
homemade pyrotechnic charcoal
#1
Posted 18 August 2013 - 10:58 AM
#2
Posted 18 August 2013 - 12:44 PM
Looks good, important part is stopping the combustion of the charcoal at the end of the cook.
The method you are using is the retort method which requires an external heat source.
You can also cook pine splits with the TLUD method which does not require an external heat source.
Both methods will get you good quality charcoal if you stop the cook process at the right time.
Letting it cook too long with access to combustion air will turn the charcoal to ash.
#3
Posted 18 August 2013 - 04:38 PM
Another great thing about white pine is that it make gorgeous, lush sparks with TT or C8 stars. It also makes toned down BP which isn't too powerful to get out of hand.
Keep on track doing this. This is a great method and it is exactly what I use.
#4
Posted 22 August 2013 - 05:36 PM
#5
Posted 23 August 2013 - 02:27 AM
A paint can and 6x4 reducer is all you need.
The solid paint can lid goes onto the paint can when the wood is done cooking.
Stopping air flow to the cooked wood is the key to really good quality charcoal.
I started with a 1-gallon can which worked good, I now use a 5-gallon paint can to increase the production rate.
#6
Posted 28 August 2013 - 05:42 PM
#7
Posted 29 August 2013 - 05:31 AM
for willow charcoal will a weeping willow work?
Yes, will work.
#9
Posted 19 July 2014 - 10:28 AM
Yes, will work.
Very well, sparks are fine but charcoal from willow is nice and fast.
David
PGI Rocket Boss http://www.pgi.org
IPA Member http://www.iowapyro.com
"The art of fire is indeed the supreme art; for fire is at once the universal slave, the universal master."
#10
Posted 04 August 2014 - 10:14 PM
what is the best method to determine the optimun 'cook time' using the TLUD method? looks like a fine line between 'done just right' and ashes.
#11
Posted 05 August 2014 - 06:19 AM
Tom,
Easiest way is taking a piece of masking tape and placing it directly on the can vertically (top to bottom). As the TLUD cooks down the tape will burn down too and give you a visual reference of completion. Sometimes you can also hear the roar as it cooks and this will subside at the end of the burn.
- Jakenbake likes this
#12
Posted 06 August 2014 - 06:34 AM
Tom,
Easiest way is taking a piece of masking tape and placing it directly on the can vertically (top to bottom). As the TLUD cooks down the tape will burn down too and give you a visual reference of completion. Sometimes you can also hear the roar as it cooks and this will subside at the end of the burn.
Outstanding idea! The gasses also drop off almost completely when its done, the smoke disappears as well.
David
PGI Rocket Boss http://www.pgi.org
IPA Member http://www.iowapyro.com
"The art of fire is indeed the supreme art; for fire is at once the universal slave, the universal master."
#13
Posted 06 August 2014 - 08:34 AM
Outstanding idea! The gasses also drop off almost completely when its done, the smoke disappears as well.
Gotta give credit where credit is due....the tape idea was from one of Ned Gorski's videos on TLUD.
Using pine shavings I rarely see any smoke at all. The popping of the sheet metal as the burn dies down is another audible indicator you are close to done.
#14
Posted 06 August 2014 - 10:46 AM
Just because something is in one of Ned's videos doesn't mean he came up with the idea...
- snapper likes this
#15
Posted 06 August 2014 - 12:40 PM
You're correct. Never said it was his idea, just thought I'd mention where I found the idea.
Edited by Bobosan, 06 August 2014 - 12:40 PM.
#16
Posted 06 August 2014 - 04:22 PM
Just because something is in one of Ned's videos doesn't mean he came up with the idea...
Easy there sparky! Bobsan just got the idea from Nski's video.
David
PGI Rocket Boss http://www.pgi.org
IPA Member http://www.iowapyro.com
"The art of fire is indeed the supreme art; for fire is at once the universal slave, the universal master."
#18
Posted 07 August 2014 - 11:45 PM
sparky??? sorry but, LMAO...
Edited by fredjr, 07 August 2014 - 11:58 PM.
#20
Posted 07 July 2015 - 10:52 PM
I have a lot of access to pine and spruce trees where I live. I've heard pine is pretty good. Any idea how spruce compares?
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