WIP Betsey (large charcoal retort)

Dan Seaver · Apr 13, 2009

I've been making the switch back to charcoal so I needed a new retort. Blah blah blah, here's Betsey! A 275 gallon fuel oil tank and scrap metal.

With the gas tubes and door attached, I'm getting more mig wire today so updates are to come soon.

I hope this helps anybody who wants to build their own. Based on my math I should be able to get 200 to 250 pounds of pine charcoal per run depending on how much doesn't completely char.

-Dan

JasonSCarter · Apr 13, 2009

Holy Forge Fires Batman is that ever a big forge!

!

Deweyknives · Apr 13, 2009

JasonSCarter said:
Holy Forge Fires Batman is that ever a big forge! !

Not a forge!! It's made to process wood into charcoal.

Dan, why pine and not hardwood??

Dan Seaver · Apr 13, 2009

I prefer pine because it burns to less ash, doesn't clog the forge with small pieces, and burns hot. I've always used a side blast forge so that might make a difference. Also its good for smelting.

I've been using propane for the past two and a half years; I've missed using charcoal the whole time. Propane is great but its just not my cup of tea.

JasonSCarter · Apr 13, 2009

Oh:foot:

Deweyknives · Apr 14, 2009

Jason, I'll find a way to insulate it if you supply the propane!!

You'd have to weld 6' handles to everything! [if you could even get that close!] Sure would be something to see with flames 3' out the door!!

Thanks Dan. I figured you had a reason. I was thinking the hardwood would last a little longer. Pine sure does burn hot!! About the only thing hotter would be Cedar but I don't think it would last very long w/ forced air. I threw a big piece in the woodstove by accident one time. Top half of the stove, above the bricks, was about cherry red. I realy expected a meltdown but I was lucky and avoided disaster. [after about 20 minutes of SERIOUS concern!!]

Keep us posted, we need pics of that baby cookin'!!:thumbup::thumbup:

Sparljo · Apr 14, 2009

You could make Maple Syrup on top at the same time if you planned ahead.. oil tanks make great boilers.

Dan Seaver · Apr 14, 2009

Well I finished welding the tubes on and I am going to cut them to size and weld the main burner tube down the center today. I'm gonna wait to run it until I have the outside walls up.

Sparljo, we rent our sugar bushes out to local syrup makers rather than making our own. Mmmmm mmmm I do love fresh natural maple syrup. I think my grandfather is planning on making our own this next winter.

Anywho, back to work.

Dan Seaver · Apr 16, 2009

I have the burner hooked up, I'm gonna make the wheels, handles, and outside tonight and tommorrow.

I'm cheap so I'm using old steel roofing as the outside with a rebar frame.

The smelter and forge she will be fueling, it has a long way to go and 4 more tuyeres need to be added before I can start adding the refractory.

Sam Salvati · Apr 16, 2009

Awesome Dan!

Dan Seaver · Apr 28, 2009

I've had mono for a while so I haven't been doing too much work. I got a bit more done though and am picking up the new door steel tomorrow. I'm gonna use a fireplace gasket and clay to provide a tight seal.

The super fancy removable wheels.

I guess this is gonna be a duel thread, I finished putting in the tuyeres on the smelter. I'm getting all the steel to finish it tomorrow also and am picking up 2 cubic yards of clay once the field is dry enough to drive the payloader across.

Dan Seaver · May 5, 2009

Well Betsey is almost ready to run. Just need to finish the front and back and then adjust the burner tube.

The new door with the gasket.

The super fancy locking mechanism. There are 3 so far and 3 should be plenty cause they fit tight.

The tatara/forge; I'm missing a piece of steel for the front door still so I'm gonna have to make the piece.

-Dan

Dan Seaver · May 7, 2009

I did a test run today with about 1/4 the wood needed to fill it. I used small logs and larger logs split in half, so if I get 50% charcoal I know it will work just fine when I properly prep the wood. I'll find out tomorrow.

Just starting

A little while in.

Yup more fire.

Sam Salvati · May 7, 2009

Dan, how is this gonna work? Is there wood being turned to charcoal in the old oil tank?

Dan Seaver · May 8, 2009

Correct Sam. The fire under the tank distills the wood in the tank producing water vapor, tar, and then methane and propane. The methane and propane are vented via the burner tube making the fire much more efficient and self sustaining when done properly. Small dry wood works MUCH better than logs so I'm gonna be splitting pine logs and maybe collecting construction scrap.

ifzama · Feb 7, 2012

Hi Dan, I am very impressed with your oil drum kiln, and would like to connect with you to help me build one. I would like to find out from your experience, what kinds of problems I should look out for when I start building one. From your experience, are there somethings that you would recommended, and what not to do?
Thanks
Isaac