Need some help building a fire piston...

[dabull22]

I want to make a fire piston similar to the ones here...
I was wondering what tools I need to bore the hole, taper the end and possibly create some bands around the top piece? Also what kind of wood would you suggest to use that is very beautiful? I really like the Buffalo horn but dont know where to buy it from. Anyone else know where I could get it or something that looks similar?
Thanks so much!!!!

[Clifford_Parker]

Here is the best I could do for detailled drawings.
The Firepiston

There are number of sources online for exotic woods and horn. Google should help you find them.

[CarverFromNoWhere]

That looks like it has been made on a lathe, it is tulipwood here is a link that has good prices on a ton of woods.
Turning Blanks - Woodturners Catalog - Woodworking tools and supplies specializing in woodturning.
I deal with this company all the time, very satisfied. I have seen these many times in my survival books and the magizine wilderness way. I am not sure how it is made though looks to be drilled out then the outside turned. Buffalo horn can be extremely spendy, the bands are made on the lathe very simply with friction, a peice of wire is held against the spinning work and it burns the lines in. Ya could try asking that company how they are made.
Carl

[Robert Cahill]

I also noticed they are advertising for a carving artist should be interesting for someone here

[dabull22]

Is there anyway to bore a hole without a drill press to make one of these?

[CREID]

You Can Bore A Hole With A Lathe And A Jacobs Chuck.
Or You Can Just Use A Hand Held Drill.
Curt

[MelNM]

Here's a link for buffalo horn Penn State Industries

As far as boring hole, you could probably cut the blank in half and use a round nose router bit route both sides then glue them back together and shape it/carve it. You could probably use a gouge to hollow it out also.

Kind of a neat little gadget, post one when you complete and let us know how it works.
Mel

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Curt has it right on, hand held drill, lathe, or even an old fashiond bit brace any should work as long as ya have a decent bit and know how to do it.
Carl

[dabull22]

Originally Posted by Carver/Turner_FromNowhere

Curt has it right on, hand held drill, lathe, or even an old fashiond bit brace any should work as long as ya have a decent bit and know how to do it.
Carl

Any tips of doing it correctly with a hand held drill? What bit would you recommend for buffalo horn?

[Jim-Iowa]

Fire pistons go back a long way. Probbly originally done with a bow drill.