alan