Multi-function Walking Stick III - Torch Bearer

Add a torch to the top of a Hiking Staff to illuminate your way.
The VIDEO shows the torch in action.
This is Part 3 in the Multi-Function Walking Stick Instructable series.

The Original Multi-Function Walking stick Instructable describes how to:
Make a three piece walking stick that converts into a Camp Chair.
Part 1 can be found here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Multi-Function-Walking-Stick-Converts-into-a-Cha/

The Second installment describes how to:
Add copper ends to a staff creating a bottom point & a storage compartment on top.
Part 2 can be found here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Multi-Function-Walking-Stick-II-Storage-Compart/

Part 3 Starts Here:
A staff to speed the march; A staff to rest the weary; A staff to store the gear; A staff to point the way; Now, a staff to light the night. All in one Staff.



 

Step 1: Shameless promotion for the "Light up the Night" Contest

 This instructable has been entered into the "Light up the Night" contest.  Please vote.

 This page is dedicated to the shameless promotion of this Instructable for the contest.
(This was written before I found out the requirement for the compulsory Patriotic Essay portion of the competition had been dropped.... I decided to post it anyway)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An open flame torch to Light up the Night?  Sure there will be those that dismiss this entry as a  simple flame...a mere candle in the wind...not nearly technically innovative enough to win; let alone qualify for this challenge.

I can only imagine the response it will receive from the crew at Instructables.com as they decry..."an open flame torch as a light source for this contest?...Preposterous"   An immediate rejection will be penned....I imagine it  might go something like this: (Of course the ridicule will be kept to a polite minimum due to the "Be Nice Policy" but, a rejection none the less.)

Dear Mr. Stoutharrow,

We regret to inform you that your Instrucatble Multi-Function Walking Stick III - Torch Bearer cannot seriously be considered for entry in the Light up the Night competition.  A Simple torch is not of the technological caliber expected here at Instructables. A primitive flame as a light source lacks the type of innovation this contest was intended to promote..
Also, it was not clear how to route the wires and where the Lithium batteries are stored.

Regrettably Yours,
Eric

To this anticipated rejection, I feel compelled to reply (proactively): 

Dear Instructables Sirs and Madams,  

Please do not dismiss the illuminating powers of fire as some charlatan parlor trickery.  Don't scoff in disbelief "How can something without electricity... wires...bulbs... or an Arduino microprocessors possibly produce light?"  Mere fire can work as a light source... It really, really can.

Sure, other light sources come around all the time: Carbon Arc,  Incandescent, Fluorescent, Electroluminescent, Phosphorescent (can't we just pick an "-escent" and stick with it?)  Led, H.I.D. (high intensity discharge), Wintergreen Lifesaver sparks. 
What's the point? .... What's wrong with fire light?...Too simple?

Consider the essence of illumination.  A simple lowly torch, at its basic, is a hydrogen storage vessel, but unleash that  hydrogen potential with a spark, and its like a little bit of the Sun captured on the top of  a stick.  Runaway oxidation,  the splitting and combining of atomic bonds, liberated electrons,  photons scattered willy-nilly.    Man.. that's chemistry and particle physics at its finest...and that's high tech.  (or you could settle for an electron jumping up and down in an LED - your choice)

Combustion and Flame!  Its not just  for Cavemen any more.  
I ask you...Did the angry mob storm Frankenstein's castle with pitchforks and Glow Sticks?... I THINK NOT!
And there are others that carry a torch to light the way. Pardon the French but a torch is just fine for that majestic lady in New York harbor (that's no 6 cell Mag-Lite she's holding)   By the way...Copper as a fashion accessory?...she makes it look good...you go girl.

Still think a mere flame can't properly 'Light up the Night"?
I'll bet there is a certain O'Leary Cow in Chicago that would disagree.  She knew how to "Light up the night" (and the whole city for that matter)...all with a simple flame. http://www.chicagohistory.org/fire/oleary/

If a torch is good enough for  maidens, bovine, and mobs. Shouldn't it be good enough for Instrucables to consider for the Light up the Night contest?  (Did I mention it keeps monsters at bay?)

- Silent Pause -
-  Someone start softly humming The Battle Hymn of the Republic to set the mood for this next part. (you know the tune: "Glory...Glory... Halleluiah... Mine eyes have seen the glory of the...etc, etc.")

