What's the best tin to use when making Charcloth ?

[Capsos]

Hi all I plan to make some charcloth but not sure what tin is best to use and can I just put the tin in a hot oven or does it need a open flame ?

[Chubbs]

Hi there Capsos.

The tin you need to use could be anything like an old tobacco tin, travel sweet tin or even a cleaned out old paint tin like I have used in the past. You need to do this outside either on a gas flame or small fire. I make it indoors on the open fire and have never had any problems. Make sure that you stick a little hole in the lid to let the gas escape and plug it with a matchstick or something similar to prevent oxygen getting in to it once done.

Make sure that you let it go cold before opening it as when its done all it needs is the slightest spark to ignite it again. If you have an old pair of denim jeans, use that cut into squares. Jeans are one of the best materials to use but don't pack the tin too tightly otherwise it sometimes doesn't char properly.

For the first couple of attempts its trial and error. Once you get used to it its really easy to make.

All the best

Neil

[FishyFolk]

Reminds me I have to make some.
I have plenty of chaga, but char cloth is just easier to use :-)

[Yorkshire wanderer]

I use a small tin a candle came in.
I put the hole around the rim but making sure the lid still fit and was airtight while sat at angle.
One the lid is pushed all the way down the tin is waterproof(ish) again and I use it to carry all my tinder in.
I'll try post a pic so you can see what I mean as it's hard to explain but it works like a charm.
I use old cotton work shirts as they are nice and thick and also free, but I would say the thicker the better as thin material burns out too quickly and only creates a small ember.

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Chubbs (Neil) I've still got a small amount of the char cloth you sent me last year, haven't used it all as yet 'chuffed' :wink:
Regards
David

[FishyFolk]

I use an empty Kiwi shoeshine tin...

[NorthernYeti]

i have a big candle tin i use and a small pellet tin

[Johnnyboy1971]

An old pellet tin(bisley magnums) I cut mine into 2inch x2inch pieces and do around 6-8 at a time.
Just drilled a 3mm hole int top and when it stops smoking peg it with a small dowel.
When I have mine all done I usually fill the tin with uncharted cloth in case I have to do some more whilst I'm out.

[shack]

I've heard of it in the oven but I'd do it outside for the smell and just the experience, nice wood fire rather than your gas or electric.
plus 1 for any old tin with a decent lid and airhole (can use mud if want instead of dowl- have done this method with small batch charcoal)

[FishyFolk]

I've heard of it in the oven but I'd do it outside for the smell and just the experience, nice wood fire rather than your gas or electric.
plus 1 for any old tin with a decent lid and airhole (can use mud if want instead of dowl- have done this method with small batch charcoal)

I always have a tin with ready cut pieces of denim in it, ready to be chucked into the fire once it's lit. I never remember to do so. So all mione is made on my meths stove in the garden, lol

[midas]

I use the heavy weight foil containers,that cook in meals /chicken breasts come in.(always wash n save these cos they save on washing up in the "Field")I use up my old cotton/linen Tea towels,torn into,size of half tray,fold over foil tray double fold edges to seal,nip up tight with pliers.pierce hole,n place on small gas stove,rotating/turning over until smoke stops comming out!!nip up hole ,with pliers remove from gas stove n allow to cool,SEALED.Jobs a good'n!About 20 mins start to finish.

[midas]

Have made some experiments with PLATTING lengths of Ttowel.and coiling it inthe foil before "Cooking."n this gives Char cloth a little more "Body",n its easy to break a piece of to place on top of your flint.

[jus_young]

I use an empty Kiwi shoeshine tin...

T^

[rawfish111]

Pellet tins, shoe polish tins, whatever is to hand. Just keep an aye for when they start to get a bit knackered as once they let air in the charcloth will not work.

[Midge_Fodder]

Any tin is a good tin for that. Just remember you will burn it out so I wouldn't be too fussy.

[janso]

Travel sweet tin! A little big bigger...

[Paracordist]

Simple matter of how much you want to make. See my recent video http://youtu.be/SUhYVAby5fw

[Capsos]

Paracordist already watched it.

[Paracordist]

Paracordist already watched it.

Oh! (Thanks )