Fire!!!!

[rw willy]

I was taking pictures of my 2nd attempt at using my GOSM, when the temp started to climb, quickly. I opened the box and there was a fire in my wood pile.
I'm using a propane version. I added "Smokeys my pet" mod to my tank (ball valve). The temp had been right at 200-225 for the last 30 minutes and I was 1 hour into my 2 butts, 2 racks of spare ribs and 2 fatties.
I admit to not using my original firebox. I have a 9 inch cast iron skillet that was holding a mix of very seasoned hickory (chips and chunks, and a few apple chunks. I covered this tightly with foil and punched several holes in the foil.
Thankfully I had heavy gloves nearby and grabbed the skillet and took it to the lawn.
Ruined day deverted.
I shook some of the wood into the original box and placed it into the smoker. I am now back to temp with lazy smoke coming out of the vent.
My concern is when I added wood to the box the first time. I didn't get smoke for a 1/2 hour. Is there anyway to speed this up? Without starting a fire?
Has anyone mod'ed their smoke box.
Thanks

 

[richtee]

Pre-burn your chunks to near coals.

 

[jseiber]

I have a GOSM also, and I first tried a cast iron skillet. The skillet took too long to produce smoke. I then took the coffee can route, the much thinner metal will produce smoke a lot faster. And although it is still possible to catch your wood on fire, (because I did once) you should be able to get good results from the coffee can.

 

[smokin for life]

I use a bread pan in mine, when you're useing a lower tempeture I feel the thinner the pan the quicker it will smoke. Sometimes you kind of wonder if it will start smoking, but it will in time.

 

[richtee]

Would help too. Be sure to burn the paint off the can first. Also, I forgot to mention you may be using too much wood. The preburned wood thing will allow more chunks and more heat, but you don't need that with a gasser. My bad.

 

[rw willy]

All good stuff, thanks.
I think you hit it with the to much wood thing. I had her loaded so I wouldn't have to mess with it.
I need to rein in my enthusiasum.
Low and Slow, got it.

 

[Dutch]

R W- When I use my GOSM, I use 2-3 chunks of wood (think tuna can or hockey puck size). I still use the original wood pan but I don't use the cover that came with it. I usually have to reload the wood pan every hour or so but that works for me as I'm mopping the meat once an hour.

 

[dionysus]

I use a coffee can in my GOSM, but like Richtee says, I pre-ignite the chunks before I put the can in the smoker. I usually start with 2-3 charcoal briquettes and get them going with a torch. This makes a good base for the wood chunks without adding too much heat. Once I have a good thin smoke going, then I put it all inside the smoker.

 

[peculiarmike]

WHAT DUTCH SAID!
That's what I do also. 2-3 chunks max.
And if you REALLY need that extra valve to control your gas, you need a new regulator and lose the valve.

 

[av8tor]

For you folks using the coffee can now are you still placing it on the same rack height?
Are you using the 3-pound can size?

 

[rw willy]

I've had good smoke going for 3 hrs. now. I do like the sound of pre-ignition of wood. Willl try that next go around.
I thought I needed the valve for more control. The GOSM only has "high, medium and low". On low i'm @ 110-115, on medium I'm @ 240-250.
Its 30 f outside w/no wind.
I'm set on high with the valve cut way back and am on 231f with a digital thermometer. The one on the door is reading 250ish.
I didn't have the digital probe on my first smoke.
Thanks for the help. Will keep all posted.

 

[dionysus]

yes and yes, but I cut the can down so that it fits under the water pan