New guy knowledge nugget

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Kool_hand_Looke

Kool_hand_Looke

Feeling the Heat
Dec 8, 2013
469
Illinois
I'm just a dumb new guy...but I figured I'd bring an olive branch as well and share a nugget of knowledge to show that I come in peace.

I'm sure someones mentioned this, and I'm greedy with this technique with my real life friends: the Nantucket Knot. Tie your newspaper in a knot and it won't come undone. And I use a propane torch. I got sick of matches and lighters out-smarting me.
 
I use that method to start top down fires. Works great. Thanks!
 
Kool_hand_Looke said:
I figured I'd bring an olive branch as well and share a nugget of knowledge to show that I come in peace.
Click to expand...
Glad you did. Welcome.

In fact, fire starting techniques are a favorite topic around here. My favorite for avoiding starting frustrations is Super Cedar starters. Here's a recent thread on them in case you're interested. They'll send you a free sample. https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/super-cedar-free-samples-discount-code.113830/

And yes, the top down method is good.
 
I use that knot and a few peices of cardboard...with that propane bottle torch. one thing I SUPER hate is preparing kindling. Don't ask me why, but I just can't stand it.
 
Sprinter said:
Glad you did. Welcome.

In fact, fire starting techniques are a favorite topic around here. My favorite for avoiding starting frustrations is Super Cedar starters. Here's a recent thread on them in case you're interested. They'll send you a free sample. https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/super-cedar-free-samples-discount-code.113830/

And yes, the top down method is good.
Click to expand...
I used a Super Cedar for the first time this weekend. It really worked well.

It got me wondering about what makes it burn so well and so long. Does anyone happen to know?
 
Yep. Newspaper bows are da bomb for starting top down fires. Hogwildz loves them. ;lol
 
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1750 said:
I used a Super Cedar for the first time this weekend. It really worked well.

It got me wondering about what makes it burn so well and so long. Does anyone happen to know?
Click to expand...
It's cedar shavings and wax. I like them because I can use 1/6 of a puck and start larger splits without need of kindling.
 
That reminds me, we haven't had our favorite top down video yet this season. Bows: The Movie.

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1750 said:
I used a Super Cedar for the first time this weekend. It really worked well.

It got me wondering about what makes it burn so well and so long. Does anyone happen to know?
Click to expand...
Probably like the pellets.
 
John Gulland, the guy playing dumb in that video, is probably the foremost expert on wood burning on the planet. I often say that John invented trees. He runs woodheat.org and is a consultant to the Canadian government on wood heating.

Vanessa Percival, the gal in the vid, has owned stove stores for 30 years. Now owns a stove distribution company in Canada.
 
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1750 said:
I used a Super Cedar for the first time this weekend. It really worked well.

It got me wondering about what makes it burn so well and so long. Does anyone happen to know?
Click to expand...


Magical pixie dust.
 
Did you see Johns eyes twinkle when she said she was going to do a top down fire start.
 
Super cedars are awesome.

If you are a chepskate like me you'll save candle ends and egg cartons (cardboard), fill them with sawdust, melt the candle ends and pour over the "cups" - each one makes a decent and basically free (assuming you buy eggs and candles and process your own wood) fire starter. Bonus if you have scented candles.
 
you know, i thought about using the paper bags from the market, especially Trader Joe's bags. They sure pile up quickly. Keep folding them until you can't anymore...use as a starter.
 
Kool_hand_Looke said:
I use that knot and a few peices of cardboard...with that propane bottle torch. one thing I SUPER hate is preparing kindling. Don't ask me why, but I just can't stand it.
Click to expand...
You gotta be doing it wrong, it's not that bad, lol.
 
It's mostly because it's the very last thing before I'm done splitting. I'm tired of it at that point. Then...I'm stuck rooting for a good peice to splinter with a damn hatchet while I chase the wood down the deck and back.

I also use all the crap that falls off when bring loads in.
 
Kool_hand_Looke said:
It's mostly because it's the very last thing before I'm done splitting. I'm tired of it at that point. Then...I'm stuck rooting for a good peice to splinter with a damn hatchet while I chase the wood down the deck and back.

I also use all the crap that falls off when bring loads in.
Click to expand...
Try and invest in some slab wood if you can get your hands on it. I spent half a day making kindling at the beginning of summer and will have enough to get me through the winter now. Splits easy, dries super fast.
 
I could probably steal some cribbing from work.
 
1750 said:
Good to know.

I'm assuming magical pixie dust is non-toxic and I don't have to worry about my kids playing with it or my dog eating it then.
Click to expand...

Just don't sprinkle it on your clothing . . . if you do you will be able to fly.
 
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