Everyone loves the warm orange glow given off by the flickering flames of a bonfire, but not every garden is big enough or suitable because of overhanging trees and branches. However, it is possible to recreate the same warmth and ambience with timber torches made from cut logs.
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They work much the same as a chimney, with a draft fanning a fire that burns in the centre of the log, carrying its flame up and over its top where it daces like a torch. Because there's more of adraft above the log, air is always drawn in through the bottom and flames out from the top. The wood burns from the inside out and produces a torch for 2-4 hours depending on the type and size of the wood. Once the sides have burned away the through-draft is lost causing the log to cool and the flame to disappear leaving just glowing embers.
The best logs come from conifer trees, as the resin in the wood helps them to burn. However, any timber can beused as long as it's completely dry, so keep it in a cupboard for a few weeks to dry out before burning.
Safety precaution Once alight the log must be kept on the ground away from any other flammable materials. Whenever you have a fire of any kind always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe on standby to put out the fire if necessary. Never leave a fire unattended.You will need....
- 30cm tall x 20cm wide dry log
- Drill,
- Auger Bit or 20cm wood bit,
- Candle,
- Craft knife
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