In keeping with the idea of using a wrist mounted reflector, I wondered if a concave watch face would work so I began a search for one and found one.

As usual, the size of an optical device can make a huge difference in results. A watch face is relatively small but under full sunlight it can successfully create an ember.

While using a reflector solar device, be sure to point it directly at the sun. If a small reflector is used it might need to be slightly offset so your tinder will not block the sun.

You can determine the focal point of the sun’s rays by placing your finger above the reflecting surface and raise it or lower it to observe where the light is aimed and how broad or narrow is the beam. The smallest point of light is the hot spot where your tinder should be held.

As with all optical methods it is best to select dark material for tinder and if it is fiberous, pinch it tight to create a flat surface on which to focus as there is no focus on fluff. The condensed material also transfers heat and helps to create a coal.

In the photo I wore the watch on my wrist to illustrate the possible use and method of a bracelet to light fire during a Mayan ceremony. However, I found that using the watch in hand was more convenient. I’m happy to say that my solar experiment was successful.

I had tried this method a few times without success so I wondered “what would make this work?”. I decided that I needed a shinier surface so I went to a “dollar” store and bought a Mylar balloon. After trimming off the edges of the balloon and separating the resulting sheets I repeated the process of oiling the lid and placed a Mylar sheet shiny side out onto the surface and WOW! Smoke appeared so fast that it was almost scary! I used a piece of rolled-up newspaper for the tinder. When using tinder for solar fires it is best to use dark fibrous material so if you use newspaper, make sure to focus on a dark print area for best results.

Using Mylar gave me great results! But, I will continue my quest of using aluminum foil as a reflector to achieve a coal. Quoting from the film “The Edge”, I am admonished with this: “what one man can do, another can do”. Fortunately, right now is a good time of year to achieve my goal as the sun is at it’s highest point in the sky and should give me the best results for this solar firecraft method.

Throughout the day I met CTA members and some had traveled from as far away as Maine. From my area I could watch activities underway such as trap shooting and static clay pigeon target shooting. There were special events for kids as well. It was a treat to see the variety of bows, arrows and associated equipment made by vendors and members alike.

At each event that I attend where I set up a campfire, I like to start the fire using different techniques. This particular morning I used a “trash” broken car headlight reflector. By placing tinder where the bulb used to be and pointing the reflector at the sun, I was able to get a coal burning in short order. I also demonstrated this method using a metal mixing bowl as a reflector as illustrated in the photo.

In keeping with the genre of the event I demonstrated a more traditional fire method using the bow and spindle. The first demo went fast and easy but a second demo later in the afternoon was hampered by windy conditions. I made several attempts while a group of volunteer firemen watched. Growing tired, I offered one of the fellows a chance to continue the process. On his second try he created a beautiful coal and was successful in achieving his first bow and spindle fire. Now he can make fire AND put it out!

I enjoyed myself at this great event and look forward to participating next year. You can check out the Carolina Traditional Archers website at: http://thecta.org

There have been various historical and religious celebrations on this day, but I celebrate it because, for me, it begins the optical firecraft season. The higher the sun is in positioned, the better its’ performance to generate heat. A noon-time sun can be more advantageous when using fluid optics such as when using water in an open vessel placed over tinder beneath it. I have included a photo of some of the various items that I have used to make fire by the optical method. Although this season works best, larger devices such as a page-sized Fresnel lens almost always works as long as there is direct sunlight. Size DOES make a difference when using optics. So whether you reflect light off a mirrored surface, or refract light through a lens, now is the time begin experimenting and practicing, so that you will be ready for an optically generated fire.

Fire by ice optical method

Now that Summer has arrived, the sun is at it’s best for optical fire methods. You can use concave reflectors that you point at the sun and find the focus point where you hold the tinder. Some items that I’ve used include flashlights, soda cans, broken headlights, jewelry, doorknobs, compact mirrors, etc. Also, you can use convex lenses. Some items that I’ve used include marbles, paper weights, magnifying lens, fresnel lens, clear light bulbs, vases, plastic bags, etc. Visit my Contact page and drop me a line with other items that you have used!

I was thinking about how many ways that I have made fire… but really, there are five ways (see Ken’s five fire categories) but each way has many means to accomplish it. Take for instance, the OPTICAL way uses light, but the means to accomplish making a fire include a flashlight reflector, car headlight reflector, silver mixing bowl, modified CD, soda can, makeup mirror, glass paper weight, lens shaped ice, pocket Fresnel lens magnifier, glass magnifying lens, etc.. Also, water filled items include soda bottles, plastic bags, condoms, flower vase bowls, clear light bulbs, and more. The point is to concentrate heat in a spot long enough to cause combustion. It’s really a lot of fun to figure out different methods, and of course, in a survival situation, it could save your life!