What Do You Mix With Sawdust To Make Fire Starters?
Fire starters are materials used to help ignite and sustain a fire. They make it easier to light fires, especially in challenging conditions like wind or wet wood. Fire starters allow you to quickly and reliably start a fire for cooking, warmth, or other purposes while camping, hiking, or in emergency situations. They are very useful tools for anyone who relies on building fires.
Some key reasons fire starters are useful include:
- Starting a fire quickly – Fire starters ignite faster and more easily than matches or lighters alone.
- Starting fires in wet conditions – Materials like wax and petroleum jelly allow fire starters to repel moisture and still light.
- Sustaining the initial flame – Ingredients like sawdust provide fuel to keep the fire going after initial lighting.
- Convenience – Pre-made fire starters require no prep and are easy to transport.
- Reliability – Fire starters give peace of mind that you can start a fire in an emergency.
With the help of fire starters, anyone from a weekend camper to a survival expert can readily start and sustain fires to meet their needs. The rest of this article will explore how to make and use sawdust-based fire starters.
Sawdust as a Fire Starter
Sawdust is a commonly used ingredient in homemade fire starters due to its properties that make it an effective fire starter. Sawdust is very absorbent which allows it to soak up wax or other flammable liquids that help ignite the starter. The porous nature of sawdust also allows oxygen to flow through it, enabling the starter to catch flame quickly. Sawdust from softwood trees like pine or fir works best as the resins in these types of wood are flammable. Hardwood sawdust can also be used but may be less effective.
The small particle size of sawdust means it packs together densely, allowing more surface area to ignite at once. Sawdust burns slowly and evenly due to its dense composition. This gives fire starters made with sawdust a long-lasting burn time. The lightweight nature of sawdust also makes fire starters highly portable. Overall, the absorbent, porous, dense properties of sawdust make it an ideal base ingredient for effective and long-burning fire starters. See [this DIY fire starter tutorial](https://www.coltercousa.com/journal/2018/1/20/diy-fire-starter) for more on using sawdust properties to create homemade fire starters.
Other Common Fire Starter Ingredients
There are several common household items that can be used to make effective DIY fire starters:
Wax
Paraffin wax or beeswax are ideal bases for homemade fire starters. The wax helps the ingredients stick together and burn longer. Melted wax coated onto sawdust, cardboard, cotton, or lint creates a water-resistant and long-burning fire starter. Popular options are beeswax pellets and old candle wax.
Cotton
Cotton balls, cotton swabs, and cotton pads soaked in wax or petroleum jelly burn slowly and consistently. The cotton fibers act as a wick to hold the flame. Drieder lint also contains cotton fibers that make excellent tinder.
Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard boxes, egg cartons, toilet paper tubes, and paper towel rolls can all be repurposed into fire starters. Cardboard absorbs wax well and the ridges provide more surface area making the fire starter easier to light. Cut cardboard into small pieces or fill egg carton cups with sawdust or lint before adding wax.
Lint
Lint from the dryer trap is very flammable and makes a perfect base for homemade fire starters. The lint acts as a wick to hold the flame. Simply mix lint with wax, petroleum jelly, or sawdust. Dryer lint fire starters are one of the easiest DIY options.
How to Make Sawdust Fire Starters
Making your own sawdust fire starters is a simple process that only requires a few ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Gather the necessary materials: sawdust, old candle wax or paraffin wax, molds for the fire starters (e.g. egg cartons, ice cube trays), and a double boiler or crock pot to melt the wax.
- Set up the double boiler on the stove or plug in the crockpot. Place the wax in the top pan or crockpot to melt it down.
- While the wax is melting, prepare the sawdust by sifting it to remove any large chunks or debris. The finer the sawdust, the better it will mix with the wax.
- Mix the melted wax and sawdust together in a 3:1 ratio. For example, use 3 cups of sawdust for every 1 cup of melted wax. Stir thoroughly to fully combine.
- Working quickly while the mixture is still warm, firmly pack it into the molds. Egg cartons or ice cube trays work perfectly to form the sawdust logs.
- Allow the sawdust logs to fully cool and harden before removing from the molds, which takes 1-2 hours.
- To use, simply place a sawdust log under your kindling and light as usual. The wax helps the sawdust ignite and burn longer.
Following these simple steps will allow you to easily make sawdust fire starters from scratch. They are a great DIY camping project. For best results, use a 70/30 mix of sawdust and wax (https://www.rebootedmom.com/how-to-make-sawdust-fire-starters/).
Tips for Best Results
To make the most effective sawdust fire starters, pay attention to the sawdust type, texture, and binder ratio:
Use a medium or fine sawdust texture, according to https://www.rebootedmom.com/how-to-make-sawdust-fire-starters/. Coarse sawdust may not bind well and fall apart.
Hardwood sawdusts like oak, maple, or beech work very well, states https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tips/techniques/dust-collection/sawdust. Softwoods like pine contain resin that can inhibit lighting.
