Installed two packages in my ttbh today.
Only got stung once and I need to figure out how to keep the smoker going, but otherwise a good first day.
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You have to pump that smoker every so often. Good to hear the first day went well.
I feel the same way about that smoker but my bees are very gentle so far. But I'm still too new to shed all the gear. My confidence i s growing though.
Congrats on the install
as to the smoker
Practice,Practice,Practice, Practice,
To me the answer IS !! what you have as the starter,
then of course pump it every now and then :-D
What I think happens most often is, your busy
in the bees and don't stop for a moment
too pump it a few times
If I know I'll be in them for a long time or doing
a few hives I get some small pieces of wood burning
this way If I forget it and the weeds or needles burn off
I can add more and will get smoke due to the wood that
still is burning some kinda like carcoal
i use dry pine needles and dry sticks, works great. I get it lit with a propane torch and let it burn for a few minutes then close the lid and puffpuff. I tried wood pellets but didnt seem to work well unless I got a crappy batch
after im finished i use a piece of aluminium foil on top and close lid on it, fire goes out fast