Did you know, that besides wood, there are a lot of different things that you can burn your fireplace? One popular item is newspapers, and there are several log rollers out there that you can purchase to roll and make your own newspaper logs. It doesn't require much skill to roll your own logs and all you need is a little time. The best part about newspaper logs is that they don't cost you anything! Here are a few tips about making your own logs before you start. Newspaper logs dont burn as long as wood logs do, and they don't make coals, so you will find yourself rebuilding the fire from scratch quite often. Decorative fireplace screens will highlight the fire nicely and the newspaper logs look quite realistic! Newspaper logs are something that you can burn along with wood logs instead of totally replacing them. One problem with rolling your own logs is trying to keep them from unrolling. Here are a few tricks to keep in mind. Roll the newspaper diagonally from a corner instead of from the bottom. As long as the log is getting wider tuck the outer edges inside and keep rolling. After you're done rolling and the log is completed, take a sharp knife and cut a slit a couple of layers deep in the side of the log just under the last pointed flap and tuck the flap into it. Also, it doesn't hurt to twist a light wire all around them if you don't mind taking it out of the ashes later. Remember to keep the log the proper width so it will fit through your fireplace screen. String works well but will burn off quickly and you may find that the log will un-roll in the fire and possibly smother the fire completely. Another method when it comes to making your own fireplace logs is to soak the newspapers in water, roll, tie and let them dry, or soak them in soapy water and let them dry. Soaking first makes a good solid log, but you will have to dry them several days before burning. In summary, the basic method is to just start rolling the newspaper and then about halfway up insert another newspaper and continue rolling, continually inserting more papers to make your log layered. If you have a wood furnace, it is a great way to use up old newspapers! |
