The Art of the Japanese Sword by Yoshindo Yoshihara & Hiroko Kapp & Yoshindo Yoshihara

Author:Yoshindo Yoshihara & Hiroko Kapp & Yoshindo Yoshihara
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0996-4
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photos of red pine charcoal (left) and oak charcoal (right) in cross-section.

Different techniques are used for tatara charcoal production in different places. However, the primary objective of each technique is to obtain a reducing flame during the smelting operation. Studies have shown that pine, chestnut, and oak are the best raw materials to make charcoal for the tatara operation. Japanese cedar can be used, but it is not as effective as pine and oak. Cherry and hornbeam are not effective for smelting. Under the tatara’s operating conditions, pine and chestnut burn very rapidly, and therefore raise the tatara temperature rapidly, but these woods can only burn for a short time. These types of charcoal are used only when a high temperature is required for a very short time.

If the cross-section of charcoal is observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a honeycomb structure can be seen, as in the photos at left. The pores of pine charcoal have a larger diameter than oak charcoal, while oak charcoal has thicker cell walls than pine charcoal. As it is easier for oxygen to penetrate through the larger pores, combustion takes place faster when pine charcoal is used, rapidly generating a high temperature inside the tatara furnace. In contrast, the structure of oak charcoal results in a slower burning rate and a longer combustion period at a constant temperature, giving it a longer useful life. It is used once tatara operations are underway.

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