[tjwilhelm]

One difference is that the old scraper had three, small scallops on the scraping edge. The new one has two larger scallops. I'm guessing that the radius of the larger scallop may match the radius of some of the firesteels, giving a maximum scraper to firesteel contact.

[Ron Fontaine]

I'm working on a video and article showcasing the new scraper.

In a nutshell, the new scraper is made of a harder material than the older model. In addition, it is made to conform to the roundness of the firesteel - this gives more contact during the scrape and better sparking action.

The ridges have been removed to increase the life of the firesteel by not digging in so deeply.

A nice feature is that the tip of the scraper can be used to scrape the firesteel, so that you do not "bark" your knuckles on the surface you are scraping towards.

I think these are worthwhile improvements and hope you guys like how they turned out.

[George Hedgepeth]

Ron, Where are you located? I may be able to get you a large quantity of rich pine like this.

[Ron Fontaine]

George, northern New Hampshire.

It has to be very high quality, full of resin, orange in color, and not like much of the ---- on the market (nothing but the best for my guys). In return, expect the highest consideration and repeat orders.

PM me.

[pete1gun]

RON I have some good fatwood I have some good size chunks of it that I have stored away in a burlap sack and I've got some that I turned into saw dust ,in the saw dust form it takes a spark just like dryer lint would but it burns so much longer, and you only need a descent size pinch to get a fire going. I also have stored some in some Reynolds vacuum bags, to keep it from getting dried out, and I keep a little pellet tin on me always, with some in it. dsc09978 (3).jpg

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dsc09982 (3).jpg and the tin can also function as a signal mirror if needed. and I have found a little trick as well to help keep it from drying out you can add just a little bit of lamp oil to it and it will stay nice and moist, as well as keep that great smell. and since it's lamp oil it only adds to it's ability to take a spark. but the stuff that I have in the vacuum bag is all natural with no oil added to it. the vacuum seal keeps it well preserved.

[TheAvatar]

Nice pete

I have a question regarding fatwood.

Once the tree is down, does the stump have to stay in the ground to produce fatwood?

How long (estimate) should you leave the stump in the ground, before digging it up?

Reason I ask is that the lake in AL where my mom and stepdad have a trailer is cutting down ALL the pine trees in the trailer park area and if you could dig up the stumps right after they were cut down, then potentially I could get a lot.

Educate me! Please

[cowgirlup]

Pete! Great idea about adding some lamp oil!!

The woods next to our place got selectively logged of white pine. Some of the stumps are more sappy,(yes, that is the technical term ) than others.
If it ever stops raining I plan to harvest some for this winter. Not the premium stuff Ron needs but good enough for the wood stove.

[CARLOS.D.JIMENEZ]

Ron,

Thanks for filling my order of FATWOOD. It awsome stuff. Here in th southwest stump general don't sap up as much but more like dry up.
Also, have to say the new scraper is good. your YOUTUBE video on using th end makes a easier.
Not to go off topic here, but using the FIRESTEEL TUBE with the ARMAGEDON makes ten times easier. You actually can strike straight down on the FATWOOD and still be out of harms way. I know some people are saying make MAYAS Dust with it but i find SAW DUST mixed with leftover CHARCOAL dust(Yes the stuff at the bottom of the baag) works the best.

[pete1gun]

Originally Posted by TheAvatar

Nice pete

I have a question regarding fatwood.

Once the tree is down, does the stump have to stay in the ground to produce fatwood?

How long (estimate) should you leave the stump in the ground, before digging it up?

Reason I ask is that the lake in AL where my mom and stepdad have a trailer is cutting down ALL the pine trees in the trailer park area and if you could dig up the stumps right after they were cut down, then potentially I could get a lot.

Educate me! Please

I've heard any where from 6 months to a year, the longer they sit the more the resin will get absorbed into the stump, you can also dig up the roots, which produces the turpentine in the first place. that's how they used to make tar in alot of areas they would gather up pine roots, and heat them in at drum and collect the turpentine which would come out as tar.

[TheAvatar]

Originally Posted by pete1gun

I've heard any where from 6 months to a year, the longer they sit the more the resin will get absorbed into the stump, you can also dig up the roots, which produces the turpentine in the first place. that's how they used to make tar in alot of areas they would gather up pine roots, and heat them in at drum and collect the turpentine which would come out as tar.

Would the resin still get absorbed into the stump if you were to dig up the stump (roots and all)? Or would you need to leave it in the ground?