wizard7611 Posted December 24, 2020 Posted December 24, 2020 I've used red cedar pet bedding in the past but I was wondering if someone else knows and even better source for charcoal to use in black powder. I live in the midwest, so I don't have many options available. Thanks!
Arthur Posted December 24, 2020 Posted December 24, 2020 Never be afraid of using builders lumber or even demolition lumber, no need to buy treated wood. After a while you will get the hang of various powders for strength and speed.
MadMat Posted December 28, 2020 Posted December 28, 2020 I don't know where in the midwest you live, but there are many places considered "midwest" that have an abundance of cedar trees growing literally everywhere. I live in north-east Missouri and, as the old farmer's saying goes, "if you scratch a spot in the dirt a cedar tree will pop up." I have made charcoal by the retort method with cedar taken from trees around here and it works quite well. For you, it may have the added bonus of being something you have already worked with. More importantly, I have found that you can make much hotter charcoal with wood that is semi-rotted. I mean significantly faster BP!! If you are interested in trying other woods, I suggest you read over some information on identifying trees in your area. There is a list somewhere on this site that lists different woods and the quality of BP they make
Mumbles Posted December 28, 2020 Posted December 28, 2020 Willow is pretty abundant in the midwest as well. Cottonwood, aspen, poplar, etc. all work well too. There are actually quite a few options. You generally want something physically softer, and fast growing.
chuckufarley Posted December 28, 2020 Posted December 28, 2020 Staghorn sumac works well too, and grows all over. Look on road side hills. Easy to spot in winter with the bright red berry clusters still on the tops.
justvisiting Posted December 31, 2020 Posted December 31, 2020 I can vouch for the staghorn sumac. In Danny Creagan's tests, it did a little better than my narrowleaf willow. The sumac has gooey, sticky sap that stains the hands. The bark is thin. Sometimes it can be peeled with a vegetable peeler if it's dry. If it's fresh, you can make a slice along the length of a piece, and peel the whole bark off as one piece.
MadMat Posted December 31, 2020 Posted December 31, 2020 (edited) Has anyone ever used Elm?I have never tried elm personally, but have heard from someone that did and the results weren't horrible, but not that good either. Don't bother with Box Elder! I tried that and it is terrible. Last fall I made charcoal from Catalpa AKA "Cigar tree". I haven't made any BP with it yet but when I do, I will report how it is. Cigar trees grow in the midwest as well Edited December 31, 2020 by MadMat
SharkWhisperer Posted January 1, 2021 Posted January 1, 2021 FWC this week put ERC charcoal back in stock (at $11.75/lb, 2 lb minimum, plus shipping), and there's others available through the Agora threads here if you're too lazy to make your own.
Sourdough Posted January 7, 2021 Posted January 7, 2021 I have lots of ash trees on my property in pa, all killed by emerald ash borers, many standing dead and broken. Ive found that rotted white ash makes REALLY good powder. Id be willing to ship a small box of wood (not charcoal) for free if anybody wants to pay the shipping.
Recommended Posts