Cold Smoker build assistance

[akjanssen1]

I have just built my first cold smoker using a homemade “wood stove” and an old freezer. I don’t have enough draw/updraft to keep the smoke “clean”. I smoked some venison jerky tonight and it was painfully bitter! I did use hickory, which is harsh to begin with… but here is my setup. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Adam

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[Brokenhandle]

I have just built my first cold smoker using a homemade “wood stove” and an old freezer. I don’t have enough draw/updraft to keep the smoke “clean”. I smoked some venison jerky tonight and it was painfully bitter! I did use hickory, which is harsh to begin with… but here is my setup. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Adam

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There's no pics.

Ryan

 

[akjanssen1]

Sorry, I tried adding pics several times.

 

[DieselTech]

Welcome! A couple pics might help

 

[akjanssen1]

Welcome! A couple pics might help

They are waiting approval…

Welcome! A couple pics might help

Welcome! A couple pics might

 

[akjanssen1]

They are waiting approval…

I just realized , I should probably have a fresh air intake and add a fan to the exhaust.

 

[DieselTech]

I just released, I should probably have a fresh air intake and add a fan to the exhaust.

Could you get us a couple pics of the back of your smoker & the inside of your smoker.

There is some great professional builders on here that might spot the problem right off the bat.

Thanks.

 

[thirdeye]

Here is a similar design. I bet you need more intake on your smoke generator, and maybe some exhaust vents on the sides of the smoke chamber.

 

[akjanssen1]

Could you get us a couple pics of the back of your smoker & the inside of your smoker.

There is some great professional builders on here that might spot the problem right off the bat.

Thanks.