Wood pellets have become a popular form of home heating for their efficiency, low carbon emissions, and the ability to be produced from sustainable materials. If you’re interested in making your own wood pellets, follow these 12 steps to become a pellet-making expert!

1. Gather raw materials: The primary material used in making wood pellets is sawdust. You can also use wood chips, shavings, and other small particles of wood. Collect these materials or source them from a local lumber mill, woodworking shop, or specialized supplier.

2. Dry the sawdust: Wood pellets require a moisture content of 10-20% for efficient production. If your material has excess moisture, dry it by spreading it on a flat surface or using a drying machine.

3. Grind the material: To create uniform pellets, your raw material must be consistent in size and texture. Use a hammer mill or wood chipper to break the materials down into smaller particles.

4. Blend raw materials: Optional ingredients such as cornstalks, bark, or other agricultural waste can be added to give your pellets different burning characteristics. Mix these ingredients evenly with the sawdust to ensure consistency.

5. Add binding agents: Lignin is a natural binder that works well for making wood pellets. Heat the wood particles up to around 105°C (220°F) to release naturally occurring lignin from the biomass and improve the binding process.

6. Test moisture content: Before moving on with the pellet-making process, test your raw material’s moisture content again using a moisture meter. Ensure it falls within the 10-20% range.

7. Form the pellets: Using a pellet mill, feed the blended raw materials into the mill’s hopper following manufacturer guidelines. The mill will compress and heat the mixture into compact cylindrical pellets approximately 6–12 mm in diameter.

8. Cool the pellets: As the newly formed pellets exit the mill, they will be hot. Spread the pellets out to let them cool down and harden. Avoid stacking or piling them too high, as this can cause sticking or formation issues.

9. Inspect and grade the pellets: Once cooled, inspect your pellets for quality. Discard any malformed or broken pieces. The highest-quality pellets will have a consistent color and little to no visible dust or debris.

10. Store the pellets: Place your finished wood pellets in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store inside sturdy containers with airtight lids for extended periods.

11. Troubleshoot production issues: If you run into problems while making your pellets, assess your raw materials, equipment settings, and overall process. Small adjustments can often fix common issues such as extrusion problems or irregular pellet shape and length.

12. Repeat the process: As you continue producing wood pellets, keep refining your methods to increase efficiency and quality of output.

Congratulations! Now you know how to make wood pellets following these 12 comprehensive steps. With practice, pellet-making can become an impressive DIY skill that delivers sustainable home heating solutions for years to come.