What do you use as your primary fire starter ? - Survey

I use those Small starter loggs. I have been using paper until I remembered the logs. Much easier and quicker.

With 4 cords of cedar mill ends still remaining--what else? This stuff is a pyro`s dream. If I were to stuff my new insert full with this wood then you could probably see the fireball all the way back to the east coast ;-)

Ignites fast, burns fast, and is hot,hot, hot.

I use newspaper currently, but have thought of making my own "fatwood" by soaking the scraps from my splitter in something. Any suggestions?

Just newspaper and small kindling. Maybe the odd piece of cardboard if its around.

Newspaper and kindling. Occasionally scraps of birch bark that falls of the wood

How much easier could it be? A few pieces of paper an a few twigs/scrap and ...fire!!

I was a whiz getting the FP going

First year with the insert. Doing some pre heavy usage burns, now.

Tried newspaper/kindling, didn't like it. I used some fat wood last night, what a difference !!

I've ordered the Super Cedar Starters.

I also had 4 pine trees taken down by LIPA, and am cleaning up the debris. Cutting off the "needley" branches, and loping the smaller stuff into 6-10" pieces (less then 1-1/12 inch wide). I figure the smaller pieces will will be good to go shortly(I'm talking SMALL, but enough to get the fire HOT), and I'm saving the bigger pieces for heavily cold winter restarts after work, and in the AM. I've got alot of it.

Plus the pine logs them selves, that have to be cut, and the rest of the trees below the power lines ( I opted for self clean up :coolsmile: )

I'll save some for next year, too.

Newspaper, shredded junk mail, cardboard, sticks, twigs, wood shop scraps...basically anything dry, easy to light and non hazardous to burn (ie no treated/finished wood, liquid fuels, etc)

I got my free samples of the super cedar starters the other day and decided to give em a try tonite- supposed to get into the low thirties here! Well, I only used half of one, and a couple small pieces of kindling, two small splits and four large splits- holy crap! What a fire! Highly recommend these things. Probably coulda used a third of one! The fire was roaring and I could see it on the bottom, still burning. Cruising at 500 degrees as we type.

mrurbplanner said:

Newspaper and kindling. Occasionally scraps of birch bark that falls of the wood

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Birch bark makes awesome tinder. We have a lot of it this year too!

I used to always use paper and kindling until last year. The fire starter products are just so much easier, and faster.

Besides, you don't have to waste your time crumpling up that paper and getting your hands all dirty.

I really like RUTLAND SAFE LITE FIRE STARTER SQUARES. $1.99 for a box of 24 squares @
walmart. burns 8-10 minutes ,instant light from a match. Costs you 9 cents a light & works with both wood stoves & pellet stoves.

I usually use newspapers , because my friends give them to me for free, but then there are, just those certain times, when you want to get the fire started fast & get back to bed & so I keep them for that.

Starter squares save you 10 minutes of crumpling newpaper sheets when you don't feel like it.

I'm going to try the super ceder this season.if it works and it looks like it will,thats what i will use.i'll let you know.

We use those simple firestarters from wal-mart or lowes. Nice small bricks of saw dust and wax(i think).
They seem to work great and they are only like $10 for a case.

Even the wife likes em!

Oak - I use the same ones. Lightning Nuggets.

Use the firestarters when lazy. Otherwise twigs and newspaper for a top down.

I use newspaper and cardboard, but newspaper probably wins out as primary.

I soak 1 (one) oz of rubbing alchol (80%) proof and 1 oz of veggie oil
mix well and add to a coffee can full of wood pellets, put on lid shake for a minute to soak all in , emt
on top of wood pellets in burn pot and light.. ;-)

Nothing beats Super-Cedars fire starters. They come individually wrapped and look like a red hockey puck or Gaines Burger for all you older folks... You just need 1/4 of one biscuit to start your fire. These little devils are incredible. Nothing better unless you have unlimited access to kindling...such as a carpenter might, or if grampy owns a shingle mill. The folks that manage this company are so sure you will love their product that they send out free samples every year... I have had 4 fires with one Super- Cedar fire chunk starter and love their performance. I had never heard of them before this year and always used newspaper.
Joey

I build furniture as a hobby and have unlimited access to kiln dried kindling scraps. Sometimes we need to burn it as fuel just to use it. Also have lots of newspaper always. However, I am looking forward to trying the super cedars. May be a lot easier.

ScottF said:

I build furniture as a hobby...

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That's not "furniture" you build...that's Fine Art. Rick

Twigs, stems and seeds.

I have lots of pine branches and newspaper.

I've used and try to stick with bow- tie'd newspaper but have digressed to the firestarter from the grocery store because I'm lazy. I'm gonna check out that stuff from Wally World..............

That’s not “furniture” you build...that’s Fine Art. Rick

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Thanks Rick , Appreciate the compliments. Very kind but I am just a self taught hobbiest. Here are a couple more. I have made about 36 pieces over the past 10 years since starting. Thanks again

holy crap scott thats some nice stuff!

i use paper... tempted to get those 2.- rutland starters from walmart.. or at least have another quick methode on hand.

I never would use this ... but has anyone else used GEL?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=64846-85334-CH0128&lpage=none