How to Make a Chimney Fire Starter
The warmth from a crackling hot fire can heat the body as well as the soul. In order to have a roaring fire you need to get it going with the help from a fire starter. Since no one wants to spend the time gathering up kindling, making an alternative fire starter is a simple solution. When you're ready to make a fire, simply toss your homemade starter in and watch the blazing fire begin.
What You'll Need:
- Old candles or crayons
- Double boiler
- Wooden spoon or wooden paint stick
- Candy thermometer
- Cardboard egg cartons
- Sawdust, dryer lint or wood shavings such as cedar or pine bedding for small animals
- Gather up any old wax you may have around your home. This can include old candles or even broken crayons that were probably going to be thrown out anyway. Break the wax down into small pieces and place them in the top portion of your double boiler. Make sure to put water in the bottom of the double boiler before turning the heat on.
- Turn on the heat to high under your double boiler. Make sure to use pans that you don't mind wax being in. However, avoid using anything cast iron as the wax may seep into the pan itself and not come out. Use the wooden spoon or a wooden paint stick to stir the wax when it begins to melt. If you use a wooden paint stick, you can dispose of it when you are finished and avoid some clean up.
- Use your candy thermometer to check the temperature of the wax. Do not heat it past two hundred degrees, as it will burn or catch fire if the temperature reaches two hundred and twelve degrees. Turn off the heat and keep stirring until all of the wax has completely melted.
- Prepare the cardboard egg cartons by filling them halfway with the sawdust, dryer lint or wood shavings. Do not use plastic or styrofoam egg cartons as they will melt when the wax is added. An easy alternative for the wood shavings is cedar or pine animal bedding which can be found at many stores that sell pet care items. This works well, especially if you are making a large quantity of fire starters at one time. You can also use cardboard drink carriers from fast food restaurants if you would like larger size fire starters.
- Pour the hot melted wax into the cardboard egg cartons, or drink carriers, that have been filled with the sawdust, dryer lint or small wood pieces. Fill to just below the top. Allow to cool completely.
- Cut the cardboard egg carton or drink carrier carefully to separate the individually filled containers. You now have multiple fire starters that can be stored in a container or zip lock bag until they are needed. These work great for fireplace use, camping and even backyard cookouts.