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New to me method

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 1:54 pm
by Dahliathemeh
I tried a new fire lighting technique call the top down method. Oh goodness what a game changer! My fire started quick, spread evenly and warmed the porch quickly. I'm doing this method from now on! Loving it!
Stack your largest logs at the bottom of the stove, smaller sized next layer, smaller next layer, ect. Light fire from the top, and magic!!!

Re: New to me method

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 2:44 pm
by dave77
Interesting, I don't have a wood stove but have always started outdoor fires with smaller wood on the bottom, will try it next time I build a fire.

https://homesteadhow-to.com/how-and-why ... down-fire/

Re: New to me method

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 7:40 pm
by North Country Gal
Good tip. I may try it next time camping.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2022 7:45 am
by GFK
I use a pyramid type method. But, I may try. Thanks! I typically put smaller wood (kindling wood, leafs, paper, etc.) on the bottom. Then, I place larger wood over it in a teepee type shape. I use a similar shape when burning charcoals. Of course, lighter fluid is used also. Yet, coals seem to caught on quickly. Anyway, another method to have in the toolbox.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2022 8:48 am
by graywolf
I’ll have to try that.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2022 3:30 pm
by Dahliathemeh
Yesterday's fire.
Yesterday's fire.
IMG_20221019_125732_673.jpg (144.17 KiB) Viewed 10794 times
I hope you'll tell me your results. I knew about it for a year, but was too stubborn to do it. This year out of frustration, I did it and there's no turning back!

Re: New to me method

Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2022 1:21 am
by dave77
I'll bet that's the cat's favorite spot when the fire's going. I don't have a wood stove but 2 of my cats do occasionally lay on the furnace's floor vents, warm but not very soft.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2022 10:46 pm
by Sir Henry
I combine top and bottom. Putting some smaller stuff on the bottom with the bigger helps it get going fast. Starting the fire from the top also gets the cold air out of the chimney on really cold starts. Getting it to have a fast draft will aid in a cleaner start too.

Funny this same subject came up a few days ago on a camping forum.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 10:10 am
by Hatchdog
Sir Henry wrote:
Sat Oct 22, 2022 10:46 pm
I combine top and bottom. Putting some smaller stuff on the bottom with the bigger helps it get going fast. Starting the fire from the top also gets the cold air out of the chimney on really cold starts. Getting it to have a fast draft will aid in a cleaner start too.

Funny this same subject came up a few days ago on a camping forum.
Tis the season, I was at my son’s place Friday and he was burning the first fire in his new stove. He was taking about the top down method too.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 10:17 am
by markiver54
Dahliathemeh wrote:
Thu Oct 20, 2022 3:30 pm
IMG_20221019_125732_673.jpg
I hope you'll tell me your results. I knew about it for a year, but was too stubborn to do it. This year out of frustration, I did it and there's no turning back!
By the way Dahlia, your room turned out very nice!

Re: New to me method

Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 10:20 am
by Sir Henry
markiver54 wrote:
Sun Oct 23, 2022 10:17 am
Dahliathemeh wrote:
Thu Oct 20, 2022 3:30 pm
IMG_20221019_125732_673.jpg
I hope you'll tell me your results. I knew about it for a year, but was too stubborn to do it. This year out of frustration, I did it and there's no turning back!
By the way Dahlia, your room turned out very nice!
It really did turn out nice. Even the cat thinks so.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 6:29 pm
by Luv the lever
How’s the recovery going?

Re: New to me method

Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 8:16 pm
by RetiredSeabee
I built one of these upside down fires a couple of nights ago. Worked like a charm. The old Boy Scout method is now officially retired.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 3:08 pm
by Dahliathemeh
Luv the lever wrote:
Sun Oct 23, 2022 6:29 pm
How’s the recovery going?
Thanks for asking, recovery is going well. I see the doctor late next month, and looks like the wound is fully healed! Everything feels strong, an I'm walking more!

Re: New to me method

Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2022 10:42 am
by Luv the lever
Dahliathemeh wrote:
Mon Oct 24, 2022 3:08 pm
Luv the lever wrote:
Sun Oct 23, 2022 6:29 pm
How’s the recovery going?
Thanks for asking, recovery is going well. I see the doctor late next month, and looks like the wound is fully healed! Everything feels strong, an I'm walking more!
That is great news! So glad to hear it is fully healed and doing so well.

Re: New to me method

Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2022 11:06 am
by daytime dave
Luv the lever wrote:
Tue Nov 01, 2022 10:42 am
Dahliathemeh wrote:
Mon Oct 24, 2022 3:08 pm
Luv the lever wrote:
Sun Oct 23, 2022 6:29 pm
How’s the recovery going?
Thanks for asking, recovery is going well. I see the doctor late next month, and looks like the wound is fully healed! Everything feels strong, an I'm walking more!
That is great news! So glad to hear it is fully healed and doing so well.
I agree, GREAT NEWS. My leg has been done healing and is pretty much the same as before. It aches at the end of the day if I've been on my feet all day. The jacuzzi is a good treatment for it. (with an adult beverage on the tub side)

As far as your fire method, this old Eagle Scout tried it on a outdoor fire pit fire a couple of days ago. It worked great, the addition of a little diesel fuel sealed the deal, but the concept was there.