STAINLESS90
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2014
- Messages
- 1,907
I searched and didn't find this as a topic so I figured I would share how to make char cloth for anyone unfamiliar with the process.
Step 1: Find a suitable container, usually a thin walled metal tin works best and it must be able to be sealed. Altoids tins work pretty well but almost any tin with a lid can be used even a tin can with the lid put back on or tinfoil pouches.
Step 2: Punch or drill a hole in the bottom and top of the tin not larger than 1/8 of an inch. The hole size is very important it needs to be large enough to vent the gases from the process so the tin doesn't explode but not large enough to allow oxygen in which will cause combustion.
Step 3: Use a natural fiber based material. The item cannot contain any synthetic fibers as these will melt, 100% cotton, hemp, jute, or sisal all work though cotton is typical. I used some old cotton tee shirts for my material.
Step 4: Place the material in the tin but do not pack it too tightly or else the material in the center will not properly char.
Step 5: Place the tin over an open flamed heat source. I am using my stove as I live in the city but I have even seen it done with a candle. The temperature just determines how quick the process will be. Only do this inside if you have very good ventilation and fans as it creates a lot of smoke.
As the process starts smoke will begin to come out of the hole in the top and from the hinge gaps. White tee shirts are great to use as you can see when the material is done after it turns fully black (brown will not work and will just smolder and will be hard to take a spark). I prefer to turn mine over half way through to make sure both sides get done. The process on my stove on high heat takes about 8-10 minutes but can take up to 40 minutes depending on the heat source.
The smoke will probably ignite as it is a flammable gas this is normal.
The process is complete when you no longer see smoke coming out of the tin.
Let the tin completely cool before opening or attempting to remove the char cloth as the residual heat will make the char cloth light instantly causing a small flash fire.
The results from about half a medium tee shirt which should last for quite a while.
Be safe everyone and I hope this helps someone.
:thumbup:
Step 1: Find a suitable container, usually a thin walled metal tin works best and it must be able to be sealed. Altoids tins work pretty well but almost any tin with a lid can be used even a tin can with the lid put back on or tinfoil pouches.
Step 2: Punch or drill a hole in the bottom and top of the tin not larger than 1/8 of an inch. The hole size is very important it needs to be large enough to vent the gases from the process so the tin doesn't explode but not large enough to allow oxygen in which will cause combustion.
Step 3: Use a natural fiber based material. The item cannot contain any synthetic fibers as these will melt, 100% cotton, hemp, jute, or sisal all work though cotton is typical. I used some old cotton tee shirts for my material.
Step 4: Place the material in the tin but do not pack it too tightly or else the material in the center will not properly char.
Step 5: Place the tin over an open flamed heat source. I am using my stove as I live in the city but I have even seen it done with a candle. The temperature just determines how quick the process will be. Only do this inside if you have very good ventilation and fans as it creates a lot of smoke.
As the process starts smoke will begin to come out of the hole in the top and from the hinge gaps. White tee shirts are great to use as you can see when the material is done after it turns fully black (brown will not work and will just smolder and will be hard to take a spark). I prefer to turn mine over half way through to make sure both sides get done. The process on my stove on high heat takes about 8-10 minutes but can take up to 40 minutes depending on the heat source.
The smoke will probably ignite as it is a flammable gas this is normal.
The process is complete when you no longer see smoke coming out of the tin.
Let the tin completely cool before opening or attempting to remove the char cloth as the residual heat will make the char cloth light instantly causing a small flash fire.
The results from about half a medium tee shirt which should last for quite a while.
Be safe everyone and I hope this helps someone.
:thumbup:
