Homemade Lump Charcoal - need help perfecting

I've often shared in other threads that I was planning on making my own lump. So here's proof. It's been easier than I thought. I used fruit wood from my orchard friends for the lump, and junk wood for the fuel to cook it. I have a large supply of both. I chop up the fruit wood it certain sizes with a miter saw. If they are too big, the wood doesn't carbonize all the way through. I fill up the barrel with as much wood as I can fit, along with the firepot - and set it ablaze!

If anyone wants more info on how to do this, ask away. Or if anyone has any pointers; shoot. I think its kinda cool to make my own lump and my own BBQ.


Pre-Lump Apricot wood.
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I live in a small town, where city burning is 'illegal' or 'frowned-upon'; but I talked to the local fire chief and he said he liked my 'warming barrel'.
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Gets pretty hot in there
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My enclosed firebox
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Finished product. Not too bad. I usually get bigger chunks than this, but this is the only picture I had to share. I've made 4-5 batches already and used them in the UDS. It cooks great.
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Thanks Brethren - without you I wouldn't have had the stones to try this or the tools. I save money on lump, and I've learned something valuable.