Second Hand Smoke(r)

[ajthepoolman]

It is with love that I say "I hate you." :D

 

[bigarm's smokin]

 

[pescadero]

You are probably right, Terry. Since I already have this new hot plate I am going to give that a try first. May even stick the hot plate in, along with my Maverick thermo and just see what temps I can get. Don't want to botch up my first smoke, learning the hard way.

If I get a break in the weather I will give it a try tomorrow.

Skip

 

[pescadero]

I will try my best to deserve it !!

Skip

 

[bustedluckbarbq]

looks good.... hope you enjoy it... waitin' on the qviews....

 

[pescadero]

OK, additional info to report.

Today turned out to be dry, but chilly. Frost this morning but was 39F when I decided to make my first test. Plugged in the 1500W Hot Plate, hung the Maverick ET-73 internal smoker thermometer about half way in the middle of the box, buttoned her up and checked the reading. Was 40F and climbing so went in the house for a cup of coffee.

Half hour later, checked the temp. It was 61F. Gave it another half hour and it hit 91F. I let it sit for another half hour and it struggled itself up to 98F.

I don't think the old Hot Plate is going to be the way to go. Just too much volume to heat up, and this is without any food in it, to heat up

I have the innards from a Luhr Jensen Big Chief. Removed them when I converted it to Cold Smoke. But don't think that would be much of an improvement.

Thinking of going to an RV Supply house and getting a propane stove burner and designing something to hold that. Should be able to come up with something similar to my GOSM Vertical.

I think it is now time for all my brothers and sisters to come to my rescue, with ideas and suggestions.

I know this baby has some good potential and we should be able to make it work.

Skip

 

[salmonclubber]

skip that sounds odd did you check your temp probe maybe its messed up was the hotplate on hi it should get it hotter was the damper closed or open something sounds funny to me if everything is right you are losing a lot of heat someplace maybe the smoker is not insulated

 

[bigarm's smokin]

Skip, I have told you a thousand times, NEVER listen to me.

At the very least, just do the exact opposite of what I suggest, that should put you right on the money.

I do agree with Huey though, that hot plate "should" work fine?? Who knows?

 

[pescadero]

Huey IM'd me and had some thoughts. I checked out everything he suggested. Sensor wasn't touching anything. Had vents closed because I wasn't actually smoking. The box( I'm calling her "Big Box"), is NOT insulated. She is single walled aluminum. But still, I thought she would warm up better than this.

This is sort of a 'back burner' project so I am in no hurry. Will keep experimenting and keep you posted.

Skip

 

[bigarm's smokin]

That is proably most of the problem Skip. That is a vast area to radiate heat from. If you could wrap it some way. Insulation of some sort, hot water tank blanket, welders blanket, the blanket off your bed, (your wife will snuggle up closer at nite)

, heck, even card board works pretty good. Good luck, I know you will figure it out.

 

[squeezy]

You could try these guys http://www.gassmoker.com/c-burner.htm This is their C model for cabinet smokers. I use The V model for my ECB and the H model for SFB. They can custom fit with measurements and pix of unit.

 

[pescadero]

Thanks Squeez:

Will check into them, for sure. I am starting to think of some insulation techniques too. I am getting set to build myself some sheltered work space. Dedicating part of it to my smoking equipment. When I do, I will take care of the insulation (lack of) problem. Meanwhile will look into burners.

Man, ya just gotta love this site and you members.

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions, Huey, Squeez and Terry.

Skip

 

[hawgheaven]

How come I never find free smokers?! Nice find!!

 

[emtee]

Mucho potential man! Trust me, once the neighbors find out about it and, if like me, you're dumb enough to let them actually TRY something from your rig, you'll have to start charging admission into your yard... kinda like I do now. You will get no peace

Rock on.

 

[pescadero]

Hawg & emtee:

Just dumb luck.

As you can see, I am having a little trouble right now. Just getting started though. Squeezy gave me a tip on some burners and am checking them out.

I am going to check it good for leaks, come up with some kind of insulation and add a little horse power to the heat department and I think it will be just fine.

And, I think you are right. I will volunteer to do a little smoking for the neighbors but won't give them "keys to the car". Job Security, you know!!

Skip

 

[dingle]

Nice rescue Skip! I think a nice guy named "Hawg" told me on my rescuse that we just cant have these things layin around rotting away. Let's rescue them and put them to good use!

 

[pescadero]

I'm with you there. I am going to take my time and putz with this. I'll resurface the thread when I have something to report.

Thanks everyone for your ideas and encouragement.

Skip

 

[pescadero]

I have a little more to report.

Squeezy gave me the link to an outfit that sells various styles of propane burners. (Link is a couple posts prior to this one) I called the guy and he wasn't in. He was out on a service call but I was told he would CMB. This he did. But, wouldn't you know, he missed me. He called back, on his nickle, several times, until he finally got me. Very likable guy, very knowledgeable and extremely responsive and helpful. There can't be that much profit in stuff and he willingly burned up most of his, just calling me back. We talked and talked. He was patient and insisted I describe Little Miss "Big Box", as I have taken to call her. Her size, her shape and her volume. Also wanted to know insulated or not, single wall etc., etc.

After lengthly discussions, he agreed with Squeez's original recommendation of a "C" burner. He described in detail, the installation process, venting, hosing and all the important stuff. He said the unit came with a small jet. But, at no cost, he was going to include medium and large jets, so I had maximum flexibility. They are all field changable. He also has an adjustable smoke vent device he was going to send for free. I insisted I pay for it and he was almost offended. He finally agreed but insisted that I keep him informed of progress and he would make, buy, borrow or steal anything I needed, to make my installation satisfactory for me.

Man, I am going at length to tell you about this, just because it was so far over and above the call of duty, I was blown away. Where and when do you ever get service like that. I know Squeezy must get a "Piece of the Action:..(Just Kiddin). Needless to say, I was very impressed.

Bottom line is, I ordered my stuff and will set about installing it upon arrival. If I am not boring you, you will give another update at that time.

It goes without saying, Squeez, I sincerely appreciate your referral. This guy is top of the line.

Skip

Oops. I had to edit to tell you: Squeez, "Points" are on the way for you great support. Thanks again.

 

[navionjim]

Turns out he worked for an Airline in Anchorage(NavionJim, are you reading this?). He had taken one of those nice Aluminum rolling carts that they use to stock the planes with their hot food meals. The thing is already high quality Aluminum, has several shelf brackets and removable racks for each bracket. He had pop riveted in a water/sand rack and left room for a Hot Plate. He had also put in an adjustable air intake and adjustable chimney vent. The box is still on these hunky big strong rollers. It measures 52 inches tall, by 26 inches wide and 22 inches front to back.

Yo Skip, now I'm reading this! Good haul on your part, the airlines do have a few benefits to be sure. Email me the guy's name if you know it, I bet I know him if he worked in Maintenance or Ops. I have a food drier I built from one of the onboard food service boxes that I still use. Much smaller than yours, this is the one from the galley of a 737. That thing will never wear out!
Jimbo

 

[squeezy]

Don't I wish that were true! ... I have been told I could sell ice to the Inuit or condoms to the pope ... but I have to be enthused and behind anything to sell it ...

So glad things are working out for you ... can't wait for updates with pix.

Take care and good luck!