Tinder fungus preparation?

[Jim Ford]

I've tried preparing tinder from Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius), without much luck. I've cut off the pores and very hard grey outer crust (a difficult job!), to leave the soft brown layer. I've soaked the brown layer in water to soften it and then beaten it with a hammer to try to 'fluff it up'. All I've ended up with is something like thin suede leather, that doesn't seem to particularly prone to catching a spark!

Has anyone tried with success in preparing tinder from Fomes fomentarius? I'd rather not 'cheat' by soaking in a solution of salpetre.

Jim

[NickCantle]

I don't think you have to prepare it, just dry it.

[pammosley]

Hi Jim, I tried liquidising some with some water & then spreading it about like paper mache to dry. it didn`t catch a spark well . When it is alight it smoulders really well.
In Ray Mears bushcraft book it says " The fungi are best collected in spring when young. Slice off the horny outer surface (cuticle) & carve away the underside (pores). You are left with the trauma, this is the leathery brown layer" Our ancesters used to scrape this to produce downy tinder. It goes on to say you can place the fungus in water & bring it to the boil & simmer for 24 hours. Gently pound it to you get a large flat sheet. ( Must have been where I got my liquidiser idea from ) To improve it`s sparking ability boil it again in a concentrated solution of hardwood ash & water, or rub hardwood ash into the fungus.
An easier one to try is Cramp balls, king alfreds cakes. They catch a spark easy & get VERY hot
Keep trying, it`s fun & satisifing when you get one to catch
Pam

[RogerTheCat]

I tried lighting King Alfreds cake and failed. I left them to dry out, I had tried to light freshly picked ones, and they took a spark very easily. They were left for several weeks to dry out so try just leaving yours in a warm place for a while as it may help

[coasty]

Hi there

I have prepared amadou a few times for fishing purposes... and have tried using it as tinder with varying success,, I find brushing at with a suade brush gave the best effect...