Not truly light PRODUCING, but need something for a torch.

[Sproles]

OK - here's the deal. I am making a "fire piston" http://www.firepiston.com/ (you may have heard of them) and I am using an old 2xAAA mini mag light body as the tube portion.

What I need is a pice of aluminum that is the exact ID (inner diam.) of the inside of this flashlight tube...which would be exactly the same as the OD of AAA batteries.

I went to the hardware store today and struck out. I need to see if someone here has anything in the light making arsenal that would be able to help me out on this quest. The length would need to be 5-6 inches no more. One long and straight piece of aluminum or brass that is the same OD as the inside of a AAA mag light OR the OD of AAA batteries.

Please let me know via PM if you have any options for me.

Many thanks!
Sproles

 

[munkybiz_9881]

Not that I have a good idea for you just yet, but......how does this thing work???

You have my curiousity up now......

Also are you looking for round bar stock or flat stock??

 

[Sproles]

Round. The way it works is FASCINATING. Imagine a diesel engine...this fire lighting technique is what inspired Diesel to invent the engine. In theory (I say that b/c I have not done it yet) you compress air in an enclosed space so fast that it ignites a piece of tender (char-cloth normally) that is placed in the end of the PISTON part. It is an "ancient" southeast asia fire starting method and is a really cool and reliable way to get a fire started. SO, ever since I saw this thing on a video, I have been wanting to make one of my own - they are not that cheap to buy...and I figured that if I made one, I would certainly understand how the whole thing worked by the time I got it right.

The key is a nice tight fit and the ability to put an o-ring sela towards the end to create that air tight seal.

Sproles

 

[Bushman5]

every outsdoorperson should have a fire piston!

here is a site about firepistons for those not in the know!
http://www.firepiston.com/

:twothumbs

 

[havand]

I got fascinated by these a little bit ago after seeing survivorman use one. I was a bit put off by the (seemingly) excessive prices being charged by most places. It's just 2 high precision piece of aluminum. The acrylic ones are neat because you can see the ember burning. Anyway, if anyone decides to make one or finds a good cheap source of them, please, let me know!