After all the flash-in-the-pan lighting sources have turned off their lights and gone home; after every last Indeglo watch face has dimmed; after every last LED berry has been harvested from the fields where they grow. When the dazzle of fluorescent has been switched off (due to mercury environmental reports)  Good old Combustion and Flame will be be there, high atop a staff, waiting like a warm (~2000 degree F) friend; shining like the beacon in Revere's church tower; to light up the night for your walk home.

This Instrutable harnesses the humble power of combustion and places it at your command, at your side, to illuminate your night path...nothing more...nothing less.

All I ask, is that you consider the heritage of  illumination when judging all the fine entries for this contest.  And maybe...just maybe, find a place in your heart to award one of those fancy robot shirts to a certain venerable "also ran" entry.  I can only hope (and light a candle.)   By the way, Is the robot on the shirt printed with glow-in-the-dark ink?  That'd be awesomely sweet...(how does that stuff work anyways?)

Satirically yours,
H. P. Stoutharrow

Comments

[owl box]

One great aspect about this is that the fuel and flame are housed in a unit modular enough to be replaced easily, and re-filled.  You could conceivably make a dozen "torches" and swap them in and out of the setting drum.   Your staff design is professional, and I encourage you to pursue the modularity aspect of this -- what else can go in that 1" socket?  Excellent work, thanks for sharing.

[jeffconnelly]

I have a mental image of a bandoleer stocked with dozens of torch modules.

[dontkillpenguins]

ca

[ninetailjake]

but will it blend?

[Lorddrake]

what is the average burn time of the torch before you need to refill the fuel?

[The Rambler]

Just a thought about the problem of only being able to have a torch or a storage compartment:

If you looked at each end less like the "top" and the "bottom" and more like exchangeable tips it might free you up a little more with your options. For instance, when the torch is in "stowed" mode it would be just as useful as a "cleat" as the bottom would (provided it was attached tightly enough). If you made both the top and bottom have storage compartments, and then made the storage compartment lid with a tip (you could even use the same stub out piece) then you could just turn the staff over depending on which end you wanted to use.

If you want to use the storage compartment, stow the torch and flip the staff over to use it as a cleat. If you want to use the torch flip it over and use the storage side, with a new pointed cap, as the cleat.

I hope that makes sense. Either way, great series of instructables. I love the usability you've managed to get out of a "simple" walking staff, combined with the beauty you've managed to maintain by using natural materials that pair well together. Keep up the amazing work.

[jenny61]

 nice idea but my led light is much brighter and lasts longer

[ogama8]

I concur

[sjb321]

Yeah but I bet you can't light stuff on fire with your LED light!

[ebubbula]

Does anyone know were to get a stub out like that with the fat part 3/4 inch pipe? I cant even find one that reduces at the end especially in my size

[Zerocool818]

cant you use kerosene for like a lantern?

[Broberg]

Looks like you really did your homework on this one! Looks great and could save a life if need be! If you want to get an understanding of what you need when out and about in the wilds, watch "I Shouldn't be Alive" some time and see where they screw up and don't make the same mistakes! Thanks again for the great Instructible!

[ctz]

Thanks for posting such a great instructable this helps me alot when im at my cabin when going on midnight walks through the woulds

[slacker847]

Awesome instructable i am starting this project as soon as my stub outs (aka) air chambers arrive.here is a great source for the afor mentioned items
WWW.globalindustries.com
stock# wib30162 1/2 x 6 in. copper air chamber $6.12
and if ya want a longer torch
stock# wib30164 1/2 x 14 in copper air chamber $12.60 ..Ya know for that extra burn time.
I suggest this site to everyone here they seem to carry just about everthing under the sun
once again great instructable

[slacker847]

My apoligies to everyone the web site is as follows
www.globalindustrial.com
industrial not industries sorry for any confusion i may have caused..
have fun all and keep tinkering with all the goodies just laying aroung the homestead

[hpstoutharrow]

Glad you were able to locate the most critical part. Tried the link you referenced however, and it redirected to a login screen??. Could you double check and repost the link. I want to check out the 14" air chamber for another project. Thanks.

[ilpug]

AMAZING. WANT. i will definetely try this. might try to use an old empty C02 cartridge instead of the copper thing though.

[Robotic_mage]

Brilliant, I loved the first iteration, the second iteration was awesome, this one is brilliant! Keep up the work!

