Frannie, the fatwood sticks need to be from a resinous tree. The way it was explained to me (& don't take this as pure fact) was that once the tree is cut "off" the sap continues to move up into the stump and concentrates there. It's kinda "soaked" in the resin. That's supposedly why it lights easily and burns really hot and fast. Another earlier question about build up in the chimney. It's kinda the opposite of why you shouldn't burn pine logs. The pine logs would burn more slowly and not as hot so it doesn't burn off the creosote, but the fat wood does the opposite. We had our chimney checked last year and the guy said it was already clean enough.
I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by. ~anon
Frannie, hardwoods don't have the pitch that pine trees do. But they burn for a long time, ie: you don't have to stoke your fire as often. They are especially great for the last stoking before bed. That way your fire lasts all night and no one has to get up during the night to stoke it.
As far as chimney cleaning goes: Once or twice a year is good if you only burn occasionally. If you burn 24/7 like we do, you have to clean it every 2 months or so. Some folks here clean theirs monthly. Better safe than sorry.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
My husband fills a card board egg carton with dryer lint then pours melted wax over it. After it drys he cuts the egg holder part into little "fire starters", then we store them in ziplock bags to take camping or for the fire pit outside. They work really well. For inside I just use lots of kindling and paper.
Your secret for building a fire
Posted - Feb 07 2008 : 07:37:38 AM
