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Is Balsa Wood Better Than Paulownia Wood For Charcoal?


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Posted

The title of this discussion basically explains everything. I'm wanting to know if Balsa Wood charcoal is better than Paulownia Wood charcoal, because Balsa Wood is more light-weight.

 

-Thanks!

Posted
But sometimes it's slower. There's no guarantee. Like anything it all depends who's doing it. Now just figure out which is easier or cheaper to obtain.
Posted

I am russian, and I do not know what is the Balsa tree....

Posted

My first batch of bp was made using balsa - it was the only thing I could get that I knew was fast. Now I use paulownia from picture frames. I can't tell the difference they both seem as fast. Paulownia is cheaper for me and I think it yeilds a bit more once cooked.

 

The nice thing about either wood is once cooked, it can easily be crushed with your fingers.

 

Cheers.

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Posted

My first batch of bp was made using balsa - it was the only thing I could get that I knew was fast. Now I use paulownia from picture frames. I can't tell the difference they both seem as fast. Paulownia is cheaper for me and I think it yeilds a bit more once cooked.

 

The nice thing about either wood is once cooked, it can easily be crushed with your fingers.

 

Cheers.

 

Thanks!

Posted

I live in Nebraska. Where can I get Paulownia wood?

Posted

I have sources for Willow Alder and Vine charcoals and get pine from building timber, so these give me some choices. Your choices have to be made from woods available in your area.

 

IN GENERAL wood that makes fragile charcoal that is easily crushed by hand will make good powder, Also light fluffy charcoal is usually better than dense charcoal If your pound of charcoal occupies a cup or a pint the biggest (volume) pound of charcoal will make the best powder.

Posted

PS

Straw charcoal makes very fast powder BUT it's so sensitive that it may go off spontaneously or when simply shaken.

 

Usually that's too dangerous!

Posted

PS

Straw charcoal makes very fast powder BUT it's so sensitive that it may go off spontaneously or when simply shaken.

 

Usually that's too dangerous!

 

Interesting. Have you tried this before?

I have sources for Willow Alder and Vine charcoals and get pine from building timber, so these give me some choices. Your choices have to be made from woods available in your area.

 

IN GENERAL wood that makes fragile charcoal that is easily crushed by hand will make good powder, Also light fluffy charcoal is usually better than dense charcoal If your pound of charcoal occupies a cup or a pint the biggest (volume) pound of charcoal will make the best powder.

 

What's your source?

Posted

I am russian, and I do not know what is the Balsa tree....

wooden model airplanes are made from balsa, very light weight. grows in the tropics

Posted

 

Interesting. Have you tried this before?

 

What's your source?

 

1/ Tenney L Davis -COPAE

 

2/ Local woodland where I know the owner

Posted

Eastern Red Cedar wood chips used for animal bedding is sold in bales at farm stores and big box stores.

This can be converted with a TLUD cooker quickly and makes high quality charcoal, BP and fuel.

Readily available, easy to use, already processed (shavings), cheap, high quality.

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