Hi Michael, I recently started using wood shaving from an electric planer after reading on this forum, I think it was @DextersShed said that wood shavings last a long time. Once I get my fire going with cardboard, I add the wood shavings mixed with sawdust & it keeps going for a surprisingly long time. It burns right down with very little tar or buildup on the inside of the smoker. So that’s something to think about.