Recommendations on the best way to light a fuse?

[John C]

I recently picked up a pair of Dominick's wonderful sled GB mortars.  While firing them in fairly severe wind, I had trouble using regular butane BBQ lighters to light fuses.  I was/am using cannonfuse.com 3 inch precut fuses.  I think these are the Chinese Visco fuse.

What is everyone else using to light fuses?

Thanks,

-John

[Double D]

Linstock will work in the wind but not real well on green fuse.

Self igniting propane torch also will work in the wind.

[gunsonwheels]

DD:
 

Self igniting propane torch also will work in the wind.

At the annual cannon shoot in Casper, we see mostly these and the wind is howling pretty often (it weans out the 40's on the 800 yard target  ).

[John C]

Can you gentlemen recommend a specific self-igniting torch that has worked well for you?

Thanks,

-John

[Microboomer]

I have two small torches - at work I have a Bernzomatic that cost ~$25.  It has some nice safety features and a soldering attachment that I've never used.  Then I got one from Harbor Freight for 7.99 - it is pretty simple with a gas valve and an ignition button.  I actually like the HF torch better.
This is the ONLY time I've found a tool at Harbor Freight that I liked better than a more expensive model!
andy

[keith44]

well I guess I need one too, I'm still using matches.

[KABAR2]

BBQ lighters also work and get you a little way away from the fuse.......and they are cheap.
Ways not to light the fuse:
don't light it with your cigar like they do in the movies.....
Don't light loose powder on the touch hole with a cigar either..... I had left my linstock home the howitzer was loaded with a blank load I was making up a subsitute linstock when a fellow offerd to light it with his cigar before I could say no don't he applied said cigar to the powder the flame out the touch hole blew the cigar apart and burned his fingers not badly but enough so he would'nt to that again.........

[seacoastartillery]

BBQ lighters also work and get you a little way away from the fuse.......and they are cheap.    Take it from a veteran high-wind artillery shooter, fuses are difficult to light with these, because the flame is so wimpy and easily is blown out.
Ways not to light the fuse:

don't light it with your cigar like they do in the movies.....  Why not light a FUSE with a cigar??  It works fine.  See video below:      Please click on the image to view the video clip.








Don't light loose powder on the touch hole with a cigar either..... I had left my linstock home the howitzer was loaded with a blank load I was making up a substitute linstock when a fellow offered to light it with his cigar before I could say no don't he applied said cigar to the powder the flame out the touch hole blew the cigar apart and burned his fingers not badly but enough so he wouldn't to that again......... A clown this stupid would be instantly ejected from our range or any that we occasionally visit!!!

[Double D]

Why not light a FUSE with a cigar?? 

Because second hand tobacco smoke is not healthy... .

[smokemjoe]

 I let the  helpers light my mortars, Gives them a good feeling and gets them in the game, Save me from the fuse burning my fingers, But now I use wooden matchs when I do, Going to look at the HF lighter now, Thanks- Joe

[IvarForkbeard]

I use slow match that I make myself from cotton mops. Separate the strands, soak in saltpeter solution, dry flat.