For years, I have used scrap cutoffs from the jobsite to start fires. Usually it is the ends of 2x12's from rafters, I hatchet them into sticks and they work fine.
The debate started today when my BIL said that they will cause an unsafe buildup on the chimney walls. Now I wanted to tell him the only buildup was in his bowels but, due to the holiday season I bit my tongue. He insists that he only uses firestarters and the use of anything else is just crazy, I guess he should know best because he has at least four fires a year and I use about twelve cords a season. I am curious what everyone else uses to start up.
The debate started today when my BIL said that they will cause an unsafe buildup on the chimney walls. Now I wanted to tell him the only buildup was in his bowels but, due to the holiday season I bit my tongue. He insists that he only uses firestarters and the use of anything else is just crazy, I guess he should know best because he has at least four fires a year and I use about twelve cords a season. I am curious what everyone else uses to start up.