flashhole
Addicted to ArboristSite
So I bought a new charcoal grill from Pilot Rock. Lump charcoal at the local supply store is $27 for 20# of charcoal. Heck with that, I researched how to make charcoal and thought I'd give it a try.
I picked up a 30 gallon steel drum for $28. It was somewhat difficult to find but it has a remoavable, replaceable top. A 55 gallon drum for $15 with both ends cut out so it was just an open ended cylinder and 4 cinder blocks $1.29 each (4" x 16" x 8"). I'm into this project for about $48.
My firewood adventures usually result in burn piles left in the woods or field and I burn the scrap when there is no wind. I thought I could kill two birds with one stone ... burn the burn pile and make some charcoal at the same time.
The burn pile. Shown is the top of the 30 gallon drum with a 3/4" vent hole drilled in the center. I scribed the ground with a stick.
I placed 3 cinder blocks 120 degrees apart and close enough to one another that they would support both the 30 gallon drum and the 55 gallon drum. Then set the 30 gallon drum inside the 55 gallon drum. The 55 gallon drum is open on both ends and acts like a chimney.
Here's the 30 gallon drum filled with maple. The wood is seasoned at least a full year and has no bark on it.
I picked up a 30 gallon steel drum for $28. It was somewhat difficult to find but it has a remoavable, replaceable top. A 55 gallon drum for $15 with both ends cut out so it was just an open ended cylinder and 4 cinder blocks $1.29 each (4" x 16" x 8"). I'm into this project for about $48.
My firewood adventures usually result in burn piles left in the woods or field and I burn the scrap when there is no wind. I thought I could kill two birds with one stone ... burn the burn pile and make some charcoal at the same time.
The burn pile. Shown is the top of the 30 gallon drum with a 3/4" vent hole drilled in the center. I scribed the ground with a stick.
I placed 3 cinder blocks 120 degrees apart and close enough to one another that they would support both the 30 gallon drum and the 55 gallon drum. Then set the 30 gallon drum inside the 55 gallon drum. The 55 gallon drum is open on both ends and acts like a chimney.
Here's the 30 gallon drum filled with maple. The wood is seasoned at least a full year and has no bark on it.