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

Fire Starters

Discussion in 'The DIY Room' started by Razo, Dec 22, 2014.

  1. Razo

    Razo

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    Decided to try my hand at firestarters and share the results...

    I have used Duraflame and Super Cedars in the past and so far I like these best, they catch instantly like a super cedar and they burn for a very long time, longer than a SS. Plus they smell good.

    Started by cracking a brew:

    upload_2014-12-22_12-56-38.png

    Then gathered up all the old candles and got them melting. Pillars went right in the tin, the glass ones were warmed then poured into the tin while molten.

    upload_2014-12-22_12-57-18.png

    upload_2014-12-22_12-57-27.png

    upload_2014-12-22_12-57-38.png

    Once fully melted, I added my saw chips directly into the wax. They are a mix of hickory, cherry, and red oak.

    upload_2014-12-22_12-58-10.png

    Once fully incorporated, I had a fairly dry mix...almost like dry oatmeal with honey mixed in. You don't need it really soupy, the wax goes much farther if you keep adding wood chips til its almost dry.

    upload_2014-12-22_12-59-3.png

    Next, I just spooned it into a cardboard egg carton and used the bottom of a shot glass to compress it down in. I was almost worried that they were too dry and would flake apart.

    upload_2014-12-22_12-59-50.png

    However, after I left them outside overnight they had set up beautifully - they held together just fine.

    That tin above made 36 fire starters.

    I then just cut them apart with a pair of snips and toss them in a bucket/container.

    upload_2014-12-22_13-0-46.png

    Love these things. I went with chainsaw chips instead of fine dust as I thought it might burn better than dust.
     
  2. PullinMyPoulan

    PullinMyPoulan

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    Thanks for sharing do they work well
     
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  3. Razo

    Razo

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    Very well, they light off immediately, about the time it takes to light a candle wick. Because I make a drier mix and pack them dense into the carton with a shot glass they have a very long burn time. One is all it takes.
     
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  4. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    Looks good. The mixture looks good, just enough to stick together. I'm due to make some soon.
     
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  5. Norky

    Norky

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    Free is always good. Better than paying for over priced hockey pucks.
     
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  6. bigbarf48

    bigbarf48

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    Looks like it worked well, I've been meaning to try my hand at it. I like your first step, always the hallmark of a good project :D :thumbs:
     
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  7. Mag Craft

    Mag Craft

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    Thanks for showing that. I might give it a go sometime.
    Right now I am cramming noodles into a small paper cup and then adding a little lamp oil.
     
    wildwest likes this.
  8. will711

    will711

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    A very important step :thumbs::cheers:
     
  9. Horkn

    Horkn

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    I save the bacon grease soaked paper towels, and throw them in empty microwave bags. Those start fires pretty well, but I like the idea of making your own commercial type starters.