I have a couple of questions about smoker construction and operation. I had a smoker given to me and it seems to work fine, but the smoke volume is not what I think it should be, though I don't really have anything to compare it with.
My smoker has a tube extending from the body of the smoker toward the bellows but it stops significantly short of the bellows. It seems to have been constructed that way but I think it would work better if the tube were connected to, or at least extend closer to, the bellows.
Anyway, you can see some pictures of what I'm talking about here (http://bees.stuffwemake.com/2006/06/29/free-smoker-woes/). Any advice would be appreciated.
NO NO NO!!!
You do not want to attach the tube to the billows. This is the area the billows gets freash air when you release it. If the tube is attached it will pull the fire/hot air into the billows and so long billows.
My smoker doesn't have a tube. It is about an inch plus to openings of one to the other.
Does your smoker have an insert at the bottom to help it breath? Here is where you can see how to build one;
http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm
THe smoke I believe comes from the amount of matterial that is smoldering, not actually alive with flames. If you pump TOO much air into it it will be burning not smoldering. This will also be way too hot to be pumping into a hive.
Quote from: JerrymacYou do not want to attach the tube to the billows. This is the area the billows gets freash air when you release it. If the tube is attached it will pull the fire/hot air into the billows and so long billows.
My smoker has an intake at about the middle of the bellows. This is separate from the hole the air comes out.
Quote from: JerrymacMy smoker doesn't have a tube. It is about an inch plus to openings of one to the other.
This sounds about like mine.
Quote from: JerrymacDoes your smoker have an insert at the bottom to help it breath? Here is where you can see how to build one;
http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm
I couldn't find what you're talking about. Which link is it under?
Quote from: JerrymacTHe smoke I believe comes from the amount of matterial that is smoldering, not actually alive with flames. If you pump TOO much air into it it will be burning not smoldering. This will also be way too hot to be pumping into a hive.
I understand that you don't want flames but it doesn't seem to smolder enough to get a good smoke going. How long does it usually take to get the smoker producing large volumes of smoke?
Thank for the help.
I'm sorry. I didn't put that info on there. After going to
http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm
Then look for
"Miscellaneous Equipment"
On the page that comes up there will be pictures. The first picture is a bucket float then the next two pix are the insert for smokers.
I usually use pieces of pine boards and newspaper for starting. I usually get it going within ten minutes. Then close the top and let it smolder a bit longer. It usually starts putting out some good smoke in a couple of minutes.
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/SmokerInsert3.jpg
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/SmokerInsert2.JPG