Safe firestarter in catalytic stove

[ben94122]

I'm planning to get my first cat stove this summer, and wanted to make sure: Is it OK to use a wax-sawdust firestarter, or will the wax hurt the cat? I'm guessing with the popularity of Super Cedars it's not an issue, but wanted to double-check. We mix wax and sawdust in an egg carton, then use each individual egg cradle as a firestarter; we light the cardboard which ignites the wax and sawdust.

Also, is newsprint OK with a catalytic combustor? How about colored newspaper, like the funnies? Glossy newspaper advertisements?

 

[begreen]

BK stoves are safe with a SuperCedar. They used to ship with a SuperCedar and recommended them. Not sure if they still do?
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/new-owner-of-blaze-king.53818/
Black and white newspaper should be ok, inks are now soy based. I'd hold off on colored and glossy paper. There may be metals in the dye used for coloring.

 

[webby3650]

It’s not a big deal really. The cat is bypassed during startup and the starter only burns for a minute or 2.

 

[ben94122]

Makes sense. Thanks for the information!

 

[Highbeam]

I graduated to a propane torch for rapid and clean fire starting. So much happier.

 

[webby3650]

I graduated to a propane torch for rapid and clean fire starting. So much happier.

Me too. It’s really made things easier.

 

[Happy Stacker]

Slackers...I want both of you to return your Boy Scout "Fire Starting" merit badges...

 

[Highbeam]

Especially in the shoulder seasons I can point the torch up into the flue to establish a brisk draft before torching the kindling.

It takes much less time to get to a clean burning fire this way.