We have a woodburner and want to make our own firelogs out of sawdust and wax. Does anyone have instructions?
Cin
I made homemade firestarters from used egg cartons. I filled them with sawdust and poured parafin wax over them. Let them cool and cut the rows out so you get 12 firestarters. They work very well and can be great gifts.
Be very careful about burning these kinds of logs in the stove. The wax can build up on the inside of pipe and chimney and cause a fire...I know, I had one. Firestarters are okay, but whole logs may be too much if used too often. One neat firestarter is to use pinecones. Melt candle wax, crayons, or parafin in a double boiler (be careful not to do over direct flame-another fire hazard).
Commercial firelogs are 55% paraffin wax and 45% sawdust. The best sawdust is from pine wood (it has a high rosin content) and any grade of refined paraffin wax (105 to 125 deg F) can be used. Paraffin wax can be purchased cheaply in 25-kgs slabs. Take care when melting the wax and blending the sawdust (no naked flames) and pour into a mound giving a bar abt 1.5 kgs in weight. The trick with these things is to use a wrapper of waxed paper and mark a lighting point abt 1.5 inches from each end.
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On Christmas, put them on fire and watch them as they put out the most beautiful, lasting glow.
