How to Make Charcoal Using the Modified Pit Method

Charcoal is used for many things. People burn it in grills, use it for filtering water and make soap with it. Making charcoal using the modified pit method is simple, but it takes a some time -- usually 24 to 48 hours. The modified pit method is done either in a metal container or in the ground. Both methods are equally effective.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal trash can with tight fitting lid
  • Drill
  • 1/2-inch drill bit
  • 4 bricks
  • Small pieces of well dried wood
  • Lighter fluid
  • Matches or lighter
  • Shovel
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Instructions

  1. Modified Pit Firing In Drum

    • 1

      Drill one hole in the center of the bottom of the trash can, and drill four holes in a rectangular shape around the center hole. Drill the holes around the center about 4 inches away from the center hole. The openings let air circulate through the can as the wood burns.

    • 2

      Place three bricks on the ground in a clear area. Make sure there are no leaves, grass, pine straw or other materials that might catch on fire easily. Place the trash can on top of the bricks with the bottom of the can facing the bricks. Keep the drilled holes open.

    • 3

      Fill the trash can full of small pieces of wood. Keep the pieces of wood about 3 inches around or smaller. The length doesn't matter, as long as the pieces fit completely in the can.

    • 4

      Squirt a small amount of lighter fluid across the wood, and light the wood using the matches or lighter. Place the lid tightly on the trash can. Put one brick on top of the can, so it stays on tightly.

    • 5

      Watch the smoke coming out of the trash can. The smoke comes out yellowish at first as debris burns off the wood. After any debris burns off, the smoke turns whitish gray before the fire burns itself out.

    • 6

      Leave the can undisturbed overnight before opening the trash can. When you open the can, it is full of charcoal.

    Modified Pit Firing In Ground

    • 7

      Dig a 2-foot-deep pit into the ground. Make the bottom about 4 feet wide by 4 feet long, and angle the sides outward. Make the top edge of the pit about 5 feet by 5 feet.

    • 8

      Fill the pit with 1 foot of well dried wood. Use pieces about 3 inches around that are less than 4 feet long.

    • 9

      Squirt a small amount of lighter fluid across the wood. Light it using a lighter or matches.

    • 10

      Let the wood burn until it breaks easily when you hit it with the shovel. Fill the pit with the dirt you removed from the pit. Leave the wood in the pit for two or three days.

    • 11

      Remove the dirt from over the wood. Remove the wood from the pit. Break it into small pieces using the shovel.