Does my smoker need repairs

cundald · May 04, 2009, 10:00:44 PM

I purchased a new smoker little over a week ago have used it three times to date.
Each time it is used, smoke leaks out though the metal seams around the cone,
is that normal and is there away to seal them so it do not leak?

cundald

Robo · May 04, 2009, 10:13:02 PM

Is it a dome top? Leaking is not uncommon and usually worse on the dome top and cheaper units. If you still get puffs out of it when pumped, I wouldn't worry to much about it.

Bee-Bop · May 04, 2009, 10:39:36 PM

After it's used some it will seal itself up with tar & pitch, then you will be cussing it because the durn thing won't open.

Use the search option at the top of the page and you will find out how to clean it so it will open.

One of the many thing they don't tell you about !

Bee-Bop

Kathyp · May 04, 2009, 11:04:57 PM

mine leaks if i puff it to hard. could be from being dropped a number of times :-)

hankdog1 · May 04, 2009, 11:27:05 PM

mine leaks too haven't ever seen one that didn't. yeah i clean mine often had mine get stuck a time or two now i clean them before all that mess gets built up.

cundald · May 04, 2009, 11:42:08 PM

Thanks all! :)

Cundald

iddee · May 05, 2009, 12:18:46 AM

You should return it to where you bought it and have it checked and replaced if bad.

SgtMaj · May 05, 2009, 02:43:59 AM

I don't have a smoker so I wouldn't know. I suppose at some point I'll have to get one, but not yet.

jimmyo · May 05, 2009, 09:48:18 AM

Use pine straw for smoker fuel and it will seal right up in no time.
Jim

Sean Kelly · May 05, 2009, 12:17:54 PM

Quote from: jimmyo on May 05, 2009, 09:48:18 AM
Use pine straw for smoker fuel and it will seal right up in no time.
Jim

That's if you have Pine! Grows well in Eastern Wa, but I've rarely seen the stuff on the West side of the Cascades.

Sean Kelly

Robo · May 05, 2009, 01:54:49 PM

Quote from: SgtMaj on May 05, 2009, 02:43:59 AM
I don't have a smoker so I wouldn't know. I suppose at some point I'll have to get one, but not yet.

So whats the plan if you get into that cut-out and the bees are mean?

Kathyp · May 05, 2009, 02:00:26 PM

i have found that the sugar spray works well. a LIGHT spray, or you'll have clumpy bees :-)

had one guy who was freaky about having a smoker in his barn. had no choice but to use the spray. not the nicest of bees...

SgtMaj · May 05, 2009, 06:33:32 PM

Quote from: Robo on May 05, 2009, 01:54:49 PM
Quote from: SgtMaj on May 05, 2009, 02:43:59 AM
I don't have a smoker so I wouldn't know. I suppose at some point I'll have to get one, but not yet.

So whats the plan if you get into that cut-out and the bees are mean?

If I absolutely have to, I'll use a cigarette to smoke them. But I don't expect that'll be the case. There are two kinds of bees around here, gentle bees, and bees that you have to work a little more slowly. :-D

buzzbee · May 05, 2009, 07:16:48 PM

If you use some of the cedar chips like hamster bedding,it will tar up the cracks.As far as getrting the top ope,.when I'm done using it I try to remeber to loosen the top while it is still hot.
THESE WORK NICE FOR LIGHTING AND LOOSENING THE TOP WHEN GLUEDSHUT:
http://www.bernzomatic.com/PRODUCTS/TORCHES/STANDARDTORCHES/tabid/250/ctl/Detail/mid/1259/xmid/6948/xmfid/3/Default.aspx