Magnifying glass for starting a fire

[Stitch]

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My wife carries a small glass one in her first aid kit and it has been awhile since I have practiced this method. It had rained the day before and the tinder was damp, too. It was about 1550 in the afternoon. The small tinder bundle is made from Shaggy Juniper.

[mountain1]

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nice work! i keep a small magnifying glass in my pack just for that use. works great... its one of many firestarters that i carry with me.

[10eckid]

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I've never started a fire with a magnifying glass before, but when we were kids we used to use my brother's glasses (like the bottom of a coke bottle)to start fires and fry bugs.
Stitch, how long did you have to hold the glass in place?
Nice Job, BTW.

[Stitch]

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Stitch, how long did you have to hold the glass in place?
Nice Job, BTW.

Thanks. It took less than a minute.

[Echo2]

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Is that a 3" glass?

I have a 2" plastic one that weighs about 2 to 2.5 grams that will start a fire.

I have a 6" that says to keep out of direct sunlight....

clarity is good....but for lighting fires....surface area is king.

[Stitch]

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Is that a 3" glass?

Yes it is. I have a six inch one, but left it at home.

[maric]

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Thanks. It is simple methods like this, that we have to remember to practice, and know how to use. When I say "we" I mean especially me...

[Stitch]

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It is not dependent on a refillable fuel source like a lighter.

[Diesel]

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great post, people often forget about that, and the plus is it never runs out

a plastic fresnel lens is amazing

[Iron mike]

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I have tried this method but there is something I cant get about it it would try the patients of a special needs teacher to watch me do it but my wife and daughter can do it in a jiffy I still keep a glass with me though.