Another Mailbox Mod - struggling with smoke

[ppsundbe]

Long time listener, first time caller.

I've been through all of the mailbox mod threads I can find and am at my wits end on this one.

My MES's controller failed in the elements, so I bypassed and used a controller I built for homebrewing years ago. Heat is fine, but I can't keep my AMNPS lit. Added a chimney to get a good draft going. Played around with different configurations of vent holes on the mailbox. Raised the AMNPS up with an outlet box.

i can't find a configuration that works for me on this setup.

I've been storing pellets with a couple damp rid units to keep them dry. Also tried fresh pellets. I'll get at best a half row to burn and have resorted to lighting both ends just to increase the odds of getting something. When it is lit, I get a good thin smoke rolling out of the stack, but it doesn't last more than an hour.

What am I missing?

Thanks for the feedback

 

[smokerjim]

Are you drying your pellets first, a few minutes in the microwave works, are you letting your pellets burn 15-20 minutes before you blow them out, what type pellets you using,

 

[cmayna]

Welcome,
Yes to the above comments from smokerjim. If yes then.....Also looking at your pics, my first tryout would be to lower the mailbox so that it's vent tube is more vertical.

Was the smoker's vent tube you connected fastened to Masterbuilt's original vent hole? No stock vent holes on the top of the smoker?

 

[Lonzinomaker]

Try lowering the mailbox or raising the smoker so you have more slope to the pipe from the mailbox. From my wood stove days I remember you need at least the equivelant of the pipe diameter change/rise to get a good draw.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

I had same problem with tray. I went to the tube. Dust would burn fine but not the pellets. Tube never fails. If it produces to much smoke for what you are using can leave some space above the pellets when laying down to cut down on the smoke. Several have luck using the tray just not me.

 

[Brokenhandle]

Also what type of pellets you burning? Cherry pellets don't like to burn well by themselves. And agree with getting more vertical rise between mailbox and smoker

Ryan

 

[ppsundbe]

Are you drying your pellets first, a few minutes in the microwave works, are you letting your pellets burn 15-20 minutes before you blow them out, what type pellets you using,

I haven't tried the microwave, I'll try that next. I'm storing the pellets with a dehydrator, so I thought that would be sufficient.
Im using pellets right from a-maze-n. Primarily oak and apple.

 

[ppsundbe]

Welcome,
Yes to the above comments from smokerjim. If yes then.....Also looking at your pics, my first tryout would be to lower the mailbox so that it's vent tube is more vertical.

Was the smoker's vent tube you connected fastened to Masterbuilt's original vent hole? No stock vent holes on the top of the smoker?

Was hoping to get confirmation in the mailbox relocate before I gave it a go. You'd think there would be enough draw with that layout, but I'll give it a try.
Yes, the stack is out of the original vent. I gutted it and put the stack. No adjustable damper on it now. There were no vents on top of this unit.

 

[ppsundbe]

Also what type of pellets you burning? Cherry pellets don't like to burn well by themselves. And agree with getting more vertical rise between mailbox and smoker

Ryan

Mostly oak, with a few runs of apple.

 

[OldSmoke]

I have had better luck with a tube. I tried a tray. I nuked, baked, and did everything I could to get a good burn without luck. Even tried dust. I then bought a tube. Using a mix pellets and chips, I get great results. For some applications, a tray is great, but not mine.

 

[cmayna]

I really don't think you need such a vent stack. I use to use the tube but felt way too much smoke. Now just the AMNPS. Run a butane torch on the top and bottom of the pellets while in the AMNPS. I then fire up a row and let it burn for 5-10 minutes, then into the mailbox it goes.

 

[Brokenhandle]

Some days my amnps burns great and other days I struggle to keep it lit. Maybe it's all in how ya hold your tongue!

Ryan

 

[Bearcarver]

pps,
Can you please include where you are smoking, so we can know your Altitude & other things to add to our suggestions on how to make your AMNPS work.
You don't have to tell us exactly where you live, but what part of what state would be nice.

Bear

 

[Ringer]

I had a similar issue with my ammo can mod mounted directly to the mes. Try microwaving your pellets for 2-2.5 minutes and I had to use the tube. The tray would not stay lit for more than 1 row.

 

[Winterrider]

Microwaving pellets and then look at daveomak post #11. Hole on top helped mine. I have 3 holes on bottom and usually tape up 2 of them.

Will drilling holes in smoker tray help?

I have a Masterbuilt digital 30"smoker. I am noticing that often the second batch of chips don't ignite. They often leave the smoker tray full with partially burnt chips. I have read on some Masterbuilt forums that some people drill a series of small holes in the chip tray to help with...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[ppsundbe]

pps,
Can you please include where you are smoking, so we can know your Altitude & other things to add to our suggestions on how to make your AMNPS work.
You don't have to tell us exactly where you live, but what part of what state would be nice.

Bear

Northern MN

 

[ppsundbe]

Microwaving pellets and then look at daveomak post #11. Hole on top helped mine. I have 3 holes on bottom and usually tape up 2 of them.

Will drilling holes in smoker tray help?

I have a Masterbuilt digital 30"smoker. I am noticing that often the second batch of chips don't ignite. They often leave the smoker tray full with partially burnt chips. I have read on some Masterbuilt forums that some people drill a series of small holes in the chip tray to help with...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

I've had slightly better results leaving the door cracked a bit. But sometimes not. I think I'll try relocating the mailbox lower and drilling that vent hole. Plus microwaving the pellets.

 

[smokerjim]

I haven't tried the microwave, I'll try that next. I'm storing the pellets with a dehydrator, so I thought that would be sufficient.
Im using pellets right from a-maze-n. Primarily oak and apple.

I found fruit pellets seem harder to get to burn right but that just be me, it may as be simple as putting some more holes in your mailbox, but try microwaving some first and see if that helps.

 

[daveomak]

I had trouble keeping the maze going... Then a member suggested elevating it so fresh air could get to the holes in the bottom... It solved all my problems with smoke...

3 holes may help... Upper hole stops recirculating smoke from happening and helps to burn the creosote......

 

[forktender]

A few 1'' holes directly under the smoke tray would be helpful, just make sure your box is elevated by an inch or more.