Match lock fungus slow match

[Pukka Bundook]

The little dude behind the shield looks a bit spooked, Bob!

My own boar lance has the cross, Daryl.

[Daryl]

Oh yeah!!

[Tommykid]

Has anyone done any sort of experimenting regarding the process they used to make their slow match vs burn rate? As we know, there are a number of different “recipes” out there, but I was curious if anything more than anecdotal evidence has been presented. I know this isn’t an exact science, but my newbie-to-this scientific brain can’t help itself. I have some cordage arriving today and plan to do some trial and error, myself. Didn’t want to reinvent the wheel, though.
Thanks,
Tom

[Tommykid]

Yahoo

[Pukka Bundook]

The best you can get is twisted hemp, Tommy.
It when cured burns nice and hot and a large coal.
Susan Wallace used to sell it in 100 yards balls.  (Silver Shuttle, Memphis TN, but not sure if they are still in business.
It stays twisted when burning.
I tried in in  potash, but needed a good wash afterwards or it burned too fast and fizzled.
Tried it in gunpowder, boiled , then laid to dry. Worked V well. brush it through your hands after drying.
takes the bits off the surface that can fizzle off where you don't want them.
A handful of gunpowder to a gallon or so of water.
Any slow match should be laid to dry, otherwise the solution runs to the ends if hanging.
Never used lead acetate myself.
It slows the burn rate.
Mine burns an inch in 5 minutes.  Wood ashes in solution, and matchcord boiled in it works as well as most.

[Tommykid]

Thank you. Maybe it’s me, but I’m having issues finding braided or twisted hemp. When I search, it get results for jute and manila. I’m not sure if that’s a form of hemp or something entirely different. I ended up with braided cotton to try, initially. I found a number for Silver Shuttle and will call to see if they are still in business.
Have you ever used straight potassium nitrate? I know that’s a component of black powder, but cheaper. I do have some hardwood ashes on hand. I was thinking of trying a few different things. Boiling in the ash solution and then trying with and without the potassium nitrate. Maybe with the potassium nitrate alone, as well. Down another rabbit hole I go!
Tom

[bluenoser]

Can't help with slow match, but can tell you hemp and jute are derived from distinctly different plants.

[Pukka Bundook]

With straight potash Tom, don't overdo it, as it burns too fast.
That's what I used for a start and a spark would set the matchcord to smoking in different places,
If its washed afterwards it slows it down, or a weaker initial solution.
I forget my mix at the moment, as I made a fair bit different ways so not needed to make any for years!

yes, hemp is hemp, and the others are not.
I will look for the same stuff I have, see if I can find a supplier.  Burnley and Trowbridge maybe?

[Tommykid]

Simmering some cordage in the ash solution as I type this. Doesn’t quite smell like Mom’s home cooking 😜
Tom

[Tommykid]

With straight potash Tom, don't overdo it, as it burns too fast.
That's what I used for a start and a spark would set the matchcord to smoking in different places,
If its washed afterwards it slows it down, or a weaker initial solution.
I forget my mix at the moment, as I made a fair bit different ways so not needed to make any for years!

yes, hemp is hemp, and the others are not.
I will look for the same stuff I have, see if I can find a supplier.  Burnley and Trowbridge maybe?

Thank you!

[Pukka Bundook]

LLet us know how it goes, Tom..

[Tommykid]

Will do. I have some soaking in potassium nitrate right now. I put 4 teaspoons in 2 quarts of water to start. The ash solution treated is still damp, but I had heard on the other forum that similar Cotten braided rope unraveled while burning for someone.  I lit some untreated cordage and didn’t have that issue. Hopefully, the treated will act similarly.
Tom