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

Homemade fire starters...on the cheap.

Discussion in 'Everything Else (off topic)' started by TurboDiesel, Aug 10, 2019.

  1. Warner

    Warner

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    IMG_3237.jpeg Fire starter day, Got the melting pot going.
     
  2. Eckie

    Eckie

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    In regards to fire starters.... I've used pinecones before, and I know others on here have stated the same. I've only used loblolly pine though. This year, the one white pine that's left has dropped a bunch of cones. These have some white sap on them, looks like they've been slightly sprayed/glazed with icing. Any problem using these as firestarters/helpers, in a cat Absolute Steel? They're in the shed drying more before I'd used them. I figure if I use 1 or 2 cones to help start a load (or half load), that's really not that much sap (if it hasn't fully dried by then).

    Thoughts from the pros?
     
  3. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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    I've used them (but not in a cat stove) with absolutely no problems.

    Are those cat stoves actually that finicky?
     
  4. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    Cat isn’t engaged during start up… don’t see why or how it could be affected.
     
  5. Eckie

    Eckie

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    I don't know, only ran stove about half last season. And this is my first stove.

    Good point. Guess the amount in 2 cones would gunk anything else up /cause problems....? Not like a load of green/sappy wood over and over...
     
  6. Warner

    Warner

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    Someone here said not to burn fat wood in a cat stove. When I asked why they said “because so and so said so”. So there’s that.
     
  7. Eckie

    Eckie

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    Well, So and So is very famous, don't cha know
     
  8. Ohio

    Ohio

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    I made a batch of these. They burn a long time. I need to get a cheap crock pot from good will to make the process more efficient. I already have two dedicated muffin tins and the wrappers. 1001231421a.jpg
     
  9. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    I'd think that it may depend on the design of the stove somewhat...on some stoves the cat is kinda tucked back outta the way when bypassed, on some its not directly in the pathway (hence bypassed) but its still right there in the mix with the smoke rolling around...might not apply to pine sap, but I know for things like burning treated wood, they say that'll still get 'em in bypass mode too. And as for fatwood...I can't see how a lil bit would hurt...fatwood makes a lot of smoke, cats eat smoke...unless its just because when the fatwood is burning that cat is probably not engaged, so it gets coated with smoke...maybe after a while that coating doesn't burn off right away, or it delays the cat igniting?
    Cat stoves are so finicky...why doesn't someone invent a dog stove! :D
     
  10. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    :picard::picard:


    :rofl: :lol::rofl: :lol::rofl: :lol:
     
    In the Pines, eatonpcat, Ohio and 4 others like this.
  11. Warner

    Warner

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    image.jpg I was kinda short on wax and used a citronella candle. Mrs. Warner says the house smells like a campground. What’s wrong with that?
     
  12. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    IMG_3182.JPG
     
  13. Locust Post

    Locust Post

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  14. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    [​IMG]
     
  15. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    I made my last batch with all her scented candle scraps and some were mixed together...PU! :picard::rofl: :lol:
     
  16. Sirchopsalot

    Sirchopsalot

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    Those look like noodles waxed in egg cartons.
    Nice.
    Ive had to not cheap out on wax.....some were too light / not enough wax, and didnt light the stove well.
    Looks like you got 40 or so out of that batch?
    Not sure what the stuff in citronella.does to a steel chimney...
    Sca
     
    In the Pines and brenndatomu like this.
  17. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Keeps the mosquitos away! :rofl: :lol:
     
  18. Sirchopsalot

    Sirchopsalot

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    Was working on the retaining wall tonight....i got swarmed by skeeterz. Picked the wrong day to quit smoking....
     
  19. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Good on you for quitting. :handshake: Ms. buZZsaw quit almost two years ago.
     
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2023
  20. Warner

    Warner

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    Yup wax, RO noodles mixed with pine saw dust. There are 6 dozen there, would have made more but ran out of noodles. I’m not sure what if any effects could come from the citronella but since I don’t have a ss liner it ain’t no thing to me.