Free Off Grid Energy | Wood Gasifier Step 1: The Retort

Published at : 23 Dec 2025

I just finished this gasifier and charcoal retort designed for off-grid electricity generation, automated with a custom Arduino system, and in this video I talk about the theory of gasification and pyrolysis, the design, and how I built it. Really excited about the potential for this to convert wood fuel into usable energy!

Thanks to VITCAS for sponsoring this video!! Vitcas makes really great products, and if you’ve seen some of my previous videos you’ve definitely seen some of these before because I’ve been using Vitcas products for years and I highly recommend them!

US & UK: https://shop.vitcas.com/

VITCAS products used in this video—
Ceramic Fibre Board 1430°C https://shop.vitcas.com/ceramic-fibre-board-insulating-board-1430.html
Ceramic Fibre Blanket 1260°C https://shop.vitcas.com/ceramic-fibre-blanket-1260-3.html
Ceramic Fibre Adhesive https://shop.vitcas.com/cfa-ceramic-fibre-adhesive-vitcas.html
Zircon Paint Coating 1750°C https://shop.vitcas.com/vitcas-zircon-paint-coating.html
Heat Resistant Spray Paint - Black 800°C https://shop.vitcas.com/heat-resistant-paint-high-temperature-paint-spray-black.html
Fire Rope https://shop.vitcas.com/fire-rope-black-soft.html

French website: https://shop.vitcas.fr/
Spanish website: https://tienda.vitcas.es/
German website: https://shop.vitcas.de/
Polish website: https://sklep.vitcas.pl/

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In this video and in my shop—

*Dewalt 20V Battery Adapter Power Wheel Converter Kit
US: https://amzn.to/4oQaMsj
UK: https://amzn.to/4mwsf7J

*Milwaukee Metal Band Saw 6232-21
https://amzn.to/3ROLVWu

*Milwaukee Band Saw Stand
https://amzn.to/4lQ1Amr

*Welding Gloves
US: https://amzn.to/43VjXzD
UK: https://amzn.to/4jaCD30

*Dewalt Cordless Grinder 4.5”/115mm DCG412
US: https://amzn.to/4cDrl55
UK: https://amzn.to/42uPC8K

*Thermocouple
US: https://amzn.to/4iostLd
UK: https://amzn.to/3RSRYcw

*Type K Thermocouple Probe
US: https://amzn.to/3ROOl7w
UK: https://amzn.to/4jFdgGF

*Dewalt Drill/Driver Combo
US: https://amzn.to/42gXpZ1
UK: https://amzn.to/4ig85Mh

*Dewalt Impact Driver DCF887
US: https://amzn.to/4cErAge
UK: https://amzn.to/3Y1NgNn

*Dewalt Drill DCD996
US: https://tidd.ly/3RgE8k6
UK: https://tidd.ly/3RgE8k6

*Nocry Safety Glasses
US: https://amzn.to/3GcZ7lr
UK: https://amzn.to/3Y2CRAT

*Irwin Quick Clamps
US: https://amzn.to/4jbBQyS
UK: https://amzn.to/4ioB4NT

*ESAB Air Mask for welding g50/EPRX1.1
https://ebay.us/jur9pC

*Dewalt Angle Grinder 4.5”/115mm DWE4206
US: https://amzn.to/3RPnBng
UK: https://amzn.to/44r7nIw

*Bosch Bench Drill Press PBD40
https://amzn.to/44z0y7M

*Dewalt Metal Chop Saw DW872
US: https://amzn.to/42eMdvT
UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/43X6Hum
UK Ebay: https://ebay.us/gYhSF3

*Plasma Cutter Hypertherm Powermax 45xp
US: https://amzn.to/4jzy7eb
UK: https://ebay.us/C7oU6S

*Latex Work Gloves
https://amzn.to/42OcJfO

*3M Respirator Mask
US: https://amzn.to/42z1ExO
UK: https://amzn.to/43Y7Fqo

*3M Respirator Mask Filters
US: https://amzn.to/4ly94tP
UK: https://amzn.to/3Y586vg

If I left something out, please ask in the comments!

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#charcoalretort #gasifier #gasification

*Links marked with * are affiliate links for products I use, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them. Thanks for your support!

This video is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Building a charcoal retort or gasifier involves risks, including fire, explosion, and exposure to harmful gases. Always consult local laws, regulations, and safety standards before attempting any DIY project. Use proper safety equipment and work in a well-ventilated area. The creator is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or legal consequences resulting from following this video. Proceed at your own