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?
>
>       About a year or so ago Bee Culture ran an article written
        by a couple who invented an ingenious solution to smoker
        fuel. They fashinoned a double walled basket (kinda basket-in-a-basket
        idea) inserts using hardware cloth (1/2" , I think), then compacted
        pine shavings ($3.50/BALE at my feed store) into the baskets. The
        insert fits inside the smoker and is lit with newspaper (although
        I like the propane torch idea!). According to these folks the baskets
        last for *several* hours! In fact I believe they cited this as a
drawback
        for the hobbyist with only a couple of hives....no way to extinguish
        the damn thing after it got going. They have made several baskets
        and always have spares filled and ready to go.
 
        I'm just telling this from memory, being too lazy to dig out the
        article, but I think I've covered the gist of it.
 
        Regards,
 
 
Tim Peters, Kirby VT
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KirBee Apiary, Bear Bait Honey
I rather be flying!