I found a couple websites that ell how to make charcoal, looks kind simple.
My motivation? We have an Amish sawmill about 3 miles away, and I can get a 1½ yard dumper of hardwood blocks for $20 and a 3'x3'x4' long bundle of cants for $6.
My question is- just how good is oak for charcoal and/or smoking?
I grew up in a non-oak tree place (northern Michigan). I've used the usual suspects (maple, apple, cherry) for smoking, but never oak. How's it fit tastewise in these, or is is between let's say cherry and hickory?
Since I'm laid off right now, what would you expect to pay for 'real' charcoal (rather than briquets), because this may turn into a sideline.
My motivation? We have an Amish sawmill about 3 miles away, and I can get a 1½ yard dumper of hardwood blocks for $20 and a 3'x3'x4' long bundle of cants for $6.
My question is- just how good is oak for charcoal and/or smoking?
I grew up in a non-oak tree place (northern Michigan). I've used the usual suspects (maple, apple, cherry) for smoking, but never oak. How's it fit tastewise in these, or is is between let's say cherry and hickory?
Since I'm laid off right now, what would you expect to pay for 'real' charcoal (rather than briquets), because this may turn into a sideline.