Author Topic: WHAT DO YOU USE TO LIGHT THE FUZE?? (Read 1227 times)

Blaster · « **on:** May 05, 2005, 11:09:10 AM »

Just wondering what methods are currently being used by each shooter/reader of this Black Powder Cannon/Mortar forum, to light the fuze (providing you do use a fuze for your cannon/mortar firing). Some folks use methods such as: kitchen stick matches, book matches, blow torch, firecracker punk, linstock etc. At a recent cannon match, I noticed most of the shooters were utilizing a propane blow torch which was ignited by the press of a button. Wind certainly didn't affect the flame. Upon the fuze being lit, the blow torch was immediately placed on the ground close to the side of the carriage or mortar bed. Your input with this information will sure be appreciated. Many thanks. Blaster (Bob in CO)

GGaskill · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2005, 12:05:53 PM »

When I use fuse, I use an Aim-and-Flame to light it.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2005, 01:59:11 PM »

Kitchen matches - wooden. Strike on box type. Standard cannon fuse.

Evil Dog · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2005, 02:12:10 PM »

Linstock with 3/8" cotton rope.... American-made Visco fuse or roll'em myself Post-It Note quills.

CAV Trooper · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2005, 05:19:52 PM »

I use a very short piece of fuze in my handgonne (cannon on a stick) and light it with slow match on a linstock. The howitzer is primed with loose 4Fg in the touch hole and is also lit with slowmatch on a linstock.

CU_Cannon · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:19:17 PM »

Zippo

Watch out for the hot gasses after lighting. They don't burn so much as dry out your skin. Almost like a bad sun burn.

John N · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2005, 03:41:27 AM »

Just for grins, I lit off a few pieces of fuse stuck into the ground with a 4" magnifying glass. Once I got the concentrated light on the end of the fuse, it almost immediately started smoking and then lit off within about 5 seconds. Not sure what this proves if anything, but it seems like a novel way of lighting a fuse.

I hate to admit it, but in windy conditions when matches or a lighter are difficult to use, I touch the end of a burning cigarette to the fuse, being careful not to break off any embers that could fall into the vent hole. This method will light off the fuse within a second or two.

I am not recommending either method, just adding (?) :grin: to this discussion.

Double D · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2005, 04:38:23 AM »

JohnN...magnifing glass...you have to much free time!

Are you going to join us at N-SSA in two weeks?

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #8 on:** May 07, 2005, 05:33:51 AM »

Quote from: John N

Just for grins, I lit off a few pieces of fuse stuck into the ground with a 4" magnifying glass. Once I got the concentrated light on the end of the fuse, it almost immediately started smoking and then lit off within about 5 seconds. ... .

That's right out of Mary Poppins - the signal cannon set off by the magnifying glass rigth at noon!

John N · « **Reply #9 on:** May 07, 2005, 06:56:21 AM »

Double D,

It looks like Friday afternoon (mortar match) and Saturday afternoon (artillery match) are THE times to be at the N-SSA at Fort Shenandoah. Unfortunately I'll probably only be able to make the Saturday events.

Blaster · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2005, 05:46:56 AM »

I'm still hoping that someone will tell me what the "Aim-and-Flame" is, (the item that GGaskill indicated that he uses to light the fuze). Is it the push button type propane blowtorch??

Third_Rail · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2005, 05:48:53 AM »

Extended neck grill/fireplace lighter, I believe.

GGaskill · « **Reply #12 on:** May 11, 2005, 08:53:02 AM »

I looked around the internet for an image of an Aim-and-Flame before posting that post but could not find one. I'll get an image tonight and post it here.

Third_Rail · « **Reply #13 on:** May 11, 2005, 09:05:35 AM »

There you go. :grin:

Blaster · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2005, 02:55:43 PM »

OK Third_Rail and GGaskill, now I know what the Aim & Flame is. Looks like it is mfgd by Coleman. Wonder if our local Super-Walmart will carry them. I have seen and have bought the little Bic lighters, those are about 10 inches in length, but they sure aren't stable/reliable enought for attempting to light a fuze. Walmart is about one of the only stores in our little town that may just carry this lighter, perhaps in their camping section. I'll start looking since the Coleman in the picture apprears quite substantial. Thanks guys. Blaster (Bob in CO)

GGaskill · « **Reply #15 on:** May 11, 2005, 03:00:34 PM »

The Coleman one is fancier than an ordinary Aim-and-Flame. There are cheap Chinese ones out there also but they don't seem to last long enough to use up their initial charge of butane.

Third_Rail · « **Reply #16 on:** May 11, 2005, 03:36:45 PM »

I actually have one of the Zippo lighters. As nice as the Zippos are, DON'T BUY THE LARGE LIGHTER! It seems to be a rebranded Chinese model; quality in a word: poor.

IntrepidWizard · « **Reply #17 on:** May 11, 2005, 05:53:46 PM »

Tough Old Cowboy!

A tough old cowboy counseled his grandson that if he wanted to live a

long

life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gun powder on his oatmeal

every

morning. The grandson did this religiously to the age of 103.

When he died, he left 14 children, 30 grandchildren, 45 great

grandchildren, 25 great-great grand children, and a 15 foot hole where

the

crematorium used to be.