In my last post, I talked about all of the various stuff or “residues” that can be used to make briquettes — to replace illegal forest charcoal. Although there are definitely some nuances to making a good briquette, it seems pretty feasible. But what about building the press itself? We are looking into the feasibility of bringing briquette making to the displaced peoples camps and elsewhere in the Congo, but really don’t have a good feeling for what it takes to build a briquette press, so I decided to try and build one. I figure that by building a press, I’ll better understand the challenges that will be faced by those trying to do the same in Congo. Armed with a press building manual from the Legacy Foundation, I headed to the lumber yard to buy my materials.

Getting the materials
The wood required is basic 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 stock, which is readily available in the DRC. Very basic cuts need to be made to get the various pieces to the required dimensions. I cheated by using power tools, but hand tools could easily do the same thing, they would just take longer. The other materials needed are 3/4-inch gas pipe, to be used for pivot points on the press and as a piston guide, eight bolts, 4-inch PVC pipe, and a couple of metal “washers” that attach to a wood piston that slides through the PVC pipe and compresses the briquette material.

Measuring and cutting
This part of the process went quickly, taking only about an hour and a half. Without power tools, I think it would take about 4-5 hours. The only other tool needed is a framing square.

Cheating: Using a power saw and drill instead of a hand saw and manual drill

Preserving the wood
Because the press is going to be used in a wet environment, it’s important to protect the wood against moisture damage. I used a non-toxic water-based deck oil, but linseed oil or even motor oil will work fine. This step will literally add years to the life of the press.

Oiled and ready to be put together

Putting the puzzle together
Who needs directions!? Hmm… I guess I do. This is where things started to get a little more challenging. Constructing a press doesn’t seem to be that difficult, but one can’t wing it, especially when it comes to the piston assembly, which, I’m still working on. Virginia, who has been busy buying the materials for her own press near Bukavu, may run into difficulties if she finds a fabricator that thinks he knows everything (the kind of guy whose first move is to throw away the manual when putting something new together). I’m sure she’ll keep him honest. And, it’s not just about following directions. Things such as installing the pivot pipes and cotter pins require being methodical and exacting. If one tries to slam these parts of the puzzle into place, they will have a press that teeters and groans, and will in all likelihood, not last very long.

So far, so good…

Next steps
Tomorrow, I’ll put the top beam and handle assembly together and drill the holes for the cotter pins, which will keep the pivot pipes from falling out. And, once I make the metal washers for the piston, we can take a close look at where the actual briquette is formed — and how.

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