Smoker question.

[jimmy]

Yesterday we went and helped some friends gather some of their honey as it was their first time. They had a brand new smoker and we used pine straw. It worked great. I have only had used smokers since I have been fooling with bees,a year now. Do you folks think a new smoker works better than an old one? Any comments?
I wonder if the pine tar gets built up ,so the smoker can't funtion properly?

[JP]

A really dirty smoker may have problems staying lit, but I see no difference between a new smoker and a really used one that has proper ventilation.


...JP

[BenC]

No, rather a clean smoker works better than a dirty one.  The tar does build up, I burn it off with the torch once or twice per year.  Alternatively, it's good to make a hot fire in it once in a while, close it and shoot some flames.  The elevated temps will clean it out.  Also check the air intake at the bottom and the holes in the little insert for clogging, clean if needed.  Check the bellows by placing a finger over the air outlet and pumping the bellows.  Fix leaks or replace if necessary.  Of course don't throw the thing around, place it behind a vehicle tire and forget it, leave it out in the rain, etc. and it should provide you with a long service life.  The one I'm using now I purchased approx 18 years ago.  A Dadant, stainless with a shield.  I've had to do a few repairs and it hasn't been commercial use, but it has earned my respect.

[jimmy]

Thanks  guys ,I have a torch so will work on the old thing. I'm too much of a cheap scape to buy a new one. chuckle

[Irwin]

I don't think it's being cheap it being smart. All of my stuff is used. :-D

[poka-bee]

Alternatively, it's good to make a hot fire in it once in a while, close it and shoot some flames.

Now that sounds like good clean fun!!  :evil: :evil: :evil: Mine is used & has some build up so I know what to do tonight!! Thinking of who I can chase around w/my Buckley flamethrower! :roll:  Jody

[Bennettoid]

Mine is at least 30 years old. I inherited it from my father in law, I cleaned out the ventilation hole the other day and she's smoking like new again.

[Michael Bush]

>No, rather a clean smoker works better than a dirty one.

Exactly.

I clean them with a torch. Burn that tar out.

[SgtMaj]

If you're not a complete pyro :roll:, some rubbing alcohol will do just as good a job cleaning that tar off.

But where's the fun in that, right?   :evil:

[Robo]

I don't think it's being cheap it being smart. All of my stuff is used. :-D

Ahh, great minds think alike.  Back in my racing days,  I bought used tires from a competitor until he wouldn't sell them to me anymore because I was beating him. :-D

[dpence]

Nothing wrong with being frugal.  This day and age it can mean the difference between failure and success. 

[rast]

 Robo, been there, done that. Probably not selling you his used tires didn't help him a bit.