Make Char Cloth

Step 3 Put it on the fire

now just start a fire not a blazing inferno just a calm fire or you can use the embers (lots of embers, this usaly works much better) set it some where in the fire where it will not fall over and watch it you will eventualy see smoke billowing out or it might start on fire. dont freak out just let it burn itself out and when there is no more smoke coming out take it out. what ever you do DONT! take the lid off right away just wait a little while for two reasons. one it is probaly really hot! and two if you open it before it cools, the oxygen will rush in and might start the whole thing on fire. then you run the risk of getting burnt and you will have to start over because the cloth is all burnt away.

Comments

[askeladden]

You can also do this on the BBQ.

[kInstructor]

This also works fine with aluminum foil as can and kitchen paper as cloth.

[Eleniel]

umm.. is the can just in/on the fire. or is the fire IN the can ?

[gearskin]

The principle at work here is pyrolysis, in which you separate an organic substance into a solid and a gas (or multiple gases) by high temperature in an environment free of oxygen. You'll want the fire on the outside of the tin - what you want inside the tin is a whole lot of heat, and a way for the gaseous byproduct of pyrolysis to escape. This is also why you can "overcook" in this recipe - once the gaseous byproduct is driven off, oxygen can reenter the tin through the hole in the top.

[stick1985]

when you take the can off the fire put the nail back in the hole