Wood species for charcoal

[woodlandgirl]

Thanks everyone! Interesting to hear that the Rhodie should work well, better than just having bonfires of the stuff. There is quite a bit so should get a decent amount of charcoal and fines/biochar from it.

 

On 02/07/2025 at 11:09, openspaceman said:

If you consider what these species were used for as charcoal  it may not be what you want charcoal for. Alder because it was soft and could be finely ground to make gunpowder and willow because it was used for drawing and left a black mark, again because it was soft.

 

There were two species that the guys I worked with avoided, poplar and sweet chestnut, both because the either crumbled or shattered in the ring kiln.

 

Having said that there should be a better market for fines now as biochar, we had to discard it.

I didn't know that Alder was specifically used for gunpowder making, good to know. Definitely should be different now with everyone wanting biochar.

 

[openspaceman]

1 hour ago, woodlandgirl said:

now with everyone wanting biochar.

I'm glad to hear this, I have been advocating biochar for a long time now, over 15 years.

[Mesterh]

There are a few members on here that make charcoal. Apologise if any of them have responded but I think @the village idiot might be able to help you out.

 

[sandspider]

Whereabouts in the world are you, woodlandgirl?

[Vigen Tigen]

On 30/06/2025 at 08:36, woodlandgirl said:

Hi all,

 

I'm new to charcoal making, did some with work years ago using a ring kiln but now I want to make it part of my business. The idea is to carry out habitat work (coppicing, thinning, glade creation, hedgelaying etc) and then using some of the materials to mill and sell and other bits to make charcoal to sell.

 

As word has got out in our valley that we have use of a mill, we've been gifted several storm blown trees, including some Black Poplar (always sad to hear of these going over) We currently have a couple of sizeable lumps for milling and the rest cut to make sitting logs/firewood lengths although everything that I've read says it isn't good as firewood. My question is - will it make decent charcoal? I figure that as other water loving species make good charcoal (Alder and willow) maybe this will to?

 

Appreciate any information!

 

Willow for charcoal really depends on what willow species you're using. Goat Willow makes good charcoal as it has similar properties to hardwoods. Most willows will tend to create a soft charcoal (favoured by artists as a drawing medium) which is rather quick burning and doesn't get quite as hot as hardwood charcoal such as oak. Having said that, willow charcoal does have its place in the market, especially for those who prefer a less intense heat for cooking delicate food stuff such as fish.