Making first batch of charcoal....

[psychicrhino]

Finally got myself a BP gun a while back. Decided to try my hand at making a small batch of charcoal in a cookie tin today (with a hole punched in the lid) in an old outside fireplace. Looks like I made smoke and the wood gas lit so maybe it will make. I always like to try something new. Should know afterwhile.

[Hossfly]

What type of wood you making it out of, or does it matter?

[psychicrhino]

I have always read that traditionally willow was best. But everything was so flooded here right now It would hard to get some. I had also read that some folks have had varying success with lots of different kinds of wood - that some just works better than other. This first small trial batch is just from untreated pine, sliced up some small pieces from my scrap lumber pile.

[Hossfly]

Just wondering, i have some hickory that I use for smoking wood cut up. There is also Button willow recon that would work? I might try some of that, sounds like a fun project, keep in practice in case things go south.

[psychicrhino]

I imagine either would likely work. I think some wood just is supposed to work better than others. Only one way to find out though

[psychicrhino]

Success. Popped it open long enuff to see it had worked. But not yet cold case a cope of eggs started to glow. So back on with the lid to let it cool for the night.

[Hossfly]

Let us know how it goes. Very interested in the home made ways.

[swamp]

You might want to read the home made black powder thread. I have used Willow, Alder and Tree of heaven with good results. You need to get everything as fine as you can. Then mix.

Every thing you need to know is on the above thread.

Enjoy.
swamp

[Hossfly]

Started reading that thread got thru 7 pages, very interesting, total about 107 pages, good read. Located some willow on a guys place, said i could have all i wanted, glad to get rid of it.

[psychicrhino]

Thanks Swamp, yes that is a great
Thread. Have read it a couple of times over the years and was an inspiration.

[JimB..]

I’ve made charcoal in an old ammo can. To prep just remove the gasket and burn the can and lid once to remove anything bad. For use fill it up, close it, and place it with the lid down. Gasses escape from around the lid, no oxygen enters.

[mazo kid]

If you're going to make black powder, the softer the wood the better. I have read that Basswood is also good. Hard wood charcoal is for BBQ charcoal.

[psychicrhino]

Found a $4 food processor at Goodwill. Took a while doing the small batches but after sifting through an ultrafine drink screen it is all now converted to airflow charcoal. Used damp paper towels wrapped around the lid to keep the dust down.

[psychicrhino]

First batch of Holy Black has been milled, corned and is drying. Had it on my mind for years to try this. Looking forward to trying it out.

[brass410]

how come in the back of my mind I'm hearing " hold my drink and watch this"? this is something I would like to try but keep getting chickened out by imagined disasters. Waiting to see your outcome then maybe I'll get a set and try it.

[psychicrhino]

First batch of Holy Black has been milled, corned and is drying. Had it on my mind for years to try this. Looking forward to trying it out.

[OverMax]

Found over time most who try making? use willow. Although there is a preference between Weeping & Black willow? Bark-less black willow is the better of the two woods to cook in a charcoal tort.

Balsa wood is one of the quickest burning charcoals for B/p use. But the tree doesn't grow here in North America.

Next summer my plan is to make charcoal from wild rice straw.

[Huvius]

You need to get everything as fine as you can. Then mix.
swamp

I’ve found that an electric coffee grinder will make charcoal exceptionally fine - about like black corn starch or cake flour.
Quite messy though.

[swamp]

I use a dual drum Harbor Freight tumbler as a ball mill. Gets every thing very fine. Then mix and back into the ball mill to get it all combined.

swamp

[Good Cheer]

how come in the back of my mind I'm hearing " hold my drink and watch this"? this is something I would like to try but keep getting chickened out by imagined disasters. Waiting to see your outcome then maybe I'll get a set and try it.

I made some around 67-68 without knowing anything except the percentages called out in the school library encyclopedia.
Had salt peter from the drug store, sulfur from the gardening supplies and brickettes. Boy howdy was I excited!