Fire Starters

[Roybrew]

Normally I use kerosene for fire starter, but I thought I'd try making something a little more practical.
Paraffin sealing wax and wood shavings. I've been making a couple of canoe paddles so I have plenty of wood shavings.
I didn't have an old pan to melt the paraffin in, and I wasn't about to use one of my wife's, so a good Folgers coffee can worked great.
Was up some wood shavings and pour the paraffin in. Oh I also added a few tablespoons of liquid paraffin lamp oil. Fellow on YouTube video says it burns hotter. Mush it down with wood dowel, and let it cool. Good to have something that your paper cups fit in. I used cup cake holders and a board with holes drilled in it.
I'll let you know how it does.
Roy

 

[Roybrew]

1 pound of Gulf wax, 1/3 cup of liquid paraffin lamp oil, and muffin papers yielded 23 fire starter cakes
This morning I ran one under the faucet to get it wet
It took a few seconds to light the paper, after shaking the water off.
Lit it at 9:12
Burned for about 20 minutes.
All gone.

It burned very clean with very little smoke.
I think that's pretty good?
Roy

 

[jason]

I have done something similar. Also have tried adding sawdust and shredded paper. I have also tried using twine covered in wax as a light point. Really should make some more soon as I'm out. I like how you folded yours over.

 

[Roybrew]

I have done something similar. Also have tried adding sawdust and shredded paper. I have also tried using twine covered in wax as a light point. Really should make some more soon as I'm out. I like how you folded yours over.

Hey Jason, I hope you are doing well? I enjoy reading the Introductions you write up. Very good information.
I've been wanting to experiment with making fire starters fo quite a while. I don't like running to the store to get supplies and the stuff I need, I guess I'm a little lazy in that area.
Which materials worked best for you, and what are your preferences for fire starters?
Roy

 

[jason]

Hey Jason, I hope you are doing well? I enjoy reading the Introductions you write up. Very good information.
I've been wanting to experiment with making fire starters fo quite a while. I don't like running to the store to get supplies and the stuff I need, I guess I'm a little lazy in that area.
Which materials worked best for you, and what are your preferences for fire starters?
Roy

I haven't done much testing. I really should research it a bit more. Just whatever I have at the time. I found sawdust makes the most mess when making, however. I think shredded paper or wood chips are better. I was thinking of using the mini cupcake wrappers, but I am interested in trying how you wrapped the larger one around. I will have to do research if I ever add any to our farmstand, however.