In the world of wood burning stoves, one essential skill to master is the creation of charcloth. Charcloth is a valuable tool for starting fires in your stove efficiently. It’s easy to make and can be a lifesaver in adverse conditions. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of making charcloth for your wood stove.
What Is Charcloth?
Charcloth, short for "charred cloth," is a material that readily ignites when exposed to sparks or a flame. It’s created by pyrolyzing natural fibers like cotton or linen, rendering them highly flammable. Charcloth is especially useful in conjunction with traditional fire-starting methods such as flint and steel or fire strikers.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Cotton Fabric: You can use an old, 100% cotton t-shirt or any other cotton cloth. Cut it into small squares or strips.
Altitude: This might sound unusual, but the process works best at high altitudes due to lower oxygen levels. If you live at sea level, the process still works but might require more time.
Tin Container: An old metal Altoids tin or a similar container with a secure lid.
Wood Burning Stove: To use your charcloth effectively, you’ll need a functional wood-burning stove.
The Charcloth Making Process
Cutting the Fabric: Begin by cutting your cotton fabric into small squares or strips, roughly 2 inches by 2 inches.
Preparing the Tin: Place the fabric pieces into the tin container. Do not overfill it; leave some space for expansion. Close the lid tightly.
Poking Holes: Create a small hole in the tin’s lid, about the size of a pencil eraser. This hole allows gases to escape while preventing oxygen from entering, crucial for the pyrolysis process.
Heating: Now it’s time to heat the tin. You can do this on your wood-burning stove, a campfire, or even a gas stove. The goal is to heat the tin without igniting the fabric inside.
- Place the tin on a hot surface (grate, coals, or stove burner).
- When you see smoke start to emerge from the hole in the tin, that’s a good sign.
- Keep it heated for about 10-20 minutes. The process duration varies with factors such as altitude and fabric type.
Cooling and Testing: After heating, let the tin cool down completely. Once it’s cool to the touch, open it carefully. You should find charcloth inside – it should be black and very brittle.
Storage: Store your charcloth in a dry, airtight container. It’s now ready for use with your wood-burning stove or other fire-starting methods.
Using Charcloth with Your Wood Burning Stove
Prepare Your Fire Lay: Ensure you have your wood stove set up with the appropriate kindling and firewood.
Place Charcloth: Take a small piece of charcloth and place it on your fire lay.
Strike a Spark: Use your fire starter (flint and steel, ferro rod, etc.) to create sparks. Direct these sparks onto the charcloth. It should catch fire almost immediately.
Transfer to Stove: Once your charcloth is glowing and burning, carefully transfer it to your wood-burning stove. Position it among the kindling and fuelwood to start your fire.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of making charcloth is a valuable skill for anyone who uses a wood-burning stove. It’s a reliable and efficient way to start a fire, even in challenging conditions. With a few basic materials and a bit of practice, you can create your charcloth and confidently ignite your wood stove whenever the need arises. Remember to store your charcloth properly, and you’ll always be prepared to keep your wood-burning stove blazing.