Anyone else hate newspaper to start fire?

[hearthstoneheat]

I've gotten so frustrated using newspaper to start fires. It seems that it doesn't light like it used to in the past (maybe it's just me), and it's a big waste of time. Then you have the big ash left that seems to block the fire if/when it does get going. I guess I've been too spoiled using Super Cedars. Anyone else share my frustration?

 

[firecracker_77]

I only use SuperCedars. They are cheap when you break them into fourths. An entire season of relighting for under $50 and that's if you restarted alot. I won't mess with anything else now.

 

[oldspark]

No been using it for over 30 years, have you checked the moisture content of your newspaper?

 

[BrotherBart]

There is a small stack of three year old newspapers under an end table in the family room. They have been there since I received the first Super Cedar sample. I need to remember to throw them away.

 

[Gary_602z]

No been using it for over 30 years, have you checked the moisture content of your newspaper?

Is that the same as checking it on toilet paper? :lol:

Gary

 

[Bub381]

Use pinecones myself,work great.

 

[oldspark]

There is a small stack of three year old newspapers under an end table in the family room. They have been there since I received the first Super Cedar sample. I need to remember to throw them away.

That's funny, I have a box of super cedars I bought because of the reviews on here, they are great but I like my newspaper, I think I have used two of them.

 

[hearthstoneheat]

No been using it for over 30 years, have you checked the moisture content of your newspaper?

No, I haven't but it seems dry to me. I also try to use sections with less ink on them.

 

[BKInsert]

I've gotten so frustrated using newspaper to start fires. It seems that it doesn't light like it used to in the past (maybe it's just me), and it's a big waste of time. Then you have the big ash left that seems to block the fire if/when it does get going. I guess I've been too spoiled using Super Cedars. Anyone else share my frustration?

Just use 1 or 2 pieces of fatwood on top of ~6 sheets of tightly crumbled newspaper, you can buy it cheap at L L Bean, $35 will last a season or two... it works like a charm, Also, I learned this from someone else here on the forum, place two, or three, of large splits at the left and right sides, place the newspaper and fatwood in the center with a few small splits/kindle. This combination seems to works VERY well even when starting from dead cold.

 

[BrotherBart]

There is a small stack of three year old newspapers under an end table in the family room. They have been there since I received the first Super Cedar sample. I need to remember to throw them away.

That's funny, I have a box of super cedars I bought because of the reviews on here, they are great but I like my newspaper, I think I have used two of them.

I resisted even trying them for four years. What in the world was I thinking? I really, really like top down fire starting but not having to mess with kindling is just so great.

 

[stejus]

I take a fire brick starter and cut it into eight peices with a puddy knife. Take a peice, light it and throw in some splits and that's all it takes.

 

[fossil]

I haven't used a piece of newspaper for starting a fire in at least three years. Never will again, so long as Thomas keeps making Super Cedars. Rick

 

[oldspark]

There is a small stack of three year old newspapers under an end table in the family room. They have been there since I received the first Super Cedar sample. I need to remember to throw them away.

That's funny, I have a box of super cedars I bought because of the reviews on here, they are great but I like my newspaper, I think I have used two of them.

I resisted even trying them for four years. What in the world was I thinking? I really, really like top down fire starting but not having to mess with kindling is just so great.

No kindling, how do you do that?

 

[pen]

No kindling, how do you do that?

I just load the splits up and put 1/4 of a super cedar in the middle of them, 2 or 3 inches back.

Only time I use kindling anymore is if I'm feeling stingy and trying to relight off of a small amount of coals.

pen

 

[Huntindog1]

OldSpark, I was going to ask the same thing, how does a super cedar start a fire with no kindling?

 

[WellSeasoned]

Newspaper is all i have used thus far, I have no problems. I'm still waiting for my super cedar samples, and then we'll see. plus, I always end up reading an article I missed the first time around.

 

[Treacherous]

I don't use any kindling either. Just some medium splits and a 1/4 SC. It works every time.

 

[HotCoals]

Cat guys start a fire once,maybe twice a year..just sayin'.

 

[Huntindog1]

Treach, Whats a medium split for you?

I use a homemade fire starter cost me around 7 cents a piece and easy to make. But I have to use kindling.

Anyone wants to know how to make them PM me. They are kind of different from the usual homemade ones.

 

[Seasoned Oak]

Junk mail works for me,but i still cant get rid of it all.

 

[Benchwrench]

what is a super cedar?
I've been using cardboard lately.

 

[Stump_Branch]

Nice to have local carriers of SCs. But ive used other wax wood combos.
Personally i dont get the paper. Besides that, i like brown paper bags. Not only the booze that i bring them home in but they burn great light easy, etc.
Ill use it at the times, like pen, and i try to restart a fire with sticks. I use the paper to boost the draft so to speak, top down style.


I have to use all the sticks that fall in the yard anyhow.

 

[ChillyGator]

No kindling, how do you do that?

I just load the splits up and put 1/4 of a super cedar in the middle of them, 2 or 3 inches back.

Only time I use kindling anymore is if I'm feeling stingy and trying to relight off of a small amount of coals.

pen

I do go to the trouble of cross stacking one level......sometimes.

 

[amellefson]

Seperating the dulls from the glossys is part of my Sunday paper richual. I am so cheap. I get the Sunday paper for the coupons, then I use it to light my fire I will definately search the threads for the top down lighting. I have seen this topic before and never given much attention. If it simplifies life that much it might be worth the 50 or so dollars.

 

[Treacherous]

Treach, Whats a medium split for you?

I use a homemade fire starter cost me around 7 cents a piece and easy to make. But I have to use kindling.

Anyone wants to know how to make them PM me. They are kind of different from the usual homemade ones.

The size of my splits will fill up stove with about 5-6 for a full load. Lopi claims firebox size is 2.2 cu ft.

I usually start with (2) N/S and then one diagonal on the top with a 1/4 SC under the one on top. Sometimes I will do bottom (2) NS and (2) E/W on top.