In tandem with this post... Does anyone still use kindling? Anyways, I asked this question on the net and came up with a bunch of different responses. Mixed. Does Wax in the starters pose an issue to woodstoves and their flues? In regards with Backwoods Savage and his kindling question, a few of you posted that using firestarters with wax mixed starters. If this is easily fixed by a hot fire then I can move onto that and keep that in mind. I make the paraffin wax starters with dixie or just recently started with 2 oz cups for like condiments and saw shavings. Great for outside since the wind blows and they stay lit and burn for at least 5 mins. My making this was because newspaper sometimes wouldn't last or absorbed the outside moisture so it was hardly dry. Should I stick with newspaper inside??
I have to admit I havent read that thread but do use kindling when needed. Im not aware of wax posing an issue with wood stoves and many members here have posted about their homemade wax fire starters with enthusiasm. I think its neat since anything that is home made and reduces spending money is a good thing. For me however I havent used paper in my wood stove for many, many years although I use it in my outdoor fire pit. Ive used fatwood almost exclusively but my lovely wife bought me a box of super cedars this year from the great country south of me so I was able to enjoy what so many have raved about. I dont typically have to light many fires during the winter but I do so frequently in the fall and spring.
What I saw in a lowes store was a wax starter, it looked like a full on candle, votives size I would call it? It was what looked like a half inch thick and seemed overkill. Maybe I'll go back and take a picture. What I do is a tablespoon sized amount of wax so its not a lot at least from my point of view you dont see a lot of wax. The starter has more wood than wax. Im very happy with them, they get the fire going! I have enough cups in supply for over 1000 starters. The method is sound for sure. Heard the whole "wood stove /clogged creosote problem " and wax was a no no but they didn't talk about the wood they were burning so the jury is still out on those folks.
I use cedar kindling. But I usually burn continuous for 4 to 5 months. Unless we are out of town for a while. So a little split cedar isn't to much to deal with. Also creosote isn't much of a problem for my outdoor furnace. Burns it right out of the chimney.
I've been using mine for several years w/o issue. Not sure if there are issues in a cat stove though. Check with the maker of the particular stove being used.
I've not heard of anyone having a problem using wax. Super Cedars have wax in them. We have a cat stove and have never had a problem using the SS.
Folks said that petroleum products are not great for cats as the ceramic cloth is likely to become clogged. Not going to take their word for it but it would make sense.
BrianK made wax starters and burned them in the Fireview and the IS. They both have a stainless steel cat.
but if you add whisky to it it cancels out the badness in soda making it a healthy alternative to water.
I guess theres a difference in soy and paraffin wax. If you havent had any problems Dennis Im taking your word for it because its testimonial and accurate. Anyone burning as long as you have been gets a special kind of respect. I burn all kinds of kindling. Seems like it never stops coming to my home. Hope it never will. Its a valuable resource since I dont need to process it much if at all. But I find the making of these wax starters fun. Adds another do-do thing to my list but I guess I got good enough deals on the supplies for me to keep trying to make them. Now that the stove comes into play, I'll be using these to light my fires more often.
I used paper from the office shredder as well as sawdust with about 1.5oz melted candle wax in a 3oz paper Dixie cup. They burn 12-14 minutes and I don't have to use kindling because of them. However, I always waited at least 15-20 minutes before engaging the cat with them so as not to take any chances.
Well, you have to even to wait until the temperature is high enough to engage that cat! Perhaps this is the reason it works without problems?
I see how that works now! I would assume that even though my stove isn't a cat, burning hot hot would just be best. The wax is minimal at best barely even half a tea light if that. By the time the fire is going the wax is likely vapor.
