Next step in charcoal making

[Fencing Nick]

Hi everyone.

 

So a few months ago I thought it would be fun to try and make charcoal, it was a success, so I made some more and more and now I find my self selling it to a local green grocers, pub etc faster than I can make it in my 44gallon drum.

I've made a new drum but i hear they are pretty inefficient.

My question is, where do I go from here? I don't really want to fork out a grand on kiln just yet, so is there anything I can do next to increase production?

 

 

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[sandspider]

Get more drums?!

[benbound]

I'd be interested to hear how you did it with the oil drum, do you have any pics or tips type of wood used etc. Its something ive been thinking of but like you don't want to fork out loads to start with.

 

Cheers

[Marko]

Try and keep up with the one drum until you have a full 12 months of selling. If it is seasonal you will be able to get some stock built up ready for next year. If it isn't you know you are in the market for another drum at least.

[Daniël Bos]

My neighbour makes charcoal from joinery offcuts (his business is next to a joinery).

He's got a retort made of a big barrel, with the top on a slightly conical edge to ensure a snug fit.

First thing in the morning he lifts the lid off, loads a 44galllon drum full and drops it inside (he's got a little forklift but you could do it without) and sets it off.

Then he goes to work, comes back in the evening and takes the (still hot but burned out and fully converted) drum out, and loads another.

Then in the morning he unloads the previous mornings one, reloads etc etc.

 

So he gets two barrels a day from the one kiln.

[Fencing Nick]

Get more drums?!

 

Yeah, they are inefficient so was hoping for another idea.

 

 

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[Woodworks]

Hi Nick

 

I made a simple retort that works great. Selling the stuff is my problem.

 

I put some pictures in this thread http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/general-chat/58378-thinking-having-crack-making-charcoal-2.html

[Fencing Nick]

I'd be interested to hear how you did it with the oil drum, do you have any pics or tips type of wood used etc. Its something ive been thinking of but like you don't want to fork out loads to start with.

 

Cheers

 

 

The drums are working really well, there's lots of ideas and tips on the Internet... But I basically went with this

 

http://www.allotmentforestry.com/fact/Charcoal.htm

 

The demand slowed down and have managed to keep up. It's nice bit of extra money.

I use any off cuts we get, small stuff we don't used for logs, about as thick as your wrist. Only hardwood, and it needs to be dry.

 

Also... Top tip... Don't do it too close to the road of the police might turn up!

 

Few photos

 

 

 

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[Dave NE]

I have been making some for home use, i use an old biscuit tin on a home made rocket stove, i use Indian red wood in the tin and pallet wood to cook the tin. I am in a residential area so have to keep the smoke down but it is far better quality than shop bought, Dave NE