How to Cut Logs to be a Fire Showcase

[firediver125]

I was wondering what you have to do to cut logs, so as to make them a vertical piece of firewood, to make the cool colors and dancing flames. I have heard about this from others but never actually seen one, nor do I know what they are actually referred to as. Thanks!

 

[3fordasho]

Search this site or google for "swedish candle"

 

[Mike PA]

Yes -swedish candles. I make a verticle "x" in the wood that stops about 4" from the bottom, add some lighter fluid and light it up. Makes a great camp fire. Wood must be dry for this to work well, otherwise just makes a lot of steam. Best to make your candle cuts well ahead of time to make sure it is dry.

 

[ponyexpress976]

swedish candle

I get really good burn times out of fresh cut pine. Make a bore cut down the center of the log and then an intersecting bore cut through the side. If you aren't comfortable making bore cuts....DO NOT ATTEMPT! If we're having a get together, a few of them are placed throughout the yard and the burning green wood takes care of mosquitoes and other annoyances. Sure beats buying citronella oil for the tiki torches.

 

[fffrosty72]

That's awsome!! I can't wait for fall so I can try it.

I have some pine that's been sitting for about a year now and is about 20" across, would that work?

 

[Mike PA]

That'll work. Pine pops a lot, but it shouldbe fine. I have not tried pine for mine. I've used red oak, black birch, and silver maple. I liked the birch the best as it has the best aroma. Pine will make a good smelling fire, also.

 

[Philbert]

Found this on Google:

The Swedish Candle | Bushcraft Stuff

Philbert

 

[Ronaldo]

Swedish Candles

I first learned of them from this site and they are so neat. I think they work great in the summer when you want a camp fire,because most of the heat they generate goes up and not out to make sitting around the fire too warm. Seems to work that way for me anyway.

Ron

 

[ponyexpress976]

I have found that pine is great for the summertime. Especially the green stuff...might take a little longer to get going but smells nice and keeps the bugs away. I typically make 4 bore cuts down the center and then my crossing bore cut "releases" the core and makes an air vent. My 338 does a great job of this since it has the smallest in height of bars. All the chips and a few splitter turds go in the hole with a dab of kerosene or other petroleum product on hand to get the party started. Considering the dry weather we are having....it never hurts to put the candle on a "pad" of old bricks or some such other non-combustible to keep the yard from going up later in the evening.