Charcoal making

[Darren]

I have very little top soil and clay underneath. The clay just cracks and lets air in. I found sand is a good sealer. I use welding glove to move the bricks out. No bother really.

[Steve Medlock]

Just to add that I had a very interesting day last year doing this course:

http://www.thenetherfieldcentre.co.uk/agendas/rural%20skills/charcoal_making.pdf

I have 2 oil drum kilns ready to go now, but haven't used them yet.

Steve.

[carlight]

woodbodger- i have come across a kiln (once) made from a squareish oil tank . This had problems -sort of 'cold spots ' in the corners . Something round is probably better .

To continue on the efficiency theme ,i reckon that if one is using real waste brash for the heating part of the burn ,then it's not much odds re the size . Have tried using brash ,but the kiln is then half full of brash , thus final product volume is lessened .

Am hoping to do well this year - the football world cup schedule is favourable -matches finishing at 5pm, then starting at 7.30pm = classic bbq windows .

[Darren]

Carlight, the brash should be burnt away only leaving a hand full of ash.

[carlight]

yo darren ,

Sorry , am poor at transposing with a keyboard , knew that i hadn't been clear .

will try ;

kiln ~8 cubic metres(cm)

using brash , ~4cm are used up with the brash (the sacrificial element) .leaving ~4cm to become charcoal.

using firewood ,~a lot less than 4cm used up as sacrificial element ,leaving a lot more cm to become charcoal .

By the time i factor in the hassle of trailering 4cm of brash to the kiln ,it doesnt seem viable .More charcoal out of the kiln per burn = less burns= happy woodsman .

There i'm sure i've managed to not elucidate at all.

[Darren]

A good oil drum charcoal kiln video plus other good videos http://www.youtube.com/user/bygonetoni#p/u/18/l_ZeO1bUiww

[greyman]

Interesting Utube thing going on there. Mind you his name of 'bygonetoni' brings to mind 'Swiss Tony' from the Fast Show! "Making charcoal is like making love to a beautiful woman...." ;~)

Greyman

[Darren]

Well I'm usually lying down on my back and drinking beer while I watch the kiln. What does that say about my love life ;)

[jillybean]

sounds OK to me......

[James M]

Am I the only one who enjoys fine wines and belgian chocolates in the woods?