Use a 60/40 ratio of sawdust to paraffin wax for an ideal consistency, according to https://www.rebootedmom.com/how-to-make-sawdust-fire-starters/. Too much wax leaves an oily residue.
Storing Your Fire Starters
Proper storage is crucial for preserving your homemade sawdust fire starters and maintaining their effectiveness over time. The goal is to keep them in a cool, dry location away from moisture, high temperatures, and open flames which could ignite them prematurely.
Many people choose to store their sawdust fire starters in a sealed plastic container or resealable plastic bag. This helps protect them against humidity in the air. Be sure to squeeze out excess air before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Store in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Avoid places like the garage or basement where temperatures may fluctuate.
You can also purchase specialized metal tins or tubes designed for storing fire starters. These are often waterproof and feature a tight sealing lid. While a bit more expensive, they reliably protect the fire starters for years. Some even have striking surfaces built right in for lighting.
No matter the storage method, keep your homemade sawdust fire starters away from any sources of heat or open flames. Don’t store near the fireplace, grill, water heater or other appliances. And never leave them in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. With proper care, your fire starters can remain ready to use for multiple seasons.
For additional tips, see this helpful Quora discussion on fire starter storage best practices.
Lighting Your Fire Starters
When lighting your homemade fire starters, safety should be your top priority. According to bobvila.com, you’ll want to avoid getting too close to the flames as the fire starters ignite. Keep your face and body at least 18 inches away. It’s also advised to light the fire starters in a fireplace, fire pit, or other contained area rather than lighting them in an open space.
The best lighting methods involve exposing the entire surface of the fire starter to an open flame. Lighting just an edge often leads to the fire going out before the whole starter ignites. Use long fireplace matches, a utility lighter, or a long-necked lighter to light as much surface area as possible. Let the starter fully catch flame before placing it in your fireplace or pit.
According to inspiredbycharm.com, fire starters made with natural ingredients like pine cones and wood shavings may take a bit longer to fully ignite compared to commercial starters. Be patient and allow the fire starter to catch before adding logs or other fuel.
Troubleshooting Guide
If you run into issues getting your homemade sawdust fire starters to light properly, here are some common problems and solutions:
Fire Starter Won’t Light
Make sure you are using a quality fire starter wax that has a low melting point, like paraffin wax. This allows the wax to melt quickly when exposed to a flame. Heavier waxes like soy or beeswax have higher melting points and may not allow the sawdust to catch fire as easily.
Also check that your fire starters have been properly dried before use. Any moisture content left in the sawdust can prevent ignition.
Fire Goes Out Quickly
Add more wax to the sawdust mixture. The wax helps the sawdust burn longer. Use a ratio of at least 1 part wax to 2 parts sawdust.
Make sure your sawdust is finely shredded. Larger wood pieces won’t burn as readily. Use sawdust sifted through a mesh screen to remove large chunks.
Sparks But No Flame
Use a finer grade of sawdust, ideally from softwoods like pine, cedar or aspen rather than hardwoods. Softwood sawdust lights more easily.
Pack the sawdust tightly into the fire starter mold or container so it’s compressed. Loosely packed sawdust can prevent airflow needed to sustain the flame.
Alternative Uses
Sawdust fire starters have a few alternative uses beyond just lighting fires:
- Mosquito repellent – The smoke from burning sawdust fire starters helps keep mosquitos away. Place a few around your patio or campsite.
- Emergency fire source – Keep some sawdust fire starters in your emergency kit or bug out bag. They can help start a fire even in wet conditions.
- Gift giving – Make some sawdust fire starters as homemade gifts for family and friends who like camping or cozy fires.
- Smoking meats – Use sawdust fire starters when smoking meat to help add flavor from the wood. Soak them in whiskey or wine first.
- Starting charcoal – Place a sawdust fire starter on top of charcoal to help light it faster than traditional starter fluid.
With just a bit of sawdust, wax, and creativity you can find lots of ways to use these inexpensive and easy-to-make fire starters.
Conclusion
Making your own sawdust fire starters is an easy DIY project that can save you money and provide a reliable fire starting source. The key ingredients are sawdust, wax, and an egg carton to hold the mixture. A 50/50 ratio of sawdust and wax is commonly recommended. Paraffin wax or old candles work well. Melting the wax and mixing it with sawdust is straightforward.
For best results, allow the fire starters to fully cool and harden before use. Store them in a dry location away from moisture. Light the starter by placing it under your kindling and igniting the bottom. Add more kindling and fuel as the fire grows. Troubleshooting issues usually involves adjusting the sawdust to wax ratio or ensuring proper storage conditions.
While made primarily for starting fires, creative uses for sawdust fire starters include waterproofing, sealing, and emergency candles. In summary, crafting DIY fire starters from sawdust is an economical and practical skill for any outdoor enthusiast. With some sawdust, wax, and egg cartons, you can easily make these handy fire helping tools.
