Lump hard to light

In my experience, previously burned lump lights more quickly than fresh. Is this a problem you always have? Is it possible that the burned lump is getting damp.

@Mark0525‌
Because you are a fellow Raider fan I'm going to solve your problem my friend. Acquire one of these and lighting your lump will never be a problem again. Once you try it you won't ever light your fire any other way.
This far and away the best way to start your fire. Nothing else comes close.

No original pearls of wisdom but wrt the dome-I leave it open (bottom vent full open ) for around 8-10 mins with any lump (including GFS) until around a softball to grapefruit sized quantity of lump is burning.  Then shut the dome and once passing 200*F on the thermo adjust the bottom vent and DFMT for the target temp.  Good luck as this is only a three piece puzzle-fuel, air-flow and ignition source.

Here's a link to the Bernzomatic Weed Torch: http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-19425-Self-Igniting-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00008ZA0F/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1403534757&sr=8-2&keywords=propane+torch+weed+burner . I like it because you have the whole shebang in one package - no external tank.  Free shipping w/Amazon Prime $38.  Map gas cylinders are about $10, and last me 4 months.  But that is only using it 4 times a week. YMMV.  Propane cylinders also work - not quite as many BTUs.  I'm including a picture for comparison with SGH's torch (also available on Amazon (Red Dragon or Hot Max).

The nice thing about the Bernzomatic torch is that it has a built-in push-button lighter. Nothing else needed. It is long enuf that it keeps all body parts out of harms way. And you can use it to toast weeds.

I had the same issue when I first got my egg.  I now use a charcoal chimney thing.  I preload some fresh coal and then clean out the used charcoal and load it to the top.  As for fire, I drizzle some vegetable oil on newspaper and light that under the chimney.  The chimney was about $10, the newspaper is free, and the oil is super cheap as well. 

I use looftlighter and never have an issue. I light 5 spots, NSEW and center. I can be up to 6 or 700 in 10-15 minutes. Depending on how you light the lump, smaller or larger pieces are easier or harder to light. I find smaller pieces are usually the ones left over. These light quick with the looftlighter, but smaller pieces make for worse airflow, which slows combustion.

Looftlighter is awesome! Great for supercharging a fire when going from low to high temp too, such as reverse sear technique, or when going from making apps to pizza.

Biggreenpharmacist said:

I use an electric lighter since my large has an outlet close by. Takes about 6-7 minutes. Then I close the dome and leave bottom vent wide open and daisy wheel off til I hit my desired temp. Hasnt failed me yet. I use a benzomatic torch for the small when an outlet isnt nearby.

Ditto, since getting the electric lighter, I use nothing but.  I stuff it under the lump, plug it in, walk into the kitchen, set the timer on the microwave for 7 minutes.  Start prepping food, when timer goes off, walk outside, unplug, set electric lighter on the concrete to cool.  Close the dome, make sure vents wide open, let it heat to about 300, then I usually put in the plate setter, and install the DigiQ and let it get settled in to my desired cook temp.

They have weed burners at most farm supply type stores, too (tractor supply and the like).