Questions from a Newbie

[somebigword]

So I've mastered the art of the perfect steak, now it's time to move on to smoke pit. Never smoked meat before in my life. I've been doing some research and I've found that everyone has their "tried and true" method. Well, I'm gonna just go by what is mostly reccomended and make adjustments. But, I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find answers for. For the record I'll be doing pork shoulders.
1: Do I need to flip the shoulder at all during the smoking process?
2: Wood. Chunks or chips? or logs? I'm using apple
3. If you want a "smoldering" smoky fire, how do you keep it going for twelve to sixteen hours? Keep adding charcoal?
Any help is appreciated. -Jim

 

[smoke freak]

Its hard to answer some questions without more info.
Step on over to roll call and introduce yourself. Tell us what kinda smoker youre usin and Im sure you'll get some answers.

By the way, welcome to the worst addiction you will ever know.

 

[pineywoods]

I suggest signing up for Jeff's 5 Day Ecourse its free and has some great info heres a link
http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse.html

 

[bman62526]

For sure - sign up for the free 5 day smoke course that Jeff created...
Also, you should always let everyone know right away what kind of smoker you use, because different smokers require different "tips" for good results.

I just want to point this out so you don't get started off on the wrong foot! I saw this in your original post...

A "smoldering" fire is exactly what you DONT want! You want a small, active fire...rather than a large pile of smoldering coals. I guess this depends on what smoker you use, but it's especially true if you have a horizontal offset, or a larger smoker that the small, bullet-type...
A smaller, hotter fire will create more draft and product a better kind of smoke that a large pile of smoldering fuel.

Anywhoo - read up on the 5 day course and good luck!

 

[mballi3011]

Do what these guys said and read the 5 day course ya'll learn alot. Key: print out his ecourse for future referance.

 

[bmudd14474]

After the ecourse you will prob have other question. You can find most answers on the forum if not post a thread and people will be glad to lend a hand and get your information. Also you can join us in Chat to shoot the chit or to get help on stuff.

Welcome to SMF. Glad to have you here.

 

[bigsteve]

As someone else mentioned. Tell us what type of smoker or grill you're using. Most of the answers you seek depend on the type smoker you intend to use.