Cold smoker set up

[oregonbbqtime]

I bought a $13 walmart charcoal grill and I attatched a dryer hose from that to my WSM 18.5. It worked well as a a cold smoker but uses too much charcoal. I just purchased a cheap hot plate my thinking is that I will just use that to heat the wood. My questions are these.
What's the best way to heat the wood with this kind of set up?
Do I need to soak the wood?
Can I use chunks?
Do i need to be concerned about the hot late melting and releasing fumes into my smoke?

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[motocrash]

This thread will answer a lot of your questions.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/index.php?threads/electric-module-in-propane-unit.270080/

 

[oregonbbqtime]

Thank you that did answer most of my questions. So one other question on my first cold smoke run it produced a lot of condensation. Is this because I soaked the wood or is that just a by profuct?

 

[gmc2003]

Don't bother soaking the wood. You won't start producing wood smoke until the water is first steamed out of the wood. And yes I would think that would create condensation.

Chris

 

[rtonmega]

I agree with Chris. Soaking the wood is pointless and probably contributed to the excess moisture.