At 04:09 AM 11/1/96 GMT, you wrote:
>>This is my first year in beekeeping and I have yet to master the use of my
>>smoker.  I can get a fire going producing good smoke, but by the time I
>>pull my gloves on, the smoker quits. Any advice on correct procedure here?
>
>Judy, I have been doing it so long I can do it in the dark with my eyes
>closed and I have the same problem. I believe it has something to do
>with the redesign of the smoker some years back to make them fire safe
>or something but I have learned some really neat tricks to get nice
>bellowing clouds of cool smoke that will last for some time on a fill
>up. The problem is that some of the needed ingredients may not be
>available to all or in all areas of the bee world.
>
>1. There is nothing better then used press sack from a bees wax
>rendering plant, the more slum gum the better. It burns cool and long
>and does not throw a lot of sparks if the smoker is kept stuffed ahead
>of the fire.
>
>2. Burlap, jute, or some cotton sacks can be used and are available
>in many farm areas at reasonable, (sometimes) free prices. This material
>can be treated with old or new oil, cheep mobil wax, even salt peter I
>have been told and it will burn without going out, but sometimes it will
>not only drive the bees out but you will find your own head in a cloud
>of smoke that would give a coal miner black lung. In rare cases sack
>from pesticide treated seed has been used, but I would not use this as
>it is a good way to make yourself deathly sick.
>
>3. If you lived in the sticker bush part of Texas, there is nothing as
>good as dried cow dung, 2nd in my experience to old fish net. I am sure
>that those who have not the experience are grinning ear to ear knowing
>that I am putting you on, but it is true,
 
 
        They work GOOD on your Dutch Oven when you make biscuits for your
Honey or just a Stew.
Daniel D. Dempsey
P. O. Box #5
Red Bluff, CA 96080-0005
U.S.A.
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