Advice on smoker vents!

[thadoc]

this may be a stupid question but I was wodering if anyone could tell me if I add one more vent on the top of the smoker if that will lower my internal temp in the smoker? I can get it as low as 120 degrees or so but, I would like to go lower. I am using a propane burner and on the lowest setting I cannot get any lower than around 120, I want to be able to do cheese and be able to dry out the casings on sausage before I smoke. Will adding another vent drop the temp to where I want it? any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[got14u]

It sounds like it would work with a propane smoker. Can you regulate how much air is coming in to the smoker at the bottom...another thing is what type of smoker are you using. that will help alot of people out trying to answer your question.

 

[m1tanker78]

I'm assuming you're using the smoker that's pictured in your signature line. Without knowing how it's set up now, it's kind of hard to know what would help and what would be worse. I have a homemade smoker similar to yours, only it's 100% steel, not wood. What I did on mine was left about 1/4" spacing all around the top where the walls meet the top frame. This has worked perfectly for me without the need to place a traditional vent on the top. The idea is that it doesn't matter which way the wind's blowing.

Another thing is that mine burns charcoal/lump/wood/etc. If you're burning propane then your best bet for temp. control is probably going to be a finer needle valve and/or possibly a pilot flame set-up.

Here's a pic of my smoker so you can see I don't have the traditional smoke stack on top:

 

[got14u]

good point on the needle valve. I didn't even think of that. You definitely need one if you don't have it already. that would probably fix your problem

 

[thadoc]

sorry for the left out info, yes the smoker I am using is the wood one on my signature. I have it lined with .060 alum, I cut a 2" vent with a damper on the top left corner of the smoker and also a intake vent at the bottom left corner of the smoker. Even with the bottom vent closed and the top vent opened all the way and the burner on its lowest setting the temp is still around 120 or so. I see you suggested a needle valve, does that allow the burner to run with a smaller flame? Not completely familar with propane burner which is why I ask. Where do I get one and where does it get installed? Thanks so far for all the great info, this is one of my last tasks to get figured out and then I will be completely satisified with my homemade smoker!

 

[thadoc]

What type or size of needle valve would you suggest?

 

[got14u]

this one would do what you want
http://bayouclassicdepot.com/nv108p_...urner_part.htm