DIY Finnish candle. Video and photo instructions. Swedish candle or burning log How to light a Finnish candle
Every person who from time to time gets out of the house into nature should be able to make a fire to cook food and warm up. However, not everyone can make a “Finnish candle” - a fire that never goes out on its own, even if there is snow, slush and gusty wind around.
Advantages of the Finnish candle
The main advantage of such a fire is that you don’t have to worry about it, even if there is dirt and slush around. In winter, you don’t have to worry that the snow under the fire will begin to melt and thereby extinguish the fire. Finally, a “Finnish candle” is safer than a regular fire in places where there is a lot of dry grass and leaves. Finally, such a fire can simply be moved from place to place. The “candle” will burn all night, and it will only require one log. And the shape of the fire is such that it is convenient to use when cooking - after all, pots or a kettle can simply be placed on top of a log, like on a burner.
How to make a “Finnish candle”
In order to make a “Finnish candle”, you need to have a log 30-50 cm thick, as well as a saw. The height of the log is not that important. The cut is made approximately three-quarters deep. Most often they cut into 4, 6 or 8 parts. After this, a small hole will appear in the log. Kindling will be placed and lit in it.
If you don’t have a saw at hand (and most likely you won’t have one on a hike), you can use an ax. In this case, it will be more difficult to make such a fire. The log needs to be split into four parts with an ax. Each piece will have to be ground down in the middle so that when they are put together, a hole will form. After this, all that remains is to tie the logs with a strong rope, or better yet, with wire.
Finally, a “candle” can be made by simply stacking several logs side by side. Each should be 5-15 cm thick. Uses 3 to 8 pieces of wood.
A spoon of tar
Finally, it is worth mentioning the disadvantages of the “Finnish candle”. Preparing such a fire requires a certain skill and experience. Also, as has already become clear, you need tools. " Finnish candle» not very good for heating. You also need to take into account the fact that if the fire has been extinguished, then lighting it again will be extremely problematic, almost impossible. It’s easier to prepare a new candle.
Continuing the topic, which will help in the country and in the forest.
We're talking about a Swedish candle. It also has other names, for example “ Swedish Primus" or " log candle».
That is Swedish candle is burning log.
The idea came from Sweden - it was here that they figured out how to decorate a picnic on fresh air V dark time days. And it is no coincidence that this design was called a “log candle” - if executed correctly, it burns long and evenly, like a candle, although it is still a log.
I want to talk about different technologies making a Swedish candle.
Option 1 – classic.
We need a log. Important - dry! We are looking for dead wood in the forest. It’s better if it’s pine – resinous conifers burn beautifully in candles.
The diameter of the log is such that it can be cut. Preferably the diameter is no larger than the length of the saw.
We need to cut off one block of wood from the entire log, from 50 cm to 1 meter long (whichever is more convenient).
That is, we cut crosswise with an asterisk.
But don't cut all the way through, because the log should not fall apart.
Here's a video for clarity:
In principle, the smallest thing left is a catalyst is needed to start a fire- kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel... They say that the easiest way is - a mixture of gasoline and oil from the same saw.
And after the barbecue I still had “ lighter fluid- I used it.
I didn't pour a lot. But I found pieces of birch bark and stuck several strips into the cracks. The task is simple - give starting fire.
And when it flares up, there is no need to do anything further, the wooden candle itself continues to burn. The side vertical cuts here ensure that the air goes to the center, to the middle and at the same time to the top, which makes the flame even and quite large.
Maybe you will say - “ it's all pampering».
I disagree!
Imagine situations when we want to fry fish in a frying pan(we are fishermen, remember? J)
AND if there is no stand, then the task becomes difficult. And if strong wind blows? But with the Swedish candle we can do everything!
After all, this A wind-protected stove with a level base and stable combustion.
Photo for clarity (I fried eggs because J didn’t catch any fish).
Swedish candle option No. 2.
It is done like this:
We take a thick (later it will be clear why) block of wood. We use a chainsaw to cut square cuts from one end. Let's go as deep as possible.
(When sawing like this, sawdust flies upward like a fountain! We were covered with sawdust from head to toe!)
And then we cut the same square cut on the side of the log:
The task is to make a hollow chimney inside a log in the shape of the letter “L”.
The 236th Husqvarna coped with the cutting task easily.
A difficulty has arisen with picking out pieces of wood from a log. I had to use an ax (they used it as a lever).
And when they dug it out - it turned out to be a wooden stove - with a firebox and a chimney.
Attention - error!
I thought that if I put a frying pan on top, then I'll close top hole - and the craving will disappear = burning will be bad.
Therefore, I made cuts along the entire top part (see photo) to provide oxygen access. But that was a mistake! The log caught fire too hot and burned all over the surface:
And it was impossible to fry over such a powerful fire.
All in all, I didn't like this option– it’s not easy to do and it’s not quick.
And for those who wants it fast- There is option No. 3
The bottom line is this - you need to put together something similar to option No. 1, but from thin logs.
