Char cloth

[ridjrunr]

When preparing to make char cloth, does it matter too much how,where or how many holes are punched in the tin?

[greggholmes]

the fewer the better, you don't want to much oxygen let in. I do on on top and one on the bottom

[mario]

The tin I use is fairly large (holds maybe 10oz by volume) and I have only one hole in the lid.

Touching on what Gregg said, let in too much oxygen and you have burned cloth rather than charred cloth.

Mario

[greggholmes]

I have 2 to help it char evenly, it may help it may not

[Bison Horn]

Dan you get down to Bulls rondy next month and we'll make  bunch. BH

[prairie dog]

I put one hole in a tin with a tight lid.  With an Altoids type tin you don't need a hole, the lid is loose enough to let the gas escape.

[ridjrunr]

Thanks for the input guys!

[Riley/MN]

my method is a little 1 pint, 1/2 pint -whatever size paint can. It is actually a window glazing can. I got one hole in the lid and a little piece of stick that fits in it while cooling.

[Archer]

I've found that you can make char from punk wood using this same method.

[Riley/MN]

Yup, you can char anything that is carbon-based....

[Kermit]

I've used the same pint paint-type can with one nail hole in the lid for about 35 years now. I think it originally held tea. I cut heavy 100% cotton cloth (like old jeans) in strips about an inch wide. Wad up a handful, stuff it in and close the lid tightly, and toss it in the coals of a dying fire. When the smoke/vapor is flowing from the hole in a good little stream, I set those gasses alight if they haven't done it on their own. As soon as the flame dies because all the gasses have been driven off, I remove it from the fire and don't open til the next morning. Never fails me.

[Le Loup]

I know this does not answer your question, but charred cloth was not traditionally used outside of the home, except in the case of onboard ship. The Gunners used to char cloth.
Cloth was never charred in a tin, it was charred directly in the fire. Woodsmen charred punkwood & various other plant fibres, directly in the fire. The tinderbox was used to smother the tinder after it was charred. The fire is actually made directly from the tinderbox, although it was not unknown to place tinder in a kindling bundle & strike sparks on it there.
I did search the FAQ, but could not see any info on posting videos, so please excuse me just posting the links. There are many videos on my channel regarding 18th century wilderness living & a variety of period fire lighting methods if you are interested.
Regards, Keith.
No Charcloth Flint & Steel Fire Lighting.
 Field Preparation Of Plant Tinder For Use With Flint & Steel By Charring.
Plant Tinders Part One.
Recognising/Identifying Punk Wood & More By Keith H. Burgess Part One.

[Le Loup]

I know this does not answer your question, but charred cloth was not traditionally used outside of the home, except in the case of onboard ship. The Gunners used to char cloth.
Cloth was never charred in a tin, it was charred directly in the fire. Woodsmen charred punkwood & various other plant fibres, directly in the fire. The tinderbox was used to smother the tinder after it was charred. The fire is actually made directly from the tinderbox, although it was not unknown to place tinder in a kindling bundle & strike sparks on it there.
I did search the FAQ, but could not see any info on posting videos, so please excuse me just posting the links. There are many videos on my channel regarding 18th century wilderness living & a variety of period fire lighting methods if you are interested.
Regards, Keith.
[size=150][/size]

[Bigsmoke]

Keith,
Great tutorials.  Thanks for posting the links.  I will be coming back to watch again soonly.
Again, thank you,
John

[Le Loup]

Keith,
Great tutorials.  Thanks for posting the links.  I will be coming back to watch again soonly.
Again, thank you,
John

Thanks for the feedback John, much appreciated.
Regards, Keith.