Robin asked:
Have had so much frustration over the years with smokers - would love to
hear how others cope.

I experience little problem with smokers.

Lighting the smoker is simple if you follow my advice.

 Light a small piece of paper in the chamber. When totally engulfed in
flames stuff the fuel in slowly and puff.

I use a spent shotgun shell to plug my smokers but a carved wood stick works
nicely.

I find laying the smoker on its side helps with keeping the fire going and
turning the smoker so the wind is drafting helps also.

I have got a homemade smoker box on one of the trucks and am considering
putting smoker boxes on all. Never a problem with fire or smoke.

I am thinking of ordering a couple smoker boxes from Walter Kelley (
1-800-233-2899). The smoker boxes  are on page 21 of their 2003 catalog.

I mention Walter Kelley as I have never seen the smoker boxes in any other
catalog.  The Kelley smoker box will hold both the 4"x7" or one 4" x 10 "
size smoker.

I prefer the 4" x 10" smoker but use both.

If making a homemade box I would make the box to hold two smokers plus fuel
such as my homemade box does as many times two beekeepers work together.

Bob

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