A while ago I made a torch to bring underground. I learned the dos and don'ts and why?s of torches.
Made using an old broom handle. The flammable part is made of velpeau bandages, long 2-meter bands of cloth with a bit of elasticity. They are wrapped tightly around the stick. String was used to tie each layer of bandage down, and never caused any problems later. After the cat gets bored, soak it in kerosene, available at most gas stations (at least here), and seal it up to prevent evaporation. The torch, not the cat. The torch will soak up the kerosene thirstily. The cat will hide under the couch.
Moment of truth.
FOOM
It lasted about half an hour, then fell off the end of the stick. If it had stayed on, I think it would've lasted much longer.
I used way too many bandages; as a result, it was too heavy. In the future two or maybe three would suffice. Also, it would be nice to pound a nail into the stick to better secure the bandages.
Even after it fell off into the water, it stayed burning until we were out of sight.
I would do it again for novelty, but torches are a really crappy lighting method: they affect your nightvision and make it difficult to see anything more than a couple meters away. It was extremely good though for gauging the very hazardous riverbed.
