After reading some of the threads, but not all, I decided to try an alternative to the petroleum jelly cotton ball routine.

I first tried using the residue from my pencil sharpener, the wood shavings, rolled into a cotton ball with PJ added.
After a number of experiments I decided it would go the way of cold fusion.
Then an idea! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I took my trusty block plane, used to shave wood in carpentry work, and shaved a number of pieces off a 3/4 inch pine board, about 10 inches long. Each shaving curles onto itslef, making a nice compact wood coil of sorts.
I took a cotton ball, added some petroleum jelly and rolled it inside the wood shaving, adding a dab of PJ from time to time. When it was finished, I added a bit more PJ to help hold the rolled piece in place. It actually holds itslef into a nice tight size.
It is compact, but due to the fact that the wood shaving is involved, not easily compressed like a cotton ball alone.
I pulled a little lose cotton from one end and touched a match to it.
Very nice, fairly long burning flame, as it includes the cotton, PJ, and the shaved pine.
I did not time the burn, but it was decent with a decent flame.

Tried to start it with my Magfire which I just received, but no luck. I guess I need more practice at that.

When time permits I will run a time test between this and a CB in PJ alone, just to see what the difference in burn time is.

FWIW.

Sounds promising. I recall somebody mixing the PJ with sawdust from fatwood and getting good results as well. I'm thinking the shavings would increase the burn time over that. Let us know your results.

Way to think 'out of the box', Skater. Keep us updated.

Scott

Not tried this yet, but tommorow will let you know my results ( i have some trees i cleared that need burned...so why not test my gadgets at the same time)-the plan is to make a custom mix of the following
-try crushing up the pyro material sparklers are made of
-add wood shavings or crumbles from the pressed wood fire starter sticks you can buy about anywhere
-possible alternate the sparkler with magnesium bar shavings
-and all this would be mixed with 100% cotton balls with the industry standard PJ mixed in as usual
-i figure the added magnesium base whether it be sparklers or mag bar shavings will give the mix added starting ease/heat
-i do though realize the added combustability from the magnesium will shorten my burn time, but thats what the "trial and error" tests will be for
-the goal is to devise "a better PJ cotton combo" if possible
-any thoughts from >??

I haven't tried it either, but I have thought about sprinkling magnesium fileings to the CB/PJ mix. One thing to keep in mind is that IIRC the surface of the magnesium oxides, so it is possible you might get different results with a freshly made one vs. one that has been in storage for a while. On the other hand, perhaps the PJ will protect the surface of magnesium.

My thinking was the sprinkles of magnesium might allow easier lighting with a spark based igniter.

Also, any thoughts about using parafin in the mix?

-john

Parafin, why bother?

Mix the magnesium flake in well with the PJ. The PJ will keep air away from the flakes, so little to no oxidation.