Logmakers

Talitha

Hi,

As we have a solid fuel stove and spend a fortune on coal in the winter I was thinking of buying a logmaker and wondered if any one could tell me if they're any good?

Also, is there any advantage in the ones where you have to soak the newspaper first as opposed to the new style ones where you compact dry paper/ cardboard etc. These look like they would be a lot less hassle to use!

All advice welcome.
Thanks.

Thistle-down

I have one of the tube ones that compacts paper into a log. It's not great - the stuff only can be used as firestarters, they burn way too quickly to use as a heat source. I was quite dissapointed.

The other ones are supposed to be a bit of a faff - soaking paper, etc. and finding room for them to dry. I was thinking of getting one anyway.

There is a logmaker thread on here somewhere, I'll see if I can find it.

Here it is:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=36210

Talitha

Thanks Thistledown,
After reading the thread I think it might be a wiser investment just to buy some thermals and a big wooly jumper :rotfl:

tawnyowls

My friend has the type that compacts wet newspaper into a brick. It works very well, but it is a bit messy, and you need somewhere well ventilated (like a shed or garage) to leave them to dry, which can take a few weeks. Apparently, newspaper is best - proper paper doesn't take up water as well, and coated paper is unusable.

Zed42

I've got the type that you have to soak the paper first and then squeeze it in to a brick shape.

I've only made a few bricks so far ... hoping to get a stash sorted for the Winter!

I've found that newspaper, shredded paper and sawdust make an excellent brick.

Shredded paper alone falls to pieces easily.

I can't see me making enough to keep us going for the Winter as they do take space and time to dry, but I am going to make a few more, as I also think it's a great way of getting rid of confidential documents etc.

Cheers

ASG_2

Hi, I too have the sort where you soak the paper first. I've found the paper breaks down easier if you use hot water. Shredded paper is just tooooooooooo much hassle. I dry them out in the greenhouse. They do use up all your newspapers in the summer, and for all the hassle I'd rather recycle them into winter fuel than cash for the local council!
They burn quite slowly, but do kick out considerable heat.
Have fun!