My take on the mailbox mod

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

pasmoker73

Newbie
Original poster
Aug 7, 2017
27
11
Dauphin, PA
Well I couldn't find any cheap mailboxes that weren't galvanized steel and decided to play it safe and just get a cheap metal toolbox instead. My other dilemma was that my Home Depot only had 4" tubing but that was quickly solved by a reducer on each end. A big thanks to the person that posted the how to video (sorry I don't remember the name) because the tip about the pipe clamp was a huge help. I also used another tip I read about putting binder clips under the tray to get a little more air under it. We also drilled 4 holes in each end to increase the ventilation. I'll post and update on how it worked as soon as I get to try it out. Thanks to everyone for all the great post and tips which are really helpful to this newbie [emoji]128522[/emoji]
GALLERY]
 
Last edited:
Very cool! What toolbox is that?

I just finished my toolbox mod, mine has been giving me some trouble with keeping the AMNPS pellets lit. I hope yours works more smoothly!

To help share information & feedback, if you'll forgive me, this is the thread I made about the challenges with mine:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/266991/how-easily-should-pellets-burn-in-amnps

I've made more air holes in my toolbox, currently at 7 holes, 9/16", which might be overkill. Now I'm testing sealing up the gaps where the toolbox closes, to try and force more to flow through the holes I made, and across the tray. My toolbox is a 14" Excel TB109.

I found that #4 machine screws fit through the AMNPS holes, so some 4-40 SHCS screws (currently using 1.25" long) and nuts let me make "legs" for the AMNPS, to get it up off the ground, with no drilling required.
 
Here is the link to the mailbox I ordered. I did find that I had to leave the vent on top at least half way open and the drip pan pulled part way out to get a good draft. I did 4 holes on each end of the box but not sure what size the bit was (3/8th maybe?) and I had no problems keeping the pellets smoking. I just did a couple small chicken breasts for about an hour and they got a decent smoke taste but I will need to do something longer to get a better idea how well it is working as far as getting the smoke up into the smoker itself.

 
Thanks I know it probably wouldn't cause any problems but since I had a no risk option that was just as cheap I went that route instead. 
 
Great job on the "mailbox" mod. You can use pretty much whatever you like for amailbox substitute.

This is my version--been using it for years with great results and no problems.


I used DaveOmak's idea and installed lega on the AMNPS and get excellant air flow.


Just a suggestion, but you really should leave the top vent WIDE open. That will give you good flow and ensure that you don't get stale smoke in your smoker--better smoke taste on your meat.

Gary
 
  • Like
Reactions: pasmoker73
 
Here is the link to the mailbox I ordered. I did find that I had to leave the vent on top at least half way open and the drip pan pulled part way out to get a good draft. I did 4 holes on each end of the box but not sure what size the bit was (3/8th maybe?) and I had no problems keeping the pellets smoking. I just did a couple small chicken breasts for about an hour and they got a decent smoke taste but I will need to do something longer to get a better idea how well it is working as far as getting the smoke up into the smoker itself.

Thanks for the mailbox link. I'd looked at that one, but went with a 14" in the hopes of keeping things a little more compact. 

Mine tends to do OK for the first hour, but it seems to have trouble running longer than 4 hours or so, especially at lower temperatures (like when I tried 180F, vs cooking hot at 275). Please let us know how this works out when you get to do a longer session. 
Great job on the "mailbox" mod. You can use pretty much whatever you like for amailbox substitute.

This is my version--been using it for years with great results and no problems.
...

Gary
Hey, that's interesting, I'd never considered using a wooden box. But I guess as long as the pellets are just smoldering, and/or the box is big enough that any flame wouldn't be near the wood, sure, this seems safe enough. 

I looked around for a while trying to find a suitable metal box, big enough for a 5x8 tray, and with a plate to attach ducting, while still trying to stay around $20 or under. A toolbox was the best option I found, while trying to avoid galvanizing. It's too bad the aluminum mailboxes seem to have disappeared. 
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Clicky