We wrote about how to make an auxiliary heater using a regular candle. But for the Finnish primus, candles are not needed at all! All that is required to create a Swedish candle is a suitable cut of a log, a piece of wood.
Any wood for such an original hearth can be. According to reviews, pine and spruce are often used as the most affordable options, however, these types of wood sparkle during combustion, care should be taken. The birch burns very strongly and smokes at the same time. But aspen is the perfect tree for a Swedish candle..
A piece of wood with a height of about half a meter is needed, although sometimes a log is taken a little higher or lower. The main thing is that it is even, it can stand upright. The diameter of the log can be from 10 to 40 cm.
The size of the log depends on the purpose for which you will use it. If you want to cook food on an open fire, you should take a thicker log, but relatively short, stable. For lighting, a higher log is suitable, but thinner, it can be moved if necessary.
Important! The piece of log must be dry! A wet log burns very badly, smokes a lot, most likely, it will not work at all to light a fire.
Cuts are made in the log with a chainsaw. You can use a regular saw, but the process will be much longer, you will have to put in more effort. The cuts should be approximately three quarters of the log height. They are done crosswise. This is very similar to slicing a cake, the slices on top look exactly like this.
How many cuts to make is up to you. Four is the minimum, you can do both six and eight. Remember that the more cuts, the faster your log will burn.!
To start the combustion process, we advise you to splash some gasoline into the center of the cuts, and then ignite. A Swedish candle burns much more economically than a regular fire. It burns for a long time, the flame is even, and on top of the log you can put a kettle, a kettle, a frying pan. You will definitely have time to cook food on live fire.
The second way to make a Swedish candle is to saw and split the block of wood completely into four parts. The core is retracted a little so that there is empty space inside. Then four logs are again folded into one log, fixed, wrapped with wire. In this case, it will be possible to put sawdust in the hole in the center, which will serve for kindling.
It is very easy to make a Swedish candle or a Finnish stove on your own, although you can buy blanks already with cuts if you go to nature and are not sure that you can find a suitable log in the forest.
A simple but convenient, bright and long burning bonfire can be built on any level area, sometimes the log is placed on stones or other support.
Even barbecue is prepared with the help of a Swedish or taiga candle. We are sure that you will appreciate this option for creating a hearth, especially if you often go out into nature. However, during a picnic in your own backyard, you can also surprise guests with this method of making a fire..
What are the main differences between a Swedish candle and a Finnish candle, and which one would be the easiest to make for someone new to DIY hearths?
I am curious to know, between a Swedish or Finnish candle, which one would be the easiest to create for a DIY hearth? Can anyone who has tried making either candle share their experience and provide some tips or insights on the process? I’d appreciate any advice before embarking on my own candle-making venture. Thank you!
Both Swedish and Finnish candles are fairly easy to create for a DIY hearth. Swedish candles are made by splitting a log into four or six equal sections and then igniting the top of the log. As the fire burns down, it creates a steady flame and a stable platform for cooking or heating. Finnish candles are made similarly, by cutting a log into three equal sections and creating a fire on top. However, Finnish candles often have a hole drilled down the center for improved airflow.
In terms of ease, Swedish candles are slightly simpler as they require one less cut and no drilling. Both techniques benefit from using dry, seasoned wood, to ensure a clean and efficient burn. It is essential to have proper safety precautions in place and never leave a burning candle unattended. Additionally, experimenting with log sizes and types of wood can help achieve different burning times and heat outputs. So, gather your materials, take your time, and enjoy the process of crafting your own DIY hearth with either a Swedish or Finnish candle. Happy candle-making!