So easy, even a child can do it!!

A lot of people want to know how to make fire starters to take camping.. Now you can just go out and buy them.. But you can just go and stay in a hotel too.. Most people who camp want to do things themselves!  Me included.. Ok, just to prove it can be done, I bought a whole $1.29 worth of paraffin wax.. (see photo of box) I begged some sawdust from my Dad.. (If you try people will even give this away!!) and we recycled some used egg cartons. (yep, even the hippie types like this part!)  Now, to show it can be done by children, I hired 3 expert children.. (ok, they are mine..) and we went to town...

Ok, here is the deal.. take 2 empty egg cartons, and cut off the lids. Now fill them with sawdust or dryer lint  ( I like the sawdust for the nicer look ) about 3/4 of the way to the top of the "holes". Next set them on a piece of wax paper or syran wrap. While all this is being done, you should be melting the wax inside a coffee can that has been placed in a pan of water. ( never ever do it right on the burner!!  It can start a fire! ) You will know the wax is ready when it is clear. Now be careful with this, it will be very hot! ( I used a pair of vice-grips on the can to hold it) Slowly pour the wax into the egg carton until they are about 1/4" from the top, You will want them to "bridge" from one to another. That is all there is to it, let them dry and break them apart. I found a large coffee can will hold the full 24 fire-starters with room to spare. 

The finished product, Just cut or break into separate parts, and light!

This page created and maintained by Lee Thomas