In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

White cedar chips- a different firestarter.

Discussion in 'Modern EPA Stoves and Fireplaces' started by fishingpol, Mar 20, 2016.

  1. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    I had to replace a few white cedar fence posts out back so I picked up a 2" Forstner bit to bore holes. The chips ejected out of the hole were thin and clean. I left them on the walk for a few days to dry out completely in the sun. I ended up with a five gallon bucket full of them.

    I took a handful and placed them in the stove for a cold start today. I had a few small pine chunks for kindling and then splits over that.

    These chips took off well and burned very hot. Within a few minutes, the fire was going nicely.

    I took a cedar cut off block and swiss cheesed it full of holes to make more. What remained of the block I split into kindling.

    I'm going to give this a try and hold off making wax starters. These may be good soaked for smoker wood in the Weber.

    20160320_174540.jpg

    After a minute.

    20160320_175317.jpg
     
  2. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Awesome re-use!!!
    2" Forstner? What were you spinning that with?
     
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  3. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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    White cedar......

    :p
     
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  4. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    1/2" drill.
     
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  5. Well Seasoned

    Well Seasoned Administrator

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    Bag em' up and sell em'

    " fishingpol 's old style starter chips"


    Good idea!:yes:
     
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  6. bushpilot

    bushpilot

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    I wouldn't ever use lumber in the smoker, you never know how it has been treated. Even "untreated" wood often is treated with something that you do not wish to be eating.
     
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  7. ironpony

    ironpony

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    Chinese white cedar contains lead......
     
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  8. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    Good point. I don't know the source.
     
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  9. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Should be excellent kindling wood Jon.
     
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  10. FatBoy85

    FatBoy85

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    Hey this is a really good use for the firestarter application here! The smoker idea sounds good too but I like using chunks nowadays. Easier to keep the fire going and under control as well.