Gunpowder Synthesis Part 3 by richard Barton

Procedure Continued... Schematic for a mound kiln. 2.) To make charcoal, burn willow or aspen branches in a mound kiln of tightly packed earth to avoid oxygen leaks. Keep water on hand in case of fire. 3.) Process and purify the charcoal, sulfur and saltpeter in a mill. Hand mix the ingredients with these approximate proportions: 13% charcoal, 12% sulfur, and 75% saltpeter by mass. (or 15%, 10%, and 75%) 4.) Grind wet powder between granite millstones, and grain it by sieving. The reason for grinding the powder into such fine particles is so that the maximum surface area of the powder can attain oxygen from the air during ignition.

5.) Dry powder by heating, then place it in a rotating cylinder to spin out dust particles. Store in watertight sacks or barrels and keep away from heat. 6.)Gunpowder can also be used for making explosives for blasting stone, mining, etc...Just attach a fuse containing a small amount of gunpowder or simply an oxidant to make it burn. 7.)Note: this procedure is dangerous, so it must not be rushed, because if the machinery gets too hot, the powder might explode. Construct factory away from towns. Storage Barrel Back - Home - Next