During a major fuel emergency, you can power a generator or car with a homemade downdraft wood gasifier.
Wood gasification uses heat to create hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, and the process dates back to 1790. It was widely used in the 1800s to power factories and during World War II in Europe to run farm machinery.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, wood gas technology is not efficient enough to replace fossils fuels on a broad scale. However, it is an excellent energy source during prolonged nationwide fuel shortages.
Cut three round holes into the 30-gallon drum with the acetylene torch. You need two 3-inch diameter holes on opposite sides of the drum, 16 inches from the top. Cut a 2-inch hole 4 inches from the top, exactly above one of the 3-inch holes.
Place the pipe nipples into the 3-inch holes. Braze them in place with the acetylene torch and brazing rods.
Cut out the 20-gallon trash can's bottom with the acetylene torch. Cut a 2-inch diameter hole into the drum lid's center.
Drill holes for four U-bolts into the drum lid so that you can space the bolts evenly on a 7-inch-radius circle. Drill holes for the four remaining U-bolts into the colander's rim so that you can space the bolts evenly.
Turn the lid over. Place the 2-inch-diameter metal pipe over the hole in the lid. Braze it in place.
Attach the chain to the drum lid with the U-bolts. Attach the colander to the chain with U-bolts. Place the lid onto the drum.
Place the trash can onto the drum lid. Braze the trash can to the drum lid. Place the trash can lid on the trash can. Braze the electrical conduit connector to the metal drum's 2-inch hole.