[naruto the ninja13]

would you need to cut the sticks shorter after part two and part three for it to still function as a seat?

[naruto the ninja13]

also how do you put the flame out

[afridave]

please mr south arrow tell us about that other amazing thing called H20.

[bklausman]

all 3 legs of the chair should be the same length, it would be kinda unstable otherwise, and as far as putting out the flame, a good hard breath of air always puts mine out every time. i am working on some kind or wind shield similar to a zippo-lighter-type thing, if i can get it wo work well enough to make me happy, i'll post more on how to add it

[afridave]

excellent opening speech ...........you are a genius.....cool staff too......long live the sun.

[Mr.Sanchez]

Funny led´s comments. They dont get the point Nothing better like fire...awesome Ible....as always.

[learntotechie]

you sure let them have it thanks for sharing shame on them!

[yusuf786]

yo thats a one nasty stuff totally love it ! btw does it have any weapons ?

[planetsideplayer14billion]

If i were to make one i would use a light not a flame

[JerseyJ]

Love it. Fantastic, creative project with thorough, detailed instructions. Excellent job.

[rebmandrake]

Explain where the brass cap end stored in the staff's storage area?

[ZackBlack]

Watch the video.

[bklausman]

Here are some huge problems with using tiki fuel, kerosene or any other oil-based fuels for this project : not only are they a viable fuel for a torch, they are also oil based SOLVENTS and slow to evaporate....

Most wood sealers, protectors and stains are also oil based, therefore if these would happen to leak or spill while the torch is on the staff, they will discolor, weaken or even completely strip most protective coatings used on the wood sections. Another problem they could create is saturation into the wood and your staff body becoming the torch when the oil-soaked wood ignites, real bad if you are sitting on it in chair form!

Another problem oil based fuels could create is little drips of flaming fuel, this tendancy of those type of fuels is one reason tiki torches always have a metal flange on the top.

As far as alcohol not being safe, alcohol is just as safe as any other torch fuels or kerosene when used PROPERLY. It will only "explode" or rapid burn when in vapor form, usually caused by release of pressurized vapor caused by heat. This is the cause of the fireball people have expirenced while trying to use poorly constructed or too-hot DIY stoves. This design, with the open top + wick, simply doesn't allow this to happen because any excess vapors generated are free to travel out of the hole and never build up to dangerous levels. With that being said, remember any thing that will burn will also explode under the right (or wrong, depending on point-of-view) conditions.

These are just my observations and feelings about the safty of using anything other than alcohol. I hope some of the points i wanted to convey were helpful :)

I made mine and incorperated a little change to the design some people may want to use also. I drilled a hole in the tip of the bottom cap and put a 1/4 inch stainless steel capped nut inside the end before adding the JB weld, i held it in place with a normal nut and bolt, from the outside, until the epoxy had setup. the capped nut kept the epoxy out of the threads but allowed the JB weld to cement it in place so it won't turn. The next thing i did was got some 1/4 inch, grade 8 bolts (other grades would probably work too, but not last as long), and made feet for on the bottom that will last through rough use way longer than just a copper cap. i made a few different varieties for different purposes (pointed and rounded) they are held in place after i screw them in by tightening a nut on the outside.

Yet another great project from hpstouthharrow, i love mine and use it all the time, i plan on making more for friends that have offered to buy mine... but they will have to wait for christmas :P

[bklausman]

oops:
edit:
****Most wood sealers, protectors and stains are also oil based, therefore if these fuels would happen to leak****
sorry about that :)

[Foaly7]

This walking stick is way cool. It would be cool to add more stuff to it.

[Sky_line91]

Thats cool but i thought of a way to improve it so you dont have to flip in in and out and light it. You could find a way to hollow out the stick and put some sort of leaver thing in it and have the cap on a hing. Inside the cap there can be some type of spark source and as you push it up the cap opens makes a spark and lights the torch.

[TheInventor1997]

that would be possible but it would be too complicated

[Kryptonite]

May I suggest for part IV; a pointed stake at the bottom so the torch can be used without having to be held?

[naruto the ninja13]

theres alreadya point on the bottom

[Kryptonite]

Ahh I see, thanks for pointing that out!

[pmooreknife]

Excelent work.

[skidude28]

This is such a badass staff. I'm planning on making the first part soon.

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

5 stars faved and subed just for step 1!

