Easy DYI Firestarters for Camping or BBQ
I not too long ago became interested in having a supply of firestarters on hand and there are several different ways to make them. First of all, I'm rather frugal and did not want to spend a lot of money on materials.
First I purchased a package of pine chips, the type you would use for small animal litter. You can use dryer lint also as it works just as nicely. I was able to get a 10 lb. block of wax from Hobby Lobby very inexpensive with a 40% off one item coupon. It came to $1.50/lb. that way. Very inexpensive.
I used an old, clean can from a large can of tomatoes (28 oz) and filled this with chips of wax and set this to melt in a pan of water on the stove. Be careful and keep an eye on the wax and remember that it's going to be HOT. When the wax melted, I added bits of crayons just for color.
In a cardboard flat from eggs (30 pce) I placed my pine chips completely filling the indentation and leaving some pieces high, then when the wax was poured, leaving a bit of the chips exposed. Also, be careful when using cardboard as it can leak so have something under (parchment paper) the tray to catch any spills or leaks.
When all the wax was cooled, I simply took the original cardboard cover from the egg flat, covered it and put the whole thing away. Now when I need one or a few, I simply will cut the pieces I want by cutting the cardboard around them. The cardboard will be the 'fuse'.
I am now doing the same thing with small cans from cat food (3 oz.). Filling the cleaned can with chips and melting the wax to fill. The cans will make the starters more stable and good for travel.
