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Thread: Making charcoal for BP

  1. #1
    Boolit Grand Master


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    Making charcoal for BP

    I searched for making charcoal, but didn’t come up with anything. If there are threads, please direct me to them. Otherwise, what is the best way to turn wood into charcoal? I know about the traditional ways of burying it and making a fire on top etc. But isn’t there a modern way to put it in an almost sealed metal container and heat it over a fire?
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Boolit Bub
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    I have been looking into doing this (for BP) and in my extremely short and very limited experience, a gallon paint can seems to work well. There are numerous videos on youtube using paint cans and all seem very successful. Search "DIY charcoal" on youtube and scroll until you see folks using paint cans. Basically, you put green wood (no bark) in an unused paint can and seal it up wit the lid. Poke a small hole in the center of the lid with a nail to release pressure. Put it in a fire or build a fire around it. As it heats it will steam the water off and then the wood gasses will boil off. The wood gas will catch on fire as it escapes through the hole. Once the fire goes out, all the wood gasses have escaped and you should have straight charcoal. Remove the can from the fire once the vent-hole fire goes out to preserve the charcoal and let it cool completely. DO NOT OPEN IT! hot coals will get oxygen and catch fire burning the charcoal you just worked so hard to make. Steel paint cans are cheap too. I plan on making some next weekend with what I think is willow that I have located.

    I have made charcoal like this for a forge but not for BP. Same principal applies, just using different wood.
    Lead, brass, and copper are the real precious metals.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master Oyeboten's Avatar
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    I think djohns28 covers it well...

    And as he reminds, do not open till all the way cooled off.

    I used to make Charcoal 'sticks' for Artists, and I did them in Sand, in a large size Tin Plated Steel Fruit Juice Can, and they always came out very nicely.

    I'd have a few small holes in the top for fumes to get out.

    New fresh Gallon Paint Can of course would hold a lot more.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
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    I use an old ammo can, remove the gasket and place it upside down, build fire around it. Burn for 2-3 hours. If you go too long the only problem is that you get a bit more ash. I use the ammo can that is the same base as the 50cal can but twice the height.

  5. #5
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    I tried the paint can in a whole house wood stove outside that does not work. I use it to burn all the cardboard and paper that I get. I guess it did not stay hot enough but I burn enough that the embers were still hot the next day.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    Hmm...same way I make char cloth for catching a spark when starting a fire with flint and steel....only a LOT smaller container is used. Good to know both!!
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  7. #7
    Boolit Master
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    I used paint cans in fire pit, but cans burnt thru after about a dozen batches. Now I use a Dutch oven with hole drilled in lid then plug with appropriate sized bolt when I take it off. Try to use dry wood with bark removed. I made first batches with cedar shavings as Fly suggested. That man has figured the process out an describes it well in homemade BP thread
    Perhaps my learning skills have diminished in my senior years.. 50 years ago I could read something once and then "have it"... Now I read it about three times, do it a couple of times and then... "have it" only about half the time.

  8. #8
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    this is what I use....

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    cast iron with a lid, a tiny hole drilled into it...
    Any technology not understood, can seem like Magic!!!

    I will love the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind.

  9. #9
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    I like the Dutch oven idea. I don’t see any reason I can’t use the same one as I melt range scrap in. I even have an extra lid I can use to drill a hole in.

  10. #10
    Boolit Bub
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    Quote Originally Posted by Themoose View Post
    I used paint cans in fire pit, but cans burnt thru after about a dozen batches. Now I use a Dutch oven with hole drilled in lid then plug with appropriate sized bolt when I take it off. Try to use dry wood with bark removed. I made first batches with cedar shavings as Fly suggested. That man has figured the process out an describes it well in homemade BP thread
    Using Cedar for BP?? like western red cedar fence pickets?? I will do a search but do you happen to have a link to the thread?
    Lead, brass, and copper are the real precious metals.

  11. #11
    USMC 77, USRA 79


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    Greg, you can even light the smoke on the lid with a lighter if you dont like all that smoke... it is highly combustable... just remember that when the smoke stops, you are done. and dont open the lid to take a peek... it will possibly flare up...
    Any technology not understood, can seem like Magic!!!

    I will love the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind.

  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master In Remembrance
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    Swiss makes their charcoal with seasoned alder buckthron in retorts and control the temperature never to exceed 608 degrees Fahrenheit
    Regards
    John

  13. #13
    Boolit Master
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    The cedar shavings sold for pet bedding. Got a bag at Walmart. The thread is here on this sight. I think the title is My Homemade Black Powder.
    Perhaps my learning skills have diminished in my senior years.. 50 years ago I could read something once and then "have it"... Now I read it about three times, do it a couple of times and then... "have it" only about half the time.

  14. #14
    Boolit Master
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    I use the gallon paint can. 1/8 inch hole drilled in lid. when smoke stops I put a screw in the hole to lessen air getting in. Cut wood to length and split into sticks or saw into 1 inch cubes.
    swamp
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  15. #15
    Boolit Grand Master


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    Quote Originally Posted by John Boy View Post
    Swiss makes their charcoal with seasoned alder buckthron in retorts and control the temperature never to exceed 608 degrees Fahrenheit
    This is the first time I heard temperature was important. The Swiss do make good BP though. Anyone have any input on temperatures ?
    Last edited by GregLaROCHE; 05-21-2020 at 01:19 AM. Reason: Typo

  16. #16
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    I think the big thing about temp is the consistency of the powder lot to lot. That would be difficult to do in a hobby setting.

    Bob
    GUNFIRE! The sound of Freedom!

  17. #17
    Boolit Buddy skrapyard628's Avatar
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    Reading this makes me a bit curious. Would using the natural hardwood lump charcoal you can buy for grilling at the hardware store work for making BP? Has anyone tried this?

  18. #18
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Wondering here if the retort could be put in an oven at 500* to make the charcoal? an old electric oven with a PID on it would give a very controlled temp and then it would become a time to "cook" and wood type equation. Just curious here. another is the enclosed oven would also limit the oxygen in the process.

  19. #19
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by country gent View Post
    Wondering here if the retort could be put in an oven at 500* to make the charcoal? an old electric oven with a PID on it would give a very controlled temp and then it would become a time to "cook" and wood type equation. Just curious here. another is the enclosed oven would also limit the oxygen in the process.

    I think that would be something to try. Outdoors for sure.
    There is no problem so great, that it cannot be solved by the proper application of high explosives.

  20. #20
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by GregLaROCHE View Post
    This is the first time I heard temperature was important. The Swiss do make good BP though. Anyone have any input on temperatures ?
    I tend to burn on the cool side - regulate the fire by how hard and fast the smoke comes out of the vent hole in the can - I never take it through to when the smoke stops - makes good powder (willow) - burns a little brownish in the gun - impatience is part of the equation - maybe more cooked would be better but I am loathe to change something that works good.

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