You can make fuel for your fire by using newspapers. This instructable shows you how to make a newspaper log in less than two minutes. The video shows you the whole process.
It's kind of like hardcore paper mache. To get a solid log, you must change the structure of the newspaper. That is from sheets to pulp. Usually there's no shortcuts in paper mache, but you'll learn how to make these logs very quickly using a rubber mallet.
The paper logs burn best when combined with wood. They will create more ash than wood. The hole through the middle will help it to burn and make the drying out process quicker.
It's kind of like hardcore paper mache. To get a solid log, you must change the structure of the newspaper. That is from sheets to pulp. Usually there's no shortcuts in paper mache, but you'll learn how to make these logs very quickly using a rubber mallet.
The paper logs burn best when combined with wood. They will create more ash than wood. The hole through the middle will help it to burn and make the drying out process quicker.
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Signing UpStep 1: Prepare the newspapers
You will need newspapers, a strong bucket, a rubber mallet and a dowel about an inch thick. You will also need a concreted/cemented area to work on. Fold the newspapers and put 3 or 4 into the bucket and cover with water. The newspapers will probably float to the top so put a piece of wood on the papers.
If you have a leaky gutter with a bucket under the drip or collect rainwater in a tank it would be a great idea to use rain water for the logs.
The newspapers in this instructable were soaked for two days. One day is enough. If you want to speed up the softening process put a squirt of cheap detergent in the water.
wingbatwu suggested adding flour to the water which sounds like a really good way of helping everything bind together.
If you have a leaky gutter with a bucket under the drip or collect rainwater in a tank it would be a great idea to use rain water for the logs.
The newspapers in this instructable were soaked for two days. One day is enough. If you want to speed up the softening process put a squirt of cheap detergent in the water.
wingbatwu suggested adding flour to the water which sounds like a really good way of helping everything bind together.
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You shouldn't be allowed within 100 yards of Boy Scouts if you think that soaking paper in gasoline and then drying the gasoline soaked paper, INSIDE A BUILDING, with MULTIPLE ELECTRIC FANS RUNNING, is a good idea.
Here's a hint: call the local fire station, describe your process, and see what they have to say.
Thanks for having a go. I'm assuming your paper log has completely dried out. The smallness of your paper log shouldn't be a problem, but you need to have the fire already going well with wood, then add the paper log to it. If the fire is not very strong or has died down, the paper log will only smoulder.
Paper logs can help your wood supply last longer but cannot replace the wood. Unfortunately.
I really like your idea and appreciate the concise way you have presented it. I'm wondering about the duration of the burn on these logs? How long do they burn if they are by themselves?
Settling tank? Sand filter?
I have to say I never thought about the implications of the water being 'ungreen'.
Making the logs uses up a lot of water. The paper absorbs it after being soaked.
Then when you mash the paper into a pulp the water runs out onto the concrete. Off to the nearest patch of grass I suppose.
Then when it comes time to put paper for more logs in the soaking bucket, the water needs to be topped up.
If you could mash the paper in a large tray, then you would be able to pour the excess water back into the soaking bucket. That would save water and eliminate the disposal problem. Until your last log making session of course.
I've never made the logs out of anything but newspaper but I can't see why office paper wouldn't work. Might need more mashing though.
Someone suggested adding a layer of coffee grounds - i like that idea also. I wonder if you just dumped a few cups of used coffee grounds in the water if that would disperse well and sort of soak in. It may also help to dye the paper to a more natural color. I imagine it would give a nice smell when it burned and they mentioned it may help with achieving a better burning temperature.
I was thinking maybe tossing in some pine needles in between some of the layers to add some crackling.
There is alot of arguing on here about the environmental aspect of this and that burning paper is worse than wood, etc. But one point I didnt read - is that this isnt an alternative to wood necessarily... this is an alternative to a Duraflame (or other brand) log. Which as far as I know, those are made with pulp also. So rather than comparing this to wood - if you are environmentally conscious, I'd be curious how it compares to a Duraflame. Because thats all this is, a DIY Duraflame.
As for making the paper logs brown, maybe putting a cup of coffee or tea in the soaking water would help. Or used teabags. Your idea of the outer layer being wrapped in brown paper sounds like the most effective way though.
I will add the pine needle and brown paper ideas to one of the steps.
Perhaps you could make a newspaper log first so that you have a feel for how pulpy the paper gets after hitting with a mallet.
It is the pulpiness that helps it form into a log rather than just layers of paper.
I have found differences in newspapers though. It seems to me that some are on the 'hard' side and require more mallet action than others.
But if you successfully make a newspaper log then you'll know how much effort to put into the mallet when using the paper sacks.
1.
soak the shreddings
also soak a newspaper
spread out the shreddings inside 3 or 4 sheets of soaked newspaper (Sheets would be hard to peel apart though)
mash with mallet, turn over, mash, roll, squeeze, etc.
or
2.
If you don't have a mallet and want to try your mold idea here is an excerpt from a comment of mine from 8 Nov 2008:
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"I used to make paper logs a different way. It was slow and messy. I'd get a plant pot about 7 inches tall and put pre soaked sheets of newspaper in one at a time and ram it down with a two inch thick dowel. The water would seep out through the pot's drainage holes at the bottom."
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So instead of mashing with a mallet I was tamping down with a dowel using a plant pot as a mold. The end result was good but it was very slow to do a good job. Then I put the pots with mashed newspaper in them out in the sun. After a few days the paper would have shrunk in away from the sides of the pot enough to shake the paper 'pot' out. Then more time drying.
Shredded paper should work a lot better and quicker using this method than newspapers did.
Good luck.
Before pulping the pages together, I sandwiched a layer of coffee grounds between a few sets of pages and then pulped them in together. Apparently coffee grounds burn hotter and cleaner.
You can also blend in other things like sawdust, toilet paper cores, egg containers etc...
Be creative. Try different things.
We have had enough comments on whether they are good, bad or indifferent towards the ecology.
PLEASE STOP ARGUING you're giving me a headache.