The Shop > Metal Stuff
Sawed off cupola
vtsteam:
A few differences from the video -- mine doesn't have a perforated bottom -- it's completely open. Mine works with wood -- preferably 1-3 inches thick. And I used a circular lid.
Mine works even if the barrel you find has only one end on it. I also modulate the fire with the lid, and sand at the base once it is burning well. I try to keep it just slightly smoking -- a wisp or two -- rather than running it full out. I believe this gives a greater yield.
There is also some suggestion lately that it is helpful to retain some of the volatiles -- not sure if I subscribe to that yet, but I accept that as a possibility worth exploring. Also another heresy that pine charcoal is better than hardwood charcoal from a Japanese style sword making source. Though what kind of "pine" and "hardwood" have been compared is not yet clear. White pine and yellow pine are very different woods and fuels, as are cottonwood and red oak, for instance. So pine vs hardwood might be apples and oranges, so to speak!
Anyway, about to light off the second batch (if I can manage to light it) and the rain holds off. Everything was doused last night. My hardwood today is red maple and black (sweet) birch, for comparison sake.
BTW -- one could easily melt aluminum -- probably a sizable quantity -- in the heat given off during the charcoaling process. Thus a single load of wood could be used for two separate melts. You would have to find a way to suspend a crucible in the barrel (I've found that even 1/2" rebar across the opening sags like a noodle in the charcoaling heat) and a way to observe and remove it when ready. Sticking even gloved hands or head anywhere near the opening is not advised -- at least with a hardwood burn.
vtsteam:
The sun came out and it got hot and muggy, so I started the charcoal burn. When it was just done, and I'd covered everything with sand, the clouds rolled in and we got inundated with rain. :bang: :bang: :bang:
The furnace area flooded, as did the charcoal barrel. I hope it didn't wash the sand down from the lid into the fresh charcoal below. Looks like it did from here....:(
This is the wettest summer I have ever seen.
awemawson:
Bad luck. You need a simple bothy type building - four poles and a corrugated roof leaving the sides open to let you carry on playing.
vtsteam:
Thanks, yes awemawson, that would be nice. But limited budget means even the galvy roofing would be difficult.
I'm doing better than local farmers, though. Almost none of the hayfields have been cut for the June hay. All turned brown and gone to seed. I don't know if they will be able to get it down and try for a second hay if this continues. They need a week of drying weather just to get out into the fields.
Between thunderstorms I ran out and knocked the barrel over -- was surprised to see most of the charcoal clean and dry. I salvaged enough and got it under cover to bring the total on-hand to 14 gallons. The furnace takes 4-1/2 to fill. So I may try it when the weather improves.
vtsteam:
Rained this morning, but cleared by afternoon and was able to work while ground dried. Today's cupola work:
Added view ports to both tuyeres...
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