Like I said before this was to awesome to not make and try it out. Thank You GrillDad for putting this out there!
I had fun playing around with the one I made yesterday. The other Chefs were looking at me like I was on crack or something when I explained I was going to use a potato chip box and this contraption to make a cold smoker. Then when it started up they were actually impressed with how well it worked. To a point too well, it kicked out a lot of smoke!!!
So here is a list of what I used based on GrillDad's pictures and directions....
Lowes Shopping List:
1 ea 2' x 1/2" copper pipe
1ea 1/2" copper "T" connection
1ea 1/2" copper end cap
1ea 3/16" brass tube (found in the hardware section in the craft drawer)
Pet Store Shopping List:
1ea Air Pump (I got one for a 20 gallon tank, single output)
1ea Air Tube (length is up to you. I got the 10' package)
1ea Air Regulator (looks like a needle valve) Don't lose it like I did!!!
Walmart Shopping List:
1ea Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker (I found one at work, but they have them at Walmart as well.)
Tools:
Pipe Cutter
File or Sandpaper (for the edges of the pipe)
Drill
3/16" Drill Bit
5/8 Drill Bit
Small Hammer
Solder, Flux and Torch
Small Bit of Aluminum Foil
Drill a 5/8" hole into the bottom of the shaker and the top.
Drill 2-4 3/16" holes around the bottom of the shaker about 1/2"-1" from the bottom. I only put 2 to start with.
Drill 1 3/16" hole centered in the copper end cap.
Cut 2 ea pieces of 1/2" copper pipe at 2 1/2" length. Sand or file the edges.
Cut 1 ea piece of 1/2" copper pipe at 10" length. Sand or file the edges. This is really up to you on how long.
Place the end cap on a hard surface open end down. Gently tap the 3/16" brass tube into the hole. Should be snug. If not you will need to solder it into place when done.
Place one of the shorter copper pipes onto the end cap. Push the brass tube almost all the way through, leave about 1" from the end so you can pull it back. I wrapped the small brass tube with the foil to form a spacer to keep centered and then slid it back into the small copper tube.
Place the brass and copper tube assemble into one of the top spots of the "T" fitting. Adjust the brass tube to go about 1/4"-1/2" past the bottom fitting hole. I found it need to be past the hole or it can push the smoke out of the wrong end.
With a hammer if needed put the other small copper pipe into the top of the shaker and then into the bottom of the "T" fitting.
Add the last copper pipe to the last fitting hole.
Put one end of the air hose onto the brass pipe. Depending on where you want the air controller valve, cut the air hose and place it into the line, then connect the air hose to the air pump.
Place some dry wood chips into the shaker, place the lid on, turn on pump and light the wood chips with a small torch from the bottom. Careful the container will get hot, so I would use a dry towel or something to hold it with. Make sure you have a good flow of smoke before adjusting the air flow and placing into the hole for the smoke chamber. Whatever you choose to place the cocktail shaker on, make sure it is heat resistant.
I have not soldered mine together yet. Everything was tight and I wanted to be able to make changes if needed. Once I get things into place i may solder it if needed. At this point I don't see a reason too.
I did see a lot of liquid/resin come from the cherry wood I was using. If you allow the smoker to cool it can be very challenging to take apart. I also cleaned mine with some vodka to remove this residue from it as well.
