Swedish Fire Log

[johnnytheboy]

So, planning a weekender fishing and camping, I want to try a Swedish Fire Log!

What’s the chat? Easy to light, cook over? Do they give off much heat? How long do they last!

Any advice appreciated! I’ll get a cast or black iron pan to cook on!

 

[bopdude]

I tried making one on my last trip with a Scotch Auger, drilled top down and many holes through the side, didn't take, lots of effort put into it, imho, unless you have a chainsaw or similar to cut many lines down the diameter it's not going to work! Of course I suppose it depends on the thickness of the log too? but I only tried on one about a foot or so across.

 

[Pattree]

The ones that I’ve used were Scots pine.

Edited to add - A log!!!! 350 x 500mm

Three vertical cuts to near the bottom making six segments joined at the base. Chain saw required.

Hollow a shallow bowl in the top.

It’s easiest to get kindling going well in a separate fire bowl of some sort before tipping it onto the bowl in the log end.

A 350mm to 400mm log should last about two hours depending on wind.

If there is significant wind from one direction the stove can lose its symmetry at the top so you kettle won’t balance. Stick a knife into one of the slots and rotate it.

Another way is to make up a bundle of 100mm logs about 500 long. Bind with fence wire at the base. Stand them on their ends and treat as the log.

pee ess
I think that they are properly called Finnish Candles but nobody seems to.

 

[johnnytheboy]

Brilliant, thank you! Pine is ok to cook on?

 

[Pattree]

Sootier than oak but much more available. I had no problem. You might need a decent pan scrub when you get home. I always use a stainless steel one but then nearly all my kit is stainless steel.

 

[johnnytheboy]

Awesome and thank you for the advice!

 

[Stew]

I tried making one on my last trip with a Scotch Auger, drilled top down and many holes through the side, didn't take, lots of effort put into it, imho, unless you have a chainsaw or similar to cut many lines down the diameter it's not going to work! Of course I suppose it depends on the thickness of the log too? but I only tried on one about a foot or so across.

Ha ha, I've been there too! Realised that it needs a thin edge to catch.

I've since done others with a saw. Two cuts down but not at 90 degrees to each other so to wedges were thin and catch easier.

 

[Stew]

There are other ways to do it, that retain the same rocket stove principal.

- Split the log into multiple sections. On one, split off the core and discard. Stand it back together, stick bits inbetween the sections to give some air gaps / stick them into the ground.

- multiple round just stood up next to each other.

They're less romantic but work in the same way.

 

[hughtrimble]

There are other ways to do it, that retain the same rocket stove principal.

- Split the log into multiple sections. On one, split off the core and discard. Stand it back together, stick bits inbetween the sections to give some air gaps / stick them into the ground.

- multiple round just stood up next to each other.

They're less romantic but work in the same way.

Can't believe I didn't think of the shaving off a corner edge before. Now to remember to do that next time...

 

[Stew]

There are other ways to do it, that retain the same rocket stove principal.

- Split the log into multiple sections. On one, split off the core and discard. Stand it back together, stick bits inbetween the sections to give some air gaps / stick them into the ground.

- multiple round just stood up next to each other.

They're less romantic but work in the same way.

I've not had a proper watch of these, just a quick skim to find something that illustrates the ideas:

 

[slaine_23]

You can make one with one longer, thinner branch, say 2cm or an inch thick. Chop into six equal lengths about 6-8 inches long, one smaller piece half that length or even 2/3rds. That bit goes in the middle. The rest you put round the outside of it -

OO
OoO
OO

and bind these together at bottom. Make sure the bottoms of each make a flat base. For binding, wire is better, but paracord low enough down works too but will eventually burn. I have a chain with a hook on one end which can wrap round, the hook making it adjustable to the diameter of the available materials.
Place tinder etc in the middle on the short stick, set that bit on fire. The surrounding material will catch and voila, Swedish/Finnish torch.

Ash or mountain ash works well.

 

[Keith_Beef]

Brilliant, thank you! Pine is ok to cook on?

While the outside of your pan with soap before cooking over pine or other resinous wood, so today clean-up is less difficult.