When preparing for a camping trip, a great idea can be to make your own torchlights. In order to do this, you will want to gather the right materials. All you need to do this project is a clean and empty tuna fish can, a soup can that is empty and fully cleaned, some three foot pieces of PVC pipe, a long strand of wick, and some torch fluid. You will find, however, that it can help to bring along an extra bag to carry the dismantled used torches in so that the soot does not get on your items on the way back home.
With all of your materials gathered, you will want to start by using a screwdriver to punch a hole in the bottom of the tuna fish can. If you have children who will be making their own torches, it is highly recommended that you complete this step for them before allowing them to take on the project so that you can decrease the chances that they will be injured. The remainder of the project should be safe for children as long as they are well supervised and an adult is in charge of actually lighting the torches upon completion.
Once the hole has been created, simply thread the wick through it. Next, you will want to secure the soup can to the PVC pipe. Place the can upright on the pipe and secure it using duct tape. Ensure that it is steady and that it has been fully secured. Plant the torchlight into the ground before going any further with the project. Once the torchlight is fully planted, fill the soup can completely with torch fluid. Now place the tuna can on top of the soup can, upside down, so that the wick is dipping into the torch fluid.
Allow the wick to soak up the torch fluid in the soup can for at least thirty minutes before igniting it with your lighter. You should always pack extra torch fluid as well as extra wicks in case they are needed during the night or throughout the trip.
Remember to bring along extra fluid and wicks in case they are needed throughout your trip. When the camping trip is over, you will find that you can easily dismantle your torches so that you can bring the parts back. Because these materials are not biodegradable, you will want to take them home and dispose of them properly. These torches are incredibly simple and affordable to make and can provide a great sense of roughing it during your next camping trip. When you want an enjoyable project that teaches new skills and offers benefit, this is certainly a fantastic one to take on.