Distilling Birch Bark Regular Still?

[SirShine]

I cut anywhere from 12-18 face cords of Birch (white) every year. Last year I started stripping the bark and dry distilling it to extract the oil which I refine down further into tar and sometimes pitch. This is done by destructive distill. The bark I cut in 6 inch wide strips and roll very tight into a pack that I can squeeze into a paint can.

I put a whole in the bottom and top, 1" on bottom and top just a hole with a nail to allow vapors to escape. I bury a smaller can set the bigger can on top, fill in with dirt and build a hot fire around it, 1.5-2 hour later it is done. I use the tar for waterproofing boots and all leather stuff, it is by far the best leather treatment and waterproofer I have ever used. Also use it for treating wood on gunstocks and knives and the pitch as a glue for knife handles.

I have a surplus of bark though and Birch essential oil seems to be popular for various things such as soap, I have a local soap company here that will buy direct from me if I have Birch essential oil.

Anybody here familiar with doing this or know somebody that is? In the spring you also have a few weeks where the buds of the trees can be distilled a lighter type of oil that is rare and highly sought after. I would like to have something setup for this spring is possible. I would rather utilize the tree completely rather than waste parts.

[NJen]

I've done a little bit of birch bark oil distillation myself, as you said it makes for great leather and wood care. Smells good too, wintergreeny. I use essentially the same method as you, bury one can over top of another with a hole punched in the bottom, although I don't have a hole in the top. As far as I'm aware birch essential oil is just the oil on top of the tar in your collection at the end, poured off and clarified. Pretty good stuff.