How to Make a Simple One Log Fire Torch
With just a few tools, learn how to make a simple one-log fire torch to keep you warm during those cool camping nights. The fire torch, sometimes called a Swedish Fire Torch, is just another way to make a campfire to keep you warm and cozy. It can be prepared before the campout, making it a great way to get a campfire going quickly. Just make sure that the campground you are camping at allows fires and wood brought in. Some campgrounds only allow wood from their store or native to the area to be brought into the campsites. It’s always a good idea to check the rules first!
Type of Log
Finding the perfect log is going to be key in making a fire torch. While softer wood like pine, might be easier to drill, hardwoods like oak, hickory, or black cherry will burn longer. The main thing is to find wood that is dry. I would not use a fresh-cut tree. We had a tree on our property that had been cut down and left to dry out. It was perfect for this project.
We cut our 30 foot tree into approximately 15″ sections so that we now have several torch logs that we can make.
Prepping the Log Torch
Make sure you have a log around 15″ in height. It won’t matter if it’s a bit bigger or smaller, but we found this to be a good height. The width of our logs are around 9″. Again a bit bigger or smaller will not make a difference. You will need a drill and paddle drill bits.
You will want to begin drilling on the top flat part of the log. Using a smaller bit to get going and moving up to a bigger sized, 1 1/2″ paddle drill bit.
Drill down about 12″. Make sure to clear off the sawdust as you go and keep the hole clear of sawdust.
Next, put the log on its side and measure down 12″ or the depth of the hole you drilled on top. Mark it, and begin drilling a smaller-sized hole using a 1″ paddle drill bit. You may have to start with a smaller bit to get it going and then move up to the bigger size. Also, use your feet to help hold the log place as you drill.
The goal is to get the hole on the top and the hole on the side to intersect. This is going to make a chimney for the fire torch. Bringing air in to help feed the flames.
Starting the Fire
Starting a fire in the log can be a bit tricky. Everyone has their own method. Some start from the top, others on the side. It doesn’t matter as long as you can get a fire going. We used a combination of small twigs, sawdust, and a bit of lighter fluid to get a flame to go. If the wood is dry it should burn for several hours.
Make sure to place the fire torch in an area that will not cause fire to spread as it burns. A fire pit is a great place to have it. Treat it like you would any other campfire.
Of course, on our last camping trip, we did both the fire torch and a regular campfire so my son could see the difference. We did have the fire torch just outside the fire pit in a safe area so he could study it. We did end up putting the fire torch in the fire pit to burn out.
If you want to cheat and buy a fire torch you can find them here, but it is more fun to make your own. Try a fire torch on your next camping adventure. Happy Camping!
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