Mini Project #4: DIY Match-Torch Fire Starter

Hi Instructables Community,

as promised yesterday I'm publishing my Mini Project #4 today. This time we will be looking at making a slightly more complex fire starter that I call the Match-Torch or Morch. Although it is relatively simple to make it will take a little longer than previous projects.

Please note that the video and this Instructable differ in a number of steps so I recommend you watch both. The video shows one of my first tries to make this fire starter whilst the Instructable is based upon an advanced version.

If you like this Instructable please vote, fav, share, subscribe & comment. You can also check my YouTube, Facebook and Twitter sites for current and upcoming projects.

Take care & stay safe

Cheers Alex

You will need the following materials:

1. 40-50cm / 8-12 Inches cotton wick (I used two gun cleaning wicks with each being 20cm - 8 Inches long)
2. 1 Fireplace match (10cm - 4 Inches long)
3. 7 strike-anywhere matches
4. Petroleum jelly
5. Candle wax
6. Wood glue
7. Short strip of masking tape (Not on the picture)

You will need the following tools:

1. Side cutters/wire cutters
2. A small pot
3. A heat source (I'm using a gas stove in my shop)

The core of the fire starter consists of a bundle of matches which are the main source of ignition and also fuel.

1. Start by measuring and marking the length of a strike-anywhere match (SAM) on the fire place match. The match heads have to touch each other.
2. Add a small drop of wood glue to the point you just marked.
3. Place the SAM on the glue and press together firmly. Hold the match in place for a few minutes
4. Continue by gluing more matches around the fireplace match. I used a short strip of masking tape to hold all matches in place until the glue has dried.

Like in a candle the wicks will provide a steady flame burning the wax and petroleum jelly (PJ).

1. I added some PJ to my hand and lubricated both wicks until they were thoroughly soaked.
2. Next you start wrapping your wick(s) around the matches until you reach the match heads. Do not cover the match heads.

1. Melt your candle wax on low heat on your heat source.
2. Dip the fire starter into the wax ensuring that the whole fire starter is covered. Repeat this 1-2 times to ensuring all has been covered whilst allowing the wax on the fire starter to cool down in between.
3. Check if all match heads and the wicks have been covered.

1. Use your wire cutters/side cutters to snip off the end of the fireplace match behind where you started wrap the wicks around.
2. Your fire starter is ready for use.

To use the fire starter you can scratch off some wax from the match heads (although I was successful igniting the matches with the wax on). Now scratch the fire starter with the strike-anywhere matches over a dry surface that offers some friction. If you are for whatever reason unable to ignite the fire starter with this method you can unwrap the wicks and use them as tinder with a ferro rod and they will catch a flame quickly.

Although the fire starters are waterproof I suggest you keep them separate in a plastic bag to avoid damaging them.

Happy making.