How to Make Camp Fire Starters Using Parafin Wax

Paraffin wax is very combustible. It is found in many manufactured fire starters on the market. However, it is relatively simple to make home made paraffin based fire starters with a little know how and a few simple components. Making the fire starters is a project which is best done out of doors where fumes or a possible flare up will be more easily managed.

Things You'll Need

• Paraffin wax
• Old cooking pot (one large and another small)
• Saw dust
• Paper egg carton
• Camp stove or grill
• Water
• Scissors or knife

Instructions

1. Assemble a double boiler by placing the larger pot on the stove or grill. Fill the pot about half full with water. Suspend the smaller pot over the water.

2. Place the paraffin in the small pot. Bring the water to a boil. Gently stir the paraffin to aid in melting.

3. Fill each cup of the egg tray half full of the saw dust. When melted, pour the melted paraffin into the cups. Fill each egg compartment to the top.

4. Let the paraffin cool in the egg tray thoroughly. Let the tray stand for at least an hour or so to ensure the paraffin has cooled and set thoroughly.

5. Cut the egg carton apart between each egg compartment. There is no need to be exact or too concerned with neatness. Place the fire starters in resealable storage bags. Keep the starters in a cool place away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will be needing or using quite a few fire starters, go ahead and make as many as possible at one time. The process can be messy, especially during clean up.

• Paraffin will ignite easily. Keep a wet towel or extinguisher handy to douse any flames. Make the starters outside. Wear an apron, gloves and eye protection.