[everyday im shuffling, except fridays, i got to get down on friday]

about how much did all this cost you from part 1 to 3

[hpstoutharrow]

GOOD QUESTION!  I had not totaled it up.

In the creation process sometimes it's best to allow impulse to rule, and let the more important question be: "can it be done? and how?"  The results often out weigh the question of "how much?"   That is how this project progressed. 

Some of the most satisfying projects would never get started if one sat down and figured the costs at the beginning.

With that being said, these are the rough costs:
$6 wood dowels
$6 Stub outs 
$12 Threaded copper fittings (4@$3 ea.)
$4 Copper couple fitting
=$28 for a basic three part staff with copper bottom point
(not counting stain, ureathane top coat, JB weld epoxy and brass screws 

=$6 for the seat (fabric, metal ring, stainless steel cotter pin and cable)

$6 stub out for torch
$4 Copper couple fitting (2)
$7 Brass 3/8 fitting & cap
$2 Wick
=$19 for the copper top storage & Torch

Also need to add the cost of ~8" total length of 1" copper pipe used in segments the top and bottom.
 
Unfortunately copper and brass is priced as semi-precious metals.  

[everyday im shuffling, except fridays, i got to get down on friday]

thanks for answering my question i appreciate it and now i know i have enough spare money to make this because i am only 13.........=D

[A good name]

How long does the flame last on this?

 

[hpstoutharrow]

 Didn't really know how long it would last until I tried it yesterday.  Topped-off with Isopropyl  alcohol; it burned continuously for about an hour and a half.

[Tgauchsin]

In part one you had mentioned you were a scout, me too... I totally agree that there is just an extra magical, age-old feeling while hiking with a flame torch vs an led or flashlight. It seriously makes me remember those hikes as a young scout at scout camp following a guide...Amazing instructable!!!

[zascecs]

 I think that I like this addition to the staff most of all. Just be careful not to catch anything on fire; especially if you are hiking in a forest!!!

[strods]

My suggestion for part IV would be to be able to convienalty add a reel of fishing line at the intersection of the lower and mid section, a ring at the top to run the line through and then you have a very convienant fishing pole

[JCoffey]

And just think, in the stored position the pointy end becomes a spear for hunting Woolly Mammoths and roman Gladiators!
 Excellent set of Instructables! I plan on building one over the winter for use this spring for hiking and camping!

[reikiman1]

I love you guys. I make walking sticks and this is a great new idea any other
ideas about walking sticks will be looked upon with interest

[kissiltur]

Oh, _that_ kind of torch!

I was expecting a gimbal mounted LED flashlight or, as I would call it, torch. But this is groovy too.

That's what I get for being British and forgetting to adjust my language comprehension knobs.

[KNEX BUILDING IS FUN]

 if the inside was hollow, one could store many many various iteams within the stick, n also you could make like a bunch of these stubs/ compartments( that are stored within the stick) that are for the top of the stick, with various diferent functions,

such stubs as:
torch
blade/knife
LED light
saw
noose for trap
water
gas dart gun

[KNEX BUILDING IS FUN]

 how do i vote?

[hivoltage]

casting several LEDs into a cylindrical resin block with the same OD as the copper pipe and using the storage space to hold a battery might be interesting. one 18650 lithium ion cell would be able to power the light for a long time. I may try it since I really like how your hiking stick turned out. copper pipe and fittings are not cheap I have found though. also, I can't find any stores that sell a stub out that looks like that one, only 1/2" ones that are skinny and air chambers that are not the same OD as 1" copper pipe.

[hpstoutharrow]

 I'll be darned...LED's can be used as a light source!
Though I'm not sure I believe the comments about lasting longer.  This one melted after only a few minutes.  Ahhh...Combustion and Flame... can't beat it.

Kidding aside...message received.  Excellent and defiantly a more practical lighting solution. I like it! (but, I must point out you can't melt a marshmallow with an LED...eww..RAW marshmallows on a s'more gross.)  

Regarding the Stub-out - I will swing by the big orange Har-whar-star and get the manufacturer and a SKU to see if that helps locate parts.

[hivoltage]

 Yes, there definitely is something about good old fashioned fire that LEDs can't capture, but I guess I am just a big believer in them.  I did something similar to what i was describing above for the dome light in my truck. I made a cast resin block containing the LEDs and resistors, and then lightly sanded the outside of the clear block to diffuse the light. Looks kind of like a cool blue-white glowing ice cube. You would just be compared to a wizard instead of Moses with that on the end of your hiking stick.
I visited a couple of the orange despots, but neither seemed to have a comparable stub out. And i definitely do not want to pay $23 for a two foot section of 1" copper pipe! If I can find some cheaper pipe and that stub out I will give this project a go for sure though.

