Fire Starter Wafers (071/365)

Went ahead and made some fire starters today.  The traditional wax + cotton ball fire starter has taken a spin and we're making wafers instead.  :)  I find these easier to store and use.

What you need:

1. wax paper - to keep a clean area and used as a place to dry the final product
2. cotton rounds
3. wax - I used an old candle and a crayon 'cause I wanted to color it
4. double boiler - I used my mess kit pot and the bottom portion of a soda can
5. tongs/tweezers - something to pull fish your fire starter out of the hot wax
6. popsicle stick (optional) - used to stir the wax during the melting process
7. knife (optional) - used to cut/shave the wax

I set everything up so that it's easy to access and maneuver.  Here the wax is shaved and a piece of crayon is tossed in.

The melting process.  :)  

Dip your cotton rounds in.  Let any excess wax drip back in.

Let dry.  :)

The final product!  To use, just break 'em open and fluff out the cotton.  The fluff makes it easier for the sparks to catch.  These are easily lit with matches, a lighter, or even a flint/fire steel.

**CAUTION**

Please take great safety measures when doing this project.  Keep a fire extinguisher nearby (mine was to the left, outside the picture frame!).  DO NOT douse water in a fire that is fueled with hot wax - an explosion can occur.  DO NOT melt wax directly over a flame - please use the double boiler method.  At a high enough temperature, wax can combust.

Cheers!