How to initially charge LiFePO4 cells?

[OnAJourney]

Say I get 32 LiFePO4 304Ah cells to build a couple 48v batteries.
I hear we should top charge them initially.
I have 12v chargers. That doesn't seem helpful for initially charging the raw cells.
I have a 5 amp bench top charger that I can set to 3.65 volts and will work, but it'll take a few weeks to do them all.

Is there an easy way to get them all charged up initially without specialty equipment or taking a month?

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Follow the top balancing guide.

 

[WorldwideDave]

Is there an easy way to get them all charged up initially without specialty equipment or taking a month?

Take a look at the guide for that here. I think in Will's videos and others I've seen a few different ways it is done - multiple bench chargers, putting them in series like 4s to use your 12v, and more. But yes, it is a big deal to some people as they ship at 50% SOC sometimes. Have not done it yet but like you preparing to.

 

[fatjay]

I followed the top balancing guide and wills and everyone elses and came up with a slightly simplified version that is 1 step.

Amazon.com

I use that charger.

I connect all cells in parallel, and charge to 3.65v.

When current stops, it's done, assemble battery.

I build the pack completely and apply appropriate compression at 3000 newtons first with the cells at 30% SOC.

I did 2 sets of 8, with 2 chargers, to speed up the process.