I came into a great little retort, I think. It is a 5-6 gallon steel pail, with a locking lid. Heavy duty, used for bolts nuts etc., on metal building job sites.
The wood is Spring cut Sassafras, from April. I think this retort will hold it all and I'm going to make one big charcoal cook and hope I can make my best powder from it. The wood has been baked dry in my shop all summer at temps of 130° often. It should make a nice batch.
If it does turn out good, and anybody would like some, I will hook you up. It will make more charcoal than I will probably ever use. The jar is full of nothing but Cambium layer. I have wondered about it's charcoal making ability, because that is where a major portion of volatiles are. Maybe dirty, and maybe no good, but I'm going to find out.
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