How To Make Primitive Oil For Torch
One of best if not the best fuel for a primitive torch is oil produced from animal fat. Turning animal fat into oil is a simple task.
First simply cut the animal fat into small pieces an inch or less in size. Then place the cut fat into a large pot. Add water, but only enough to cover the fat pieces. Heat the pot and allow the fat to cook for a long time, maybe even days. At least a couple of hours will be required and the time will vary depending on the animal and which part of the animal the fat came from and how hot the fire is!
High heat is faster but you risk burning. It is best to cook at lower heat for longer periods of time.
Once the water starts boiling the addition of additional heat does not speed up the process. Water boils at 212 degree F (100C) and adding additional heat will not raise it above that temperature. It only serves to boil off the water faster, which is not the objective.
Keep cooking the fat at good heat until it liquefies.
Once it liquefies either strain or dip out the remaining solids. Allow the remaining liquids to cool. Then separate the solids that form from the liquids. The hardened fat is what you are after. That is the oil you can use for your torches.
You now have the oil/fat for your torch. To use it you will probably need to slightly heat it until it melts and allow the liquid oil to saturate you torch material.
Back To Torches
First simply cut the animal fat into small pieces an inch or less in size. Then place the cut fat into a large pot. Add water, but only enough to cover the fat pieces. Heat the pot and allow the fat to cook for a long time, maybe even days. At least a couple of hours will be required and the time will vary depending on the animal and which part of the animal the fat came from and how hot the fire is!
High heat is faster but you risk burning. It is best to cook at lower heat for longer periods of time.
Once the water starts boiling the addition of additional heat does not speed up the process. Water boils at 212 degree F (100C) and adding additional heat will not raise it above that temperature. It only serves to boil off the water faster, which is not the objective.
Keep cooking the fat at good heat until it liquefies.
Once it liquefies either strain or dip out the remaining solids. Allow the remaining liquids to cool. Then separate the solids that form from the liquids. The hardened fat is what you are after. That is the oil you can use for your torches.
You now have the oil/fat for your torch. To use it you will probably need to slightly heat it until it melts and allow the liquid oil to saturate you torch material.
Back To Torches
