Steven Andrews wrote: > I'm not sure how many different methods there is in lighting up a smoker, > ( maybe we can make it into a discussion), but the way my dad has always > done it is as follows: > He would get a hessian sack, (the type you used to buy potatoes in), cut it > into a 6 x 3 inch strip, put it in the smoker and light it. It would > catch on very quickly. (depending if the sack was dry or not). After it was > producing white smoke, he would add either, a eucalypt branch or a > cypress branch which would cool the smoke and made it last longer, maybe > due to the sap and oils from the branches. He would use it all day without > touching it again. Up here in the northern parts of Europe, Eucalypt trees are a bit difficult to find, so we commonly utilise a small piece of 'softboard'( the kind of building material that will absorb fluid rapidly, due to its fibre-rich consistency. This is cut into small rectangles of 10 X 10 cm, and soaked overnight in a [1 + 5 ] solution of either potassium-nitrate KNO3 or natrium-nitrate NaNO3. Thre chemical merely assures a smooth glow of the board, I a, mot sure if any laughing gas will emrege from the burning xNO3 as from burning Ammonium nitrate After thoroughly drying the pieces of softboard are stored in a closed container in a dry place, and usage is as follows: 1. break off a small piece of the board, light it and blow on it till it glows. 2. put into smoker and add tobacco 3. add air until tobacco catches fire ( doesnt take longer than a few seconds) Works like a charm every time! I never witnessed any ill effects on bees or beekeepers after years of using this material. sincerely, Hugo Veerkamp #################################################################### | BEENET INTERNATIONAL | | E-mail : | mail : the Bee bbs | | [log in to unmask] P.O. BOX 51008 | | ( or press reply button) | 1007EA AMSTERDAM | | | The Netherlands | | Beenet : 240:31/0 | modem: +31 20 6764105 | | Fidonet: 2:2801/28 | voice: +31 20 6715663 | ####################################################################