Who starts fires with a torch instead of paper?

Years ago my uncle showed me he starts his fire. He uses a bernzomatic torch. The kind used to solder pipes. I have since purchased one and I must say its a lot better then using paper! Kindling starts quickly and the map gas flame also pre heats the flue increasing draft. After trying this I won't go back to paper!
Anyone else do this? Any reason Not to do this?

I think the key is good dry kindling, if you dont have that or a super cedar the torch doesnt work so well.

You really have given up, haven't you?

........give the man a break......we all try to find better methods to get our stoves going and keep them running......dry kindling and good wood is what we ALL eventually realize. some just need more time to process that. different strokes is what makes the world go round.....and the process of invention.

cass

I don't know about a torch, but I have certainly given up on paper. Newspaper at least. I don't know why it is, but in recent years all the paper I've used refuses to flame up much without extensive bellowsing. I suspect that there is some sort of chemical that gets into recycled paper that inhibits burning.

-Speak

Once your try a super cedar or similar, you'll forget about the torch.

Once you get the Princess lit, you won't have to do it again til next winter

Do they still send a super cedar with new Blaze Kings?

I've done this -- torch plus kindling -- it works well. Supercedars are easier, though. Now I just put a quarter SC under some dry small stuff, very briefly hit it all with a torch, and we're done.

black and white printed paper still works pretty good....the color inked paper does not. there certainly is a difference in the way the newspaper burns these days than it did a few years ago. you're probably right....chemicals in the paper or the ink.

cass

I use paper and a torch. Had a bit of trouble with some of my wood (bit too wet on the outside) so it was nice to have it ready to go to really torch it to get it started. Also, has a lot more capacity than the bbq lighters

I use a torch every time I light a fire now! I started with matches and paper, graduated to a butane torch, and now use a plumbers propane torch. I love it! With some lighter woods, I don't even need kindling. I have been doing this for three years.

+1

I use kindling also. Being a tobacco farmer we have 40 year old lath made of hickory. Super dry! Torch just gets it going then shut the door.


This is in the shop stove. Hopefully I'll only light the princess once this year!

torch user here. I use it with kindling and fire starters...

Top down method here , paper knots and a butane torch

I know, I'm just giving him some crap...forgot to put the wink smilie in there. That Seinfeld episode just popped into my head, for some reason...the one where George starts wearing sweatpants everywhere.
No doubt, the torch would have to be the fastest way to get 'er crankin'! I'd definitely throw in a little extra 'clearance to combustibles' in the case of the torch in the stove room.

I use the torch. I get free kindling from a board shop.
I especially like the torch for reversing a downdraft if I had to let the chimney go cold.

Good question.

I use a torch. I use it to light kindeling, fire starters, paper, super cedars, cardboard, or paper towel rolls but I don't use it on big stuff. Its fast, hot, easy to use, and a tank will last a very long time when its only run for 30 seconds at a time.

I wrote up my methods in a thread called "How do you start a fire" (or something like that). Anyway, the MAPP gas torch (like a plumber's propane torch, but hotter gas) has long been my Plan B for those times when the paper, etc goes out before the wood gets lit.

I'm pleased to see that I'm not the only one who does it.

I have used my torch before..works fine.

Are you letting your newspaper season for at least 3 years?

I've done it and it worked great.

If its paper made of oak better go 4 years !

Pete

I gave up on matches or those butane lighters couple a yrs ago. I got a fatboy butane at Lowes. Handiest way to make heat and 3yrs later I'm still on the same canister. I use corn cobs for fire starter.

Propane plumbers torch here, on a low setting! Dry kindling from splitter scraps and 30 seconds of blue flame action, then close door. Entire season, shoulders and all use maybe 1/3 of a little one pound bottle........ Cheap & fast.