This option is suitable for those who do not yet have a chainsaw.
There are one or two short logs in the center of the structure, and they are surrounded by long ones. We secure (wrap) the entire structure with wire. That is, we tie together a bundle of firewood. We fill the void in the center with “kindling” - dry twigs, birch bark, etc.
Disadvantages of this option are obvious: the structure is not very stable, and besides, the wire cannot always be found. Although some craftsmen fix willow twigs(weave a ring from them).
But this option flares up very quickly!
So - the advantages of the Swedish candle:
- Smooth, stable combustion for a long time.
- Eat installation surface pots/pans.
- Can be provided burning in difficult conditions : for example in winter just stuck in a snowdrift, set it on fire and that's it. This candle can stand at one end in a puddle of water. The main thing is that the tree on top is dry from the beginning.
- We save wood. During the time this log burns, the fire will consume several times more. And with a Swedish candle we will have time to boil the pot, fry the fish, and boil it again...
- Aesthetics. Of course, we are tough fishermen, but we also have a sense of beauty. J Damn, it’s just beautiful! And the children absolutely squealed with delight!
In general - try it, you will like it!
Especially for FION.RU Andrey Medvedev (Medved)
A Swedish or Finnish candle is a simple and convenient alternative to a tripod with a pot or even a stationary outdoor stove.
Let's talk about something so simple, but very effective method build a fire, a real torch for lighting and cooking, like a Swedish candle. This method has other names: “Finnish primus”, “hunting candle”, “Indian candle”, “Canadian torch”. The option is simple, but very interesting.
How to make a Finnish Primus
The Finnish primus does not require candles at all! All that is required to create a Swedish candle is a suitable piece of log or log.
The wood for such an original hearth can be anything. According to reviews, pine and spruce are often used as the most available options, however, these woods do spark when burning, so care should be taken. Birch burns very strongly and produces smoke. But the aspen - perfect tree for a Swedish candle.
A piece of wood about half a meter high is required, although sometimes a log is taken a little higher or lower. The main thing is that it is level and can stand vertically. The diameter of the log can be from 10 to 40 cm.
The size of the log depends on the purpose for which you will use it. If you want to cook food over an open fire, you should take a log that is thicker, but relatively short and stable. A taller, but thinner log is suitable for lighting; it can be moved if necessary.
Important! The piece of log must be dry! A wet log burns very poorly, smokes a lot, and most likely you won’t be able to light a fire at all.
The logs are cut using a chainsaw. You can use a regular saw, but the process will be much longer, you will have to apply more effort. The cuts should be approximately three-quarters of the log's height. They are made crosswise. It's very similar to cutting a cake, the pieces on top look exactly like this.
How many cuts to make is up to you. Four is the minimum, you can do six or eight. Remember that the more cuts you make, the faster your log will burn!
To start the combustion process, we recommend pouring a little gasoline into the center of the cuts and then setting it on fire. A Swedish candle burns much more economically than a regular fire. It burns for a long time, the flame is even, and you can put a kettle, pot, or frying pan on top of the log. You will definitely have time to cook food on a live fire.
The second way to make a Swedish candle is to saw and split the block of wood completely into four parts. The core is removed a little so that there is empty space inside. Then the four logs are folded back into one log, secured, and wrapped with wire. In this case, sawdust can be placed in the hole in the center, which will serve as kindling.
Making a Swedish candle or Finnish primus stove yourself is very simple, although you can buy blanks already cut if you are going into nature and are not sure that you can find a suitable log in the forest.
A simple but convenient fire that burns brightly and for a long time can be built on any flat area; sometimes the log is placed on stones or other support.
Even barbecue is prepared with the help of a Swedish or taiga candle. We are sure that you will appreciate this option for creating a fireplace, especially if you often go out into nature. However, during a picnic in your own yard, you can also surprise guests with this method of making a fire. published
If you have any questions on this topic, ask them to the experts and readers of our project.
Before making a Finnish candle, prepare a saw, wire or adhesive tape, nails and a log that will become a candle. And then for production Indian candle follow the instructions:
1. Find a dry log with a diameter of 10-40 cm without knots. The tree can be anything, just keep in mind that each type has its own characteristics. For example, spruce and pine sparkle when burned, so it is better not to use them for heating. You need to be careful with birch, because it burns very strongly, you can get burned, and it smokes a little due to the tar in the bark. Best option- well-dried aspen. When burning, its flame is even and colorless.
2. Cut it depending on the purpose of the candle (15-40 cm). If you will be lighting a fire for cooking, use a log that is thick and short so that you can place the dishes directly on it. The candle will be stable. For lighting, on the contrary, a long and thin candle that can be carried if necessary will be convenient. And for heating you need a thick and long one so that for a long time burn.
3. Split a dry log into four pieces. These will later be used to make a Swedish fire.
4. In each part, remove the middle so that when assembling the log you get a hole with a diameter of 5-7 cm, and make small notches. Perfect option, if you find a hollow tree. After cutting or splitting, you will need to scrape out the rotten middle of the hollow.
