How to Burn Wood with a Magnifying Glass

Chances are you've seen it done before on television: someone alone, lost in the great outdoors, uses a magnifying glass to concentrate a ray of sunlight onto a piece of wood to start a fire. This is not just television magic; it can be done in real life. This method works best on a sunny day, using an ordinary two-by-four piece of wood.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass
  • 2x4 length of wood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your piece of wood on a flat surface outside; the sidewalk is an ideal place because it will not singe or catch fire when you burn the wood.

    • 2

      Position the magnifying glass about a foot above the wood you want to burn. Adjust the way you hold the magnifying glass until you see a pinpoint of sunlight on the wood. The sun's rays pass through the magnifying glass and become concentrated.

    • 3

      Hold the magnifying glass as still as possible so that the concentration of light is as powerful as possible. After a minute or two, the wood will start smoking as the hot, bright light begins to burn it. Wait until a small flame appears, then put the magnifying glass down and blow the flame softly to fan it.