This is a great solution, a simple and efficient design

This is what I’m gonna build. I’m gonna build 3 of them

Great job, the wood you are making in to charcoal does it have to be completely dry before you start.

@MrTswindell, I have to say your retort plans and build do great even in the dead of winter here in New Hampshire. Two locking ring barrels, two truck brake drums cost me $ 20.00. I had a sheet of roofing steel to skin the insulation and barrel. The Fire Barrier Mineral Wool insulation was $64.00 at Lowe's building supplies. There's enough to make two retorts. I used 4 ft of 4 inch diameter pipe with a added piece to increase the draft . Well, green wood takes a while to get the process started so the next batch will start with drier splits. I'm delighted with the results and other than a few sticks on the bottom of the barrel not fully carbonizing I would rate this as a success. Thanks for sharing your plans ! Here: Our build for verification. Video link kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mdt8grR8p9uodKM.html

Did you cover the stack and seal up the burn pot with clay/dirt after the flames died out? I'm wondering if the outside air would migrate up through the burn tube and enter the charcoal chamber via the 12 drill holes in the tube. Also , did the gasket between the lid and barrel survive? I replaced it with rope gasket used in wood stove doors. That held up well.