How to Make a Torch Out of Recycled Materials

Outdoor torches provide soft, ambient lighting to porches, gardens and barbecue areas. Not only are they a beautiful design element, but many types of torch fuel repel harmful mosquitoes. However, outdoor torches can become rather expensive, especially if you need more than one. Some patio torches can run more than $50. A good way to save money and create a romantic setting for your outdoor area is by making your own torch out of a recycled wine bottle. Other materials needed can be found around your home or purchased at a low cost at any hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• 3/8-16 copper top plate connector
• Electric drill
• 1-inch drill bit
• 2 #10 by 1-inch zinc-plated wood screws
• 4-inch 3/8-16 zinc-plated threaded rod
• 2 hex nuts (for 3/8-16 threads)
• 1-inch split ring hanger (for 3/8-16 threads)
• 1/2-by-3/8-inch copper coupling
• Teflon tape
• Wine bottle (1-inch neck)
• Tiki wick
• Funnel
• Torch oil
• 1/2-inch copper cap

Instructions

Mounting

1. Decide where you will hang the torch. Sturdy locations such as wooden deck poles and fence posts work best.

2. Hold the plate connector against the wood, and mark where the screw holes are.

3. Pre-drill holes through the marks using the 1-inch drill bit. Make sure you don't drill all the way through the post.

4. Screw the copper plate connector into place with the wood screws.

5. Screw the threaded rod into the hole in the center of the plate connector until it is tight.

6. Twist one of the hex nuts over the threaded rod until it reaches the plate connector. Twist the other hex nut about an inch from the tip of the rod.

7. Twist the split rod hanger onto the rod until the end of the rod. Make sure the end of the rod does not exceed past the inside of the hanger ring.

8. Tighten the hex nut at the end of the threaded rod until it is snugly fit against the split rod hanger.

Making the Torch

1. Wrap the 1/2-inch end of the coupling with the Teflon tape. Make sure to wrap tightly and evenly when building up the tape. Test to see if the taped end of the coupling fits tightly into the bottle opening before proceeding.

2. Push the wick through the coupling until about a 1/4-inch is sticking out from the top.

3. Unscrew one side of the split ring hanger, and push the neck of the bottle through the ring. Tighten the screw to hold the bottle in place. Make sure not to screw the ring too tightly; this can cause the glass to shatter.

4. Funnel the torch oil into the bottle about three-quarters up from the bottom.

5. Let the wick absorb the torch oil, then use a lighter to ignite the flame. Put the protective copper cap over the wick when the torch is not in use.

Tips & Warnings

• Use bug-repelling torch fuel to keep pesky insects away.

• This torch is meant for outdoor use only. Mounting the torch is a safety precaution. Although torches can be made without a mount, bottles can easily be knocked over and spill flammable fuel.

References

• Gerardot & Co.