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: 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. Once fully melted, I added my saw chips directly into the wax. They are a mix of hickory, cherry, and red oak. 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. 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. 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. Love these things. I went with chainsaw chips instead of fine dust as I thought it might burn better than dust.
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.
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
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.
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.