Make Newspaper Logs

Reuse your old newspaper in a way that gives you some free fire fuel. Turning old newspaper into logs for burning is a great way to repurpose the paper and keep warm. There are various ways to make these logs, either free form or using newspaper brick maker.

Steps

Newspaper section logs

  1. Collect your newspapers. A large pile from a week or two's reading should be a good start.
  2. Divide the newspapers up into sections. Each section should be folded to the size of half a page.
  3. Fill a tub of water. Add a tablespoon of detergent to the water and mix gently.
  4. [ Soak each folded section in the tub of water.
  5. Remove the sections carefully and lay down on a clean surface.
  6. Roll each section individually on the rod and squeeze out any excess water.
  7. Slide each roll off the rod. Stand each roll on one end and leave to dry thoroughly.
  8. Store. Once thoroughly dry, the newspaper logs are ready for use. They should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Whole newspaper logs

This method works only with a roaring fire, a fast drawing chimney and fast burning fuel, otherwise the damp nature of these logs can put the fire out.

  1. Roll 12 newspapers up tightly into a log shape.
  2. Tie each end of the log with string.
  3. Soak the log in water for two to three days.
  4. Leave to drain for two to three days.
  5. Use on a fire that is burning well. These logs will still be damp and this helps them to burn more slowly, giving off a steady heat.

Newspaper brick logs

These newspaper logs take around ten minutes to make (depending on the amount you want).

  1. Obtain a newspaper brick maker. You will need a newspaper brick maker for this or create your own press with some wood.
  2. Collect old newspaper from friends and neighbors.
  3. Get a bucket of water.
  4. Shred up the newspaper. Place into the bucket.
  5. Let the newspaper soak for 10 minutes.
  6. Place in the newspaper brick maker or the press. Compact down the newspaper squeezing out all of the water.
  7. Take the log out. Let it dry on a wooden board.
  8. When dry, put it on the fire and watch it burn. The logs usually burn for 45 minutes.



Tips

  • Do not use the second method damp logs on a newly lit fire, as these will smoke and burn poorly and might even put the fire out. If you don't have a strong chimney flow and good fuel build-up, use method number one.
  • If the newspaper logs from the sections method get wet for any reason, simply stand them upright again to dry out before use.

Warnings

  • Use only dishwashing or laundry detergent. Some harsh detergents are flammable.
  • Do not close the primary air intake or the flue on the stove while burning the newspaper log.
  • Be sure that you have removed all ink from the paper. When the newspaper log heats up, any remaining ink can potentially turn into a combustible vapor.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspapers
  • Tub
  • Detergent
  • Clean workspace
  • Rod of wood, metal or other material, approximately 2.5cm/1" in diameter
  • String

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