I want to make my own charcoal

ronbo

Newbie

Original poster

Feb 25, 2009

7

10

Camas, Washington

• Feb 25, 2009

• #1

I want to make my own charcoal but all the info I find on the web seems to be directed towards making charcoal for blacksmithing or forging. In these applications they use any type of wood available and are probably not too worried about remaining substances in the charcoal as I am in using it to cook over!
I have a 55 gallon barrel and directions on how to modify it for making charcoal in and would like any info or links to info that would help me make cooking/smoking grade charcoal.
I'm a newbie and this is only my second posting. Thanks to all for the warm welcome. Being part of SMF is going to be fun AND informative!!

 

grothe

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Jun 12, 2008

1,762

12

Connecticut

• Feb 25, 2009

• #2

Check this link out:

http://www.velvitoil.com/Charmake.htm

 

BandCollector

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Feb 4, 2009

2,791

1,694

Mt. Lebanon, PA (South Hills of Pittsburgh)

• Feb 25, 2009

• #3

Gene...........You're the man!.............Where do you find this stuff?...LOL

 

ronbo

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 25, 2009

7

10

Camas, Washington

• Feb 25, 2009

• #4

Thanks Grothe......It looks like good info!

 

grothe

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Jun 12, 2008

1,762

12

Connecticut

• Feb 25, 2009

• #5

Someone else posted that link but the post was lost in the crash (can't remember who).
I save WAY too much stuff on my poor puter LOL

 

packplantpath

Smoking Fanatic

Dec 14, 2007

478

10

• Feb 25, 2009

• #6

Why not just go the burn barrel route if you want something like that.

Burn wood down to coal and shovel into the pit. Works great. SHould be the same net effect as homemade charcoal, but much easier and without the need to store it.

JMHO

 

jake

Fire Starter

Dec 5, 2007

32

10

• Feb 25, 2009

• #7

check out the "naked whiz" mine works great!

 

trapper

Smoke Blower

Feb 19, 2008

110

10

• Feb 25, 2009

• #8

Here are a couple more sites I have saved. I haven't tried any of them so I can't offer any advice. http://www.puffergas.com/historic/rules/rules.html
http://64.176.180.203/charcoalretort.htm
http://www.nakedwhiz.com/makinglump.htm

 

vtanker

Meat Mopper

Feb 21, 2009

270

10

knoxville TN

• Feb 25, 2009

• #9

Man I love you guys! If you want to know just ask!

 

hell fire grill

Meat Mopper

Nov 26, 2007

174

11

Battle Ground, WA

• Feb 25, 2009

• #10

I have a retort like Daniel O'connors that I have used for a few years. The charcoal it makes is not as good as some store bought charcoal but I have never found any garbage in my homemade charcoal and I can use whatever wood I want to use to make it (apple,cherry,oak,etc.). I have tryed the burn and smother technique and I think you get more consistant results with a retort. Take a look at these links.

http://www.connerprairie.org/HistoryOnline/fuel.html

http://64.176.180.203/charcoalretort.htm

http://www.nakedwhiz.com/makinglump.htm

http://www.puffergas.com/historic/rules/rules.html

That should get you started. If you go with the retort place it 20' or so away from any buildings and dont fire it up under any trees. It will get very hot, and loud, it will be uncomfortable to stand within 6-8' of while it is outgassing. If anyone has any questions about it Ill answer as well as I can.

 

gatorscott

Newbie

Feb 10, 2009

14

10

• Feb 25, 2009

• #11

Cacus,

Thanks for the links. I especially like the 2nd one. I may be giving that a shot!!

 

slanted88

Smoking Fanatic

SMF Premier Member

Jul 13, 2008

372

10

Panama City, Florida

• Feb 26, 2009

• #12

Whats the point. If ya got alot of time on yer hands, Rock On! Me time is tooo valuable!