The addition of a gel fireplace can alleviate the need for a campfire.
A gel fireplace is fueled by alcohol gel, which burns more efficiently than wood. Most gel fireplaces on the market are used for home and commercial use and can be suitable sources of heat. At the campsite, the addition of gel unit can be an eco-friendly way to avoid smoky fire pits but still have the warmth and cozy atmosphere around a campfire. Building a gel fireplace can be a bit of a project, but it can be done with some basic tools and found objects.
Instructions
1. Find an old dresser and begin converting it into a firebox. Remove the drawers and slats and line the inside with 1/4-inch plywood. Secure the plywood with wood screws.
2. Coat the plywood liner with two coats of fireproof paint. Any basic latex-based retardant paint will suffice. Most brands are sold at home centers and hardware stores. While any color will do the trick, black will allow flames to illuminate, allowing your fireplace project an authentic look and feel. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
3. Make your gel fuel. Although gel fuel can be purchased at most stores, it can be made simply by mixing 3 to 5 ounces of melted soy candle wax with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture into two empty metal coffee cans or a series of metal soup cans. Add a standard lantern wick to each container. Trim each wick to measure 1 to 3 inches in length. Place each can in a refrigerator to allow the gel to set.
4. Install your fuel, logs and grate. Place gel packs in the bottom of the firebox. Position a series of flame-retardant logs on a standard fireplace grate in front of or directly over the fuel. Use a propane torch or long fireplace matches to ignite fuel and enjoy the heat.
Tags: fireplace project, your fuel