I've attempted my first backyeard charcoal production today, using alder in 1/4s of 18 inch rounds seasoned for only 4 months
I've gone with a basic pit method, get it on fire then drop a metal lid on it and cover it with soil and leave a single chimney.
I'll know if it worked in a day or too...does anyone else make their own charcoal?
Yes, I have made charcoal with mixed results on a small scale. I'm thinking it might be a product that would complement my BBQ wood sales so I have been doing a little research.
You may find this site interesting.
http://www.forestprod.org/smallwood06hammett.pdf
Iffen your on dialup takes a while. ::)
I make my own charcoal with cherry/mulberry (personal use, much smaller scale in a 35 gallon drum. Mill slab, stuff I buck, but it works ?), I also cook with those and other fruitwoods like apple/pear/peach... Start a fire in the pit and after they burn down to coals throw a fat steak on. Throw some wet chips in for smoke. digin1 I can't do hickory though, gives me terrible heartburn, don't know why but it does.
Larry, that was a cool link, thanks.
Here's a link to a thread in the "general board" you may find of help. :)
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=17666.0
Nothing to it . Just pile up fresh wood cover with banana leaves and grass then a layer of mud and then frame it in with sticks so nothing collapses. Start it on fire and tend it 24 hours a day for a week so it doesnt burn to ashes. After it is ready close the air holes and let it cool a week. Then put it in gunny sacks and carry it a few miles to the nearest road.
After this you take it to town and sell it to the Chinese restaurants for about $20. You have just lived a two week span of a slash and burn subsistance farmer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14293/Preparing%20for%20charcoal%7E0.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14293/Charcoal%202.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14293/Sacos%20de%20carbon.JPG)
No help here.....I have a charcoal plant a few miles from my house and go get a 30 gallon trashcan full every month or so.Dont cost a thing as long as I dont abuse the privlege and sell it on the side.I only get enough for me to use from time to time.