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 Charcoal
was made as a fuel to supply the heat for many of the industrial
processes Britain. Without charcoal, the work of the glassworker
couldn't have happened, the precious metal smith would also have
problems with any fuel other than charcoal.
The process is at least a 24 hour task, the Charcoal maker didn't use
the primary wood, that is to say the main limbs of the trees that were
felled. The branches and secondary limbs of the tree were the main
ingredient in the "clamp", leaving the smallest trimmings as the tinder
to start the process.
The Charcoal burners life was to a certain extent itinerant, He had
to be on hand at all times, not necessarily on his own either, to watch
that the clamp did not race and burn rather than roast the wood inside.
Making charcoal is surprisingly easy. But it is not something you
want to do in your backyard except in small quantities. Wood is placed
in a container and cooked. All the volatile gases are driven off and
charcoal remains.
Use, Polishing metals with powdered charcoal, Polishing your teeth
with powered charcoal, medicine for a "sour stomach", bad breath, gas
meat was packed in it, charcoal could be added to stale water to purify
it, wrought iron can be made into blister steel by heating it in a
closed container full of charcoal.
Technology
Lighting
Agricultural
Construction
Timber-Framed
Peasant Houses
Cannon
Candles
Torches
Rush lights
Oil Lamps
White Lead Golf
Ball Charcoal |
