Ah.. Charcoal, now there's a topic for discussion. And what an amazing material it is.

I have many friends who have made charcoal, but I've never tried it myself. (there's
lot's I haven't done, after all, I took a 16 year leave entirely from pyro) But Now, the
prospect of making my own is becoming more inviting all the time!

To manufacture your own, it's pretty basic. I found a little video that is going to be
helpful to anybody that has no prior experience, (like me) at doing this, but is
contemplating giving it a go.

The link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xpWBgkuNRE&feature=player_embedded#!

Virtually any type of wood can be used, but there are some woods that make better
charcoal for pyro uses than others. Many of us have heard that willow is the
charcoal used for making charcoal, but in reality, pyros are experimenting with so
many different woods, the type of wood becomes a subject of what is the desired
purpose, and effect.

I have heard that Red Alder is some hot diggity dog stuff for making lift powder, pine
makes the best sparks, etc. Charcoal briquettes are not recommended, they contain
all sorts of other trash the pyro doesn't want, (even sand), don't be tempted by the
low price. Experimentation will be the revealing factor if you don't mind getting
black from head to toe, and up your nose!

A day or two ago, I read that cedar shavings available from the pet supply will give
the hottest charcoal. And, how could you beat the small size for starting your batch
that you're going to "cook up"? The fastest burning charcoals will no doubt be
wanted for making the bursting charge for the "Warimono" or Japanese
Crysanthemum type shell.

I have this desire to know all I can find out about it. I have 400 lb.s of Airfloat coming
my way, but I know for specialized uses, there will still be other types of charcoal I'll
want for certain things. And those are just not readily available, the pyro has to
make them him or herself.

So, looking forward to seeing some comments here from our other members here on
this amazing, yet most fundamental of pyrotechnic materials.