This tutorial was completed using 3/16 in. Aluminum rod stock, 1.5 in. x 1/16 in. PSA wick, Elmer's Glue and a file. This tutorial focuses on the example of making a metal fire-eating torch. Notes for other applications are listed at the end of this tutorial.

Equipment/Supplies Needed:

• PSA Wick
• Rod (e.g., Aluminum, steel, wood)

Equipment/Supplies Suggested:

• PVA (e.g., Elmer's Glue)
• Metal File
• Aluminum Foil Tape (if using a wooden surface)
• KEVLAR(R) sewing cord or thread
• Scissors (for cord/thread and Foil Tape, if used)
• Needle (for cord/thread, if used)

I.    Preparing the Application Surface

1. If you have a file, it is suggested that you also file down the area of the rod that you intend to apply the PSA wick to. This removes oxidation and other undesirables. Depending on file you are using, it may also be used to roughen the application area for better adhesion.

2. Using a mild soap, clean, at a minimum, the area of the rod that you intend to apply the PSA wick to. Scrubbing will help remove any remaining filings, if you performed step 1.

II.    Applying the PSA Wick

3. Peel back the protective strip approximately 1/2 in. from one end of the wick.

4. Press the exposed wick very firmly to the surface.

5. Continue peeling back the protective strip and applying the wick firmly to the surface, until the wick is about to overlap itself.

6. Once the wick begins to overlap, it is not necessary, nor necessarily desirable, to use mighty force to apply the wick. If your target torch thickness is reasonable, light pressure should be ok. See Note 2.

7. When you have reach the end of your wick, be sure to press very firmly. This is the most important area of adhesion.

III.    Finishing Touches

8. If you so desire, use a thin line of Elmer's Glue to deal with any frayed edges at the end of your wick.

9. Optional: affix tape or something similar to the opposite end for a handle.

10. Optional (highly suggested): sew the final edge with KEVLAR(R) cord/thread for good measure.

11. Ouila, an eating torch, which may be used forthwith.

The End

Notes:

1. Wooden Surfaces: For a wooden surface, it is heavily suggested that aluminum tape be used before applying the PSA wick. Still, the wood should be cleaned and very lightly filed, but not smoothened. A lightly rough surface is good for attaching the aluminum foil (which, by the way, is also generally backed with a PSA). Making sure your foil is clean, begin applying your wick, starting with step 2 of this tutorial.

2. Target Thickness: What is meant by in.target [torch] thickness? in. If you are using a 3/4 in. diameter rod (say, for a staff), and you wrap enough wick such that your new diameter at the wick is 4 in., there may be a problem. If you have not applied enough pressure, the weight of the wick may act to pull itself from the staff. With an eating torch, where the end diameter (target thickness) is only about equal to twice the diameter of the rod itself, there is not a problem, especially since the torch is not likely to be used in a high-performance application.