happybonzo
15-10-2010, 13:25
Has anyone made a charcoal kiln using an old oil drum?
I've used the large kilns that measure about 6ft across but want something smaller for some woodlands that I have just got. I am restoring them to Coppice rotation and as they haven't been worked for at least 50 years there will be a lot of poor quality timber that could be usefully made into charcoal.
I have seen two types. One is the normal slow burn type that is sealed off and the other is the retort type where the heat is applied externally and the gases are directed into the fire to help boost the burn thereby using less fuel.
Anyone's experiences and/or comments about either type would be welcome.
I've used the large kilns that measure about 6ft across but want something smaller for some woodlands that I have just got. I am restoring them to Coppice rotation and as they haven't been worked for at least 50 years there will be a lot of poor quality timber that could be usefully made into charcoal.
I have seen two types. One is the normal slow burn type that is sealed off and the other is the retort type where the heat is applied externally and the gases are directed into the fire to help boost the burn thereby using less fuel.
Anyone's experiences and/or comments about either type would be welcome.