Birch Polypore

[Andy2112]

I got my bp and cut it into thin strips, left it in the shed on some newspaper to dry. They question is how long do i need to leave it to dry ?

I have tried one dry piece and it smoldered nicely when i got my lighter on it but some other bits feel damp. I keep turning them over once in a while.

any ideas ?

thanks

Andy

[JonnyP]

Stick it in the airing cupboard if you want it to dry faster. Sheds hold moisture, esp this time of year..

[Bernie Garland]

Originally Posted by JonnyP

Stick it in the airing cupboard if you want it to dry faster. Sheds hold moisture, esp this time of year..

I'll second that

Bernie

[Andy2112]

cheers lads, i'll slide it in when the missus ain't looking. ooh errr.

[Firecrest]

I left one to dry on the window sill and one on a radiator. Both began to smell like pee after a while - the one on the sill smelled bad for several days, the one on the radiator for a day or so before it dried out completely. Best drying it quick if you dont like the smell.

[Andy2112]

Originally Posted by Firecrest

I left one to dry on the window sill and one on a radiator. Both began to smell like pee after a while - the one on the sill smelled bad for several days, the one on the radiator for a day or so before it dried out completely. Best drying it quick if you dont like the smell.

I didn't notice the smell Firecrest as i kept it in the shed then cut it up outside. I don't know if i did the right thing but the underside i cut off after i had sliced it as the bits i got from John Fenna in the fire lighting kit didn't have the underside on. i should have kept some with it on then done a comparison burn, didn't think at the time.

[Spamel]

I used to slice it, string it on some cotton and hang it on the balcony in the height of summer. Difficult to do here in Britain I grant you, due to our biblical annual rain fall. Bang it in your airing cupboard or hang it off the radiator, a technique I also use for my pine tar soap after use, I keep it in a washing machine tablet bag thingy, and use it without taking it out of the bag. Once I've finished, I hang it off the radiator. One bar lasts for ages then as it doesn't turn to mush!

[IntrepidStu]

Originally Posted by Andy2112

I got my bp and cut it into thin strips, left it in the shed on some newspaper to dry. They question is how long do i need to leave it to dry ?

I have tried one dry piece and it smoldered nicely when i got my lighter on it but some other bits feel damp. I keep turning them over once in a while.

any ideas ?

thanks

Andy

Im confused. What do you want to do with the Birch Polypore?? As far as I know, it has no use in making fire. It can be used as a strop or for feild expedient dressings. So why would anyone want to dry a Polypore??

Stu

[Spamel]

Originally Posted by IntrepidStu

Im confused. What do you want to do with the Birch Polypore?? As far as I know, it has no use in making fire. It can be used as a strop or for feild expedient dressings. So why would anyone want to dry a Polypore??

Stu

Oh, it certainly has its uses in fire starting. It glows very hot and can take a spark if you are lucky! It acts like a slow fuse, gives off a good smudge to keep biting insects away and smells quite nice (to me, anyway!) too. Birch polypore has a mass of medicinal uses too, making a gargling solution for sore throats and as a rudimentary plaster, cut it carefully as a corn plaster or a ring bandage to alleviate blisters and hot spots. Too many uses to list to be honest!

[IntrepidStu]

Originally Posted by spamel

Oh, it certainly has its uses in fire starting. It glows very hot and can take a spark if you are lucky! It acts like a slow fuse, gives off a good smudge to keep biting insects away and smells quite nice (to me, anyway!) too. Birch polypore has a mass of medicinal uses too, making a gargling solution for sore throats and as a rudimentary plaster, cut it carefully as a corn plaster or a ring bandage to alleviate blisters and hot spots. Too many uses to list to be honest!

1. What part of it will take a spark?? I cant wait to try that out.
2. What part will glow very hot??

You learn something new every day. Cheers

Stu