I pretty much do what Green Bulb does, except I put my newspaper balls in the grate, not under it, and I just wad up full-sized sheets.
Then, I stack some dry twigs and kindling at 90 degree angles to one another, on top of the newspaper. I also add a few dry, quarter split logs, about 3-4" thick, on top of the kindling, at 90 degree angles to one another but on the diagonal to the grate. Then, light the paper and get the kindling and split logs burning really well before you add round logs - dry, and usually three at a time (depending on size). Keep the logs spaced apart by adding them at the diagonal to the grate and at 90 degrees to one another - the more space between, the more air circulates, and thus the more fire/better burn you end up with.
Oh, and ALWAYS check to make sure your flue is open before you start! It doesn't matter how nice your fire looks or burns, if your house is full of smoke….
June 12th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
two 6" whole logs perpendicular length of fireplace
thinner split log laid eskew front toback across front to back from left
thin split log across other from right front to back
shorter split laid at angle pointing up againt what you had built
creates tall fire dancing between larger logs keep adding shorter pieces to front pointing up
References :
June 12th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
The key is to have space between the logs. The more fuel (wood) exposed to the flames the better it will burn and the nicer it will look. I stack the logs at opposite angles to allow for air flow. It takes a little while to get some good embers in the bottom but you can speed it up by poking the logs that are orange.
References :
June 12th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Fire starts from the bottom and works up (heat rises). Be sure to first clean everything out (old ashes, etc). You should have a hearth grate. This holds the logs up and allows air to circulate. Lay some paper below the hearth grate. Take some newspaper, rip them into quarters and crumple into balls arranged below the grate. Start with small twigs, laying a set criss-crossed, then use some small sticks, then larger sticks. Light the paper, and let the wood burn, so you get some hot coals. Then add more larger sticks. Be sure the coals are hot (nice & red) and then slowly start adding logs, smaller at first, then larger is OK.
All of the wood should not be green wood (recently cut) and the wood burns much better when its seasoned (at least a few months to dry).
A lot of smoke indicates lack of oxygen and/or green wood.
References :
Experience.
June 12th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
after you get the fire going and some hot coals…throw some round logs on across. leave some space between the logs so the fire weaves it's way through. the fire will look like it's rolling around from the bottom, off and up.
References :
June 12th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I pretty much do what Green Bulb does, except I put my newspaper balls in the grate, not under it, and I just wad up full-sized sheets.
Then, I stack some dry twigs and kindling at 90 degree angles to one another, on top of the newspaper. I also add a few dry, quarter split logs, about 3-4" thick, on top of the kindling, at 90 degree angles to one another but on the diagonal to the grate. Then, light the paper and get the kindling and split logs burning really well before you add round logs - dry, and usually three at a time (depending on size). Keep the logs spaced apart by adding them at the diagonal to the grate and at 90 degrees to one another - the more space between, the more air circulates, and thus the more fire/better burn you end up with.
Oh, and ALWAYS check to make sure your flue is open before you start! It doesn't matter how nice your fire looks or burns, if your house is full of smoke….
References :
Experience - I am recognized by friends and family as "The" fire-builder!