The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: suziequeue on October 28, 2011, 07:10:41 am

Title: Oil drum charcoal making
Post by: suziequeue on October 28, 2011, 07:10:41 am

Hi

I am looking to start making charcoal in an oil drum. I have a good  pattern from the allotment forestry website here:

http://www.allotmentforestry.com/fact/Charcoal.htm (http://www.allotmentforestry.com/fact/Charcoal.htm)

but I don't see how - once you close down the drum - the lid doesn't fall in...... thereby letting air in through the top.

Any ideas?

Title: Re: Oil drum charcoal making
Post by: Fleecewife on October 28, 2011, 09:49:18 am

The pattern shows leaving two tabs sticking out from the side of the drum when you cut the base off, to support the lid.  If you think this would not be enough to hold it, could you make three slightly smaller ones, evenly spaced  I agree that it looks as if the weight of the sand would tip it all in with just the two.

What an exciting project - charcoal making is one of those 'magic' tricks  8)

Title: Re: Oil drum charcoal making
Post by: suziequeue on October 28, 2011, 06:03:41 pm

I think that's a great idea fleecewife. Thanks  :thumbsup:

I have also written to the website author for some advice.

Have managed to find an oil drum nearby  :D

Title: Re: Oil drum charcoal making
Post by: deepinthewoods on October 28, 2011, 06:24:32 pm

good link, ta ;)