MDC

Charcloth

Materials:

• 100 percent cotton cloth (old T-shirts) cut into 1" x 1" squares (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm) tin can with closable lid (old shellac can)
• 2 bricks
• propane torch
• kitchen matches

Procedure

1. Punch two or three small holes in the side of a tin can that has been heated thoroughly to burn off any residue in the can.
2. Pack the can loosely with cotton squares and replace the lid.
3. On a flameproof surface, lay the two bricks side by side leaving 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of space between them. Lay the can on its side, supported between the bricks, with the holes facing up.
4. Begin heating the can with the propane torch. Move the torch to heat the can evenly over its entire surface. Smoke and vapor should begin to escape through the holes.
5. Ignite this vapor with a kitchen match (not the propane torch, which will blow out the flame) and continue heating the can. Try to keep the vapor flame lit.
6.  When the flame goes out and cannot be relit, stop heating the can and allow it to cool.
7. Open the can and remove the charcloth. If the charcloth is brown it has not been heated sufficiently and will have to be returned to the can for more heating. If the cloth is brittle and crumbles at the slightest touch it has been "overcooked" and must be discarded.
8. Test the charcloth with a flint and steel. A glowing spark should catch in the cloth and spread.
9.  Store finished charcloth in an airtight jar or sealable plastic bag.

Note: It is important to use only 100 percent cotton to make charcloth. Fabrics containing synthetic fibers will not char. Be sure that the inside of the can is clean and without any paint or shellac residue.