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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Lancaster, PA on 2/17/2009
Comments about Kotulas Paper Log Maker:
Built to last!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Northeast Kingdom, VT on 2/16/2009
Comments about Kotulas Paper Log Maker:
Love this tool, but it takes some experimentation.
The instructions are woefully brief, so:
*Shredded paper works best.
*Use latex gloves or your hands'll be black with ink
*Set up drying rack near woodstove, rotate bricks
*Takes 2 weeks to dry thoroughly
*Great for kindling, mixed with wood for airflow
[2 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Woolrich, PA on 2/16/2009
Comments about Kotulas Paper Log Maker:
I use this product to recycle shredded junk mail and newspaper into something useful that I can safely and cleanly burn. We wouldn't use the resulting blocks for heating, just fire starters, etc.
The tool does great. I have only one complaint and that is the shape of the handle where it meets the user's hands. The flat shape of the metal digs into the hands when you press it down. It just doesn't feel very good. This would be resolved with rounded handles and the handyman could remedy this with some PVC pipe, duct tape, cloth, etc.
Tip: If one were to fill this device to the top before applying the pressure, the bricks would take months and months to dry (unless you have a de-humidifier nearby, which helps tremendously).
Tip: We place a 2X4 cut to the same length into the mold before applying pressure (fits perfectly). This allows us to make thinner bricks that will dry faster and are less fragile. Doing this, we could probably produce about 6 bricks a week (we have no newspaper subscriptions). We shred all paper, thin cardboard (food boxes), packing paper, etc.
Tip: Put something under this device to catch the excess water. We use a lid to plastic bin to do so.
Tip: Soak your paper/cardboard in water first, not just damp. Then, insert a whole dry piece of newsprint into the mold as a "wrapper", fill with the wet pulp, fold over the remaining "wrapper", press, etc. This will make for more solid bricks that don't crumble (if you're shredding the paper).
Comments about Kotulas Paper Log Maker:
Read and recycle your newspapers! Makes great logs for the fireplace for those "curl up on the couch in front of a fire days"
from Chisholm, MN on 2/16/2009
Comments about Kotulas Paper Log Maker:
When the news papers build up to Critical Mass. we will use it to build up a supply of fuel for the winter! We will use it only in warm weather as it is defintely a rather messy job. It is best performed in our garage! Since it saves money, I consider this to be a source of creativity as well as a recreational activity!
from Liberty, Maine on 2/16/2009
Comments about Kotulas Paper Log Maker:
Good use for old news paper. Time consuming, but worth the effort. Bricks need to be dried thoroughly over a period of days before burning.
[17 of 18 customers found this review helpful]
from Westchester County, NY on 11/20/2008
Comments about Kotulas Paper Log Maker:
It says paper log maker, but it makes bricks, that are not really log size. They come out small, about 10x3x3. Also, you have to soak the paper in water before mashing them together in the press, and then let them dry for a while before burning. It is a messy process. However, it does work, and it is better than recycling. If you have a place in your home where you can kind of set up a station, like near a utility sink or something, I would definitely recommend it. Otherwise, pass and recycle your paper.