Sometimes whitesmith refers to one who works with unheated metals.  Tin copper and brass can be worked without heating, but when it comes to soldering, the tools are heated. They are heated with charcoal.  Where does the whitesmith get his charcoal… from the coalman. 

In his encyclopedia Diderot explains how the coal was made by the coalman.

The scale shows stacks at 24 feet accross.  The first step is to measure out the area.  A pole is placed for the chimney.

Branch wood is placed and the cone begins.  The mud is applied. The fire is lighted.

Here is the cut away view

It will burn for 3 days and will yield about 5 bushels of charcoal.