I use trash wood for the fuel to cook the charcoal. I pick up limbs and sometimes block up sweetgum and let it dry. Also block up wind-thrown pines. Pines make a great fuel wood.
I put DRY oak/pecan (maple, hickory, ash) in a heavy gauge trash can with a fairly tight lid. It should not be sealed and airtight, but snug so fire will not get in the can. Stack it tight and fill it up best you can. I use cut up firewood. Build a fire around the can for about 2+ hours or so...
I started making my own charcoal
for the green egg after the lump charcoal
price went out of site (in my opinion).
Fairly easy once you get the hang of it.