5. Fold 4 logs into a single log, wrapping them with wire, trying to leave as few gaps as possible. This will prevent them from falling apart and quickly burning through large gaps. This way you should end up with a solid log with an empty middle.
6. Place the sawdust that remains after cutting off the middle or birch bark into the opening for kindling. Filling wooden primus and its location affects the degree of combustion. Located at the top of the hole, birch bark will burn for a long time, only weakly. This candle is more suitable for warming up food or for heating. Well, if you put the birch bark on the bottom, the fire will be very strong, which is good for cooking or lighting, but the candle will not last long. The best option is its location in the middle. Also make sure that there is draft for combustion. To do this, place the candle on stones or logs.
That's all the instructions on how to make a taiga candle.
The original mini-bonfire is also called a taiga, Indian, or Swedish candle. Thanks to the peculiarities of making Finnish candles and the use of intense flame, they successfully replace traditional fires on hikes, at picnics and evening gatherings in the yard. You need a minimum of tools and skills, 5-20 minutes of simple effort, and you will get a source of vertical flame with a burning duration of half an hour to 7 hours.
4 ways to make a Finnish candle
Using any method, a Finnish candle is made with your own hands from chock, sometimes replaced with a block of wood logs. Acceptable use small stumps, if only one piece of log is required. The duration of combustion depends on the length and diameter of the workpieces.
Method 1. Candle with paraffin wick
- Burning time: from 30 minutes.
- Production time: 20 minutes.
Tools and materials:
- drill with drill 20-30 mm;
- saw (manual, electric or diesel engine);
- sawing sawhorses;
- lighter;
- block for a candle;
- a block of larger diameter for counterweight;
- paraffin or wax;
- paper or newspaper.
To get a fire with vertical burning, just light the wick. We recommend installing Finnish candles away from trees on paved or concrete platforms, cleared land, fire-resistant tiles, a metal stand to prevent the surrounding vegetation from catching fire.
Method 2. Candle made from logs
- Burning time: up to 2.5 hours.
- Production time: 7-10 minutes.
Tools and materials:
- axe;
- a log or four logs.
Manufacturing sequence
The whole lump is split into four equal parts. The logs are installed vertically in the form of the original log. When a Finnish candle is made from ready-made firewood, logs of the same length and cross-section are selected, which together form a solid log. The design provides good air flow, but is not wind resistant enough.
Method 3. Three logs
- Burning time: from 7 hours.
- Production time: 5 minutes.
Necessary materials: 3 logs of the same height. No tools required.
Manufacturing sequence
Simplest a way to make a long-burning Finnish candle with your own hands. The blocks are installed in a circle with a small gap between them. Then a fire is built in the inner “well.” Unimpeded access of oxygen contributes to an intense flame, and due to the large diameter, the combustion duration is extended.
More heat is generated than with other taiga candle designs. It also ensures the greatest stability of a disposable oven. Disadvantage (the flame can be blown out by the wind. Tip: as it burns out, move the logs to the center to maintain the burning intensity.
Method 4. Primus
- Burning time: up to 3 hours.
- Production time: 20 minutes.
Tools and materials:
- axe;
- saw (optional);
- wire;
- a log or several logs.
Manufacturing sequence
This design provides intense hot flame. In the first two hours after ignition, you can cook or boil water on the mini-oven. Optimal size It is considered when the length of the block is twice the diameter. You can create mini-bonfires with a height of 20-30 cm.
Tip: if you plan to cook, then make a Finnish candle with two shorter logs to improve air flow to the flame. Useful uses of a disposable stove in the household
The design represents a vertical furnace pyrolysis combustion. The peculiarity of this type of flame is the simultaneous combustion of both wood and the resulting wood gas. As a result, less soot and ash are formed, and the heat transfer of the flame is higher. Even a two-hour use of a Finnish candle helps solve many problems of arrangement and relaxation.
Culinary uses of Finnish candles
In the absence of summer kitchen and on hikes, disposable stoves can be easily adapted for the following tasks:
- cooking in cauldrons;
- singeing poultry and game carcasses;
- boiling water;
- heating food.
Unlike a stationary summer kitchen, a Finnish candle can be used anywhere on the site, or taken with you on a picnic or on a trip.
Landscape decoration
Mini-bonfires are convenient to use for temporary illumination of dark areas without landscape lamps. They create a warm, inviting atmosphere and can complement the decoration of outdoor seating areas for special events. Finally, the spark plugs will be replaced street fires and fireplaces will help you relax by the fire during your evening relaxation.
Repair and construction use
Concentrated combustion has determined the advantage of using a Finnish candle compared to conventional fires for the following work:
- firing, heating of metal;
- melting of roofing felt or lump bitumen;
- firing and drying various surfaces and blanks.
Easy to manufacture, disposable ovens are compact, simple device, intense combustion and easy transportation. This enhances the attractiveness of Finnish candles for home or tourist use.
Video instructions for making a Finnish candle