1st time breaking in my homebuilt

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nickelmore

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
Feb 5, 2009
546
10
Lockport IL
Tried to post this before but it never showed up.

First off I would like to say thanks to all the fine folks on this forum. I stumbled on this about a year ago and have been doing a lot of reading. There is some really good stuff here.

I decided that I had enought time to cook a yard bird to test out my contraption. Things were not going real well, but a few deep breaths and a few beers things came together and 6 hours later I was eating.

Things that went wrong:
Could not find a lighter that worked
My propane torch that I use to light the smoke generator did not work
The wind blew my fire out twice so I had to move everything to the garage.
Chicken was still 1/2 frozen.
My elcheapo electric thermometers would not work at the same time.
My thermometer that I picked for my grate temp maxed out at 199.


Things that went right
Store had more chickens
My wife bought me a new torch and bbq lighters
Im ordering a Maverick ET 73 this week
I was able to maintain temps between 210-215
I had plenty of refreshments available.

Again thanks for all the help, I think im hooked. Tonight I got the wife involved on creating a pizza fattie and a bratwurst fattie.
8eb16135_vbattach21705.jpg
 
I've heard the old saying "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade!". Sounds like you coped real well and wife was supportive of your cooking!!
 
Thats the way I think, I have too much money (mostly in beer) for this contraption not to work. Had my oldest boy and his girl friend over for dinner tonight. A bratwurst fattie loaded with kraust, onion and green peppers, and sort of pizza calzone fattie made with italian pizza sausage.

Both were very good, and everyone was suprised that i could come up with such a meal.

Bring on the brisket!

lol
 
Good looking bird despite the setbacks you did a great job
PDT_Armataz_01_37.gif
 
Sounds like you're off to a good start with your new rig, and have the right attitude to continue with more...keep your chin up, 'cause each smoke builds your skills and confidence. Family jumping in to lend a hand is always nice...just showing their interest is really great.

You'll learn how to get your rig to smoke the way you like and then, it's all downhill after that.

Nice bird she gave up to you, too!

Happy smokes!

Eric
 
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