Making lump charcoal

CatskillSmoker · July 18, 2017, 05:30:13 PM

So down the road from me is a saw mill.
I went down and spoke with the owner about my plans.
He proceeded to tell me about how he used to do it with his father. He's separating wood for me. Offered all excess I want. Doesn't seem hard and pretty straightforward. Has anyone here done this before?
Next is to drive about 20 miles south to MANY Apple farms.

kettlebb · July 18, 2017, 05:40:03 PM

I have not but I've watched a few YouTube videos. Doesn't look too difficult. Just need a lot of wood to make it worth while in my opinion.

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CatskillSmoker · July 20, 2017, 04:12:55 PM

First attempt with some hickory.
Looks and feels good. Will test tomorrow with ribs
and a rotisserie chicken.

Jason · July 20, 2017, 05:04:03 PM

Hot damn, that's gotta be rewarding and a lot of work!

mhiszem · July 20, 2017, 05:09:56 PM

Neat how long did it take?

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WNC · July 20, 2017, 05:11:00 PM

Awesome!
I've always wanted to do this. What was your process?

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CatskillSmoker · July 20, 2017, 05:31:26 PM

Stainless steel drum. Cut wood close to 2x4 size at 12".
Start up a fire and burn for about 30 minutes. Looks like a Hobo fire.
Place a metal garbage can lid on top and let it smolder.
Checked back in the morning and had some decent looking coal.
My first time doing it. Was just excited to have my first burn.

Madpap · July 20, 2017, 06:23:36 PM

I'm curious about this myself. Anxious to see how it turns out.

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CatskillSmoker · July 21, 2017, 10:25:19 AM

I started with gas assist. It only needed 5 minutes to get it going.
Gonna bring her to 250 and throw on the baby backs.

CatskillSmoker · July 21, 2017, 01:14:24 PM

2 hours in flip the ribs and restock charcoal.
Burning very nicely. Not that much smoke.

CatskillSmoker · July 21, 2017, 01:18:22 PM

Ribs looking good.

CatskillSmoker · July 21, 2017, 03:31:15 PM

Another 2 hours. Things look and smell good.

mhiszem · July 21, 2017, 03:42:02 PM

Great color so far. Looking good!

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CatskillSmoker · July 21, 2017, 04:46:10 PM

All done and flavor is as if it was cooked over a fire.
Imparted mild wood flavor. Was easy to maintain 250 no problem.

CatskillSmoker · July 21, 2017, 04:49:52 PM

Half wet half dry. Moist and pull off the bone good.
Nice smoke ring. Everyone enjoyed as they are all gone.

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Making lump charcoal