[hpstoutharrow]

 The box at H.D. say Stub out  made by Mueller Industries.  The H.D. Website calls it an AIR CHAMBER by NIBCO.  I have found other online sources by searching for Air Chamber.  

Hope that helps find the copper plumbing fitting for the POINT.

[imrobot]

btw if you were to make a new walking stick installment maybe a hunting stick?
sit, catch and, cook!

[imrobot]

mad props for getting in, w00t! fire! (*primitive hoots and grunts*)  but for how long does this fire last?

[Ekzile]

 I love this staff idea you get the chair, walking stick, and the torch. I agree if there is going to be another part to this what is it going to be?

[casman300]

hello there this is great! just wondering will there be a forth version and if so what will it be? thanks for another great indistructable,

                                chalie

[Udon]

It looks like a wood-punk anti-tank weapon. Very cool!

[RavingMadStudios]

Fantastic instructable. This is a truly beautiful and functional piece of art. Thanks for sharing it.
One question, though. Since the torch module is pretty much just a mini tiki-torch, wouldn't tiki torch fuel be safe to use (and give the added benefit of citronella to repel bugs)? Totally with you on the gasoline thing, though.

[hpstoutharrow]

Thanks for the suggestion I am sure that would work! 
Two reasons I use Alcohol.  One is I am familiar with it as a fuel.  Use it for lightweight alcohol backpacking stoves.  Also it is easy to change between Isopropyl (for torch light) and Ethyol (for cooking)  I use the torch for both applications (see the instructable on using the torch as a camp stove). 
The second reason I use alcohol is that I tend to make a mess...spill or leak alcohol and "poof" it evaporates... no residual smells.  Spill torch fuel (or kerosene as mention in an earlier comment) and your looking at an oily clean-up. 
Also, an earlier comment mentioned Isopropyl combustion by products.  My reseach found it no different than most combustion fuels of this nature...Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and NO2.  Same as Kerosene or a Pourpori candle (without the smell.) 

[VadimS]

Just did some resurch, my mistake about the rubbing alcohol.
On a side note I belive if you add 1 part water to 3 parts ethanol 75% alcohol
should give you a yellow flame.

Try adding magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts), should give you a white flame.

But grate instructable. I bookmarked it and tent to duplicate it (with some small changes to fit the parts I have) over Christmas brake.

[RavingMadStudios]

Good point. I wouldn't want to cook over citronella tiki fuel. Nasty.
Also a good point about the mess factor. I can't fill a tiki torch without spilling fuel all over myself, so I totally get where you're coming from. I like to tell myself that the spilled fuel keeps insects away and provides me with an incentive to smoke less, but yeah....
Still, it's good to know that citronella is a viable option. Here in the deep dark wilds of the American Southeast, we'll take as many bug repellent options as we can get.

[hpstoutharrow]

 Anything that works to keep the bugs at bay is fine by me.  The Calvin Klein citronella after shave cologne gift set is on my Christmas list.

[hitman_kiwi]

 This series of Instructables is Amazing, Very easy to follow and Understand. I can't believe they would not consider it because it being a "primitive" flame!
The Torch piece kind of looks like a kind of steam punk missile. :D
Great job keep up the awesome work!

Maybe you could do an Instructable with a bunch of small attachments you could make like a fishing line attachment or something....

Peace!

[trike road poet]

The third stage of this Instructable is as good as the other two, and the complete project is both part art and a part personal statement.  The chance to hand work something like this is a welcome project, and the use of common materials to make something attractive, useful and with bragging rights is a major plus.

This sort of project is what drew me to Instructables, the way others think and the things you can do for yourself.  Thanks for the project, and more to come I hope!

[atrus713]

i cant find the vote button

[VadimS]

It's nice.
Wouldn't it be better (and safer) to use kerosene?
It has a higher ignition temperature (it will not burn if you but a match to a pool of it) and contains more energy in the same amount of fuel. It does have an expiry date and should be replaced at-least once a year (old Kerosene will burn but has a strong smell).

[lemonie]

I like it, best wishes for the contest.

L