After many unsuccessful attempts to smoke with just wood, I'm giving it up. As many times as I've tried, I simply cannot maintain the temperature I want AND get thin blue smoke at the same time. I'm using a New Braunfels offset that I rebuilt/restored. There are no leaks to speak of, so I should be able to control the prober burn with the door and damper but to no avail.
If I open the damper or door to reduce the billowing smoke, the temperature goes too hign. Conversely, if I damp it down to drop the temp, I get way too much thick white smoke. I'm burning oak and hickory splits that read about 5-7% moisture with my meter. I've watched every YouTube video on the subject but have not had any luck with applying the techniques.
I installed a BBQ Guru into the firebox and with a load of charcoal I can set the temp I want and leave it alone. So I'm going to go that route and supplement the fire with an occassional small split or chunk. I've used only charcoal before and got decent of smoke flavor.
Besides, I'm getting lazy in my old age and don't enjoy tending a fire for 10-14 hours straight. With the Guru and charcoal, I can dump a whole bag in the firebox, set the desired temp, and walk away. A tip of the hat to those of you who successfully burn wood. I wish it worked for me.
The upside of this is that I have a lot of dry hardwood splits that I'll be able to cut into chunks. Should last me a the rest of my life.
If I open the damper or door to reduce the billowing smoke, the temperature goes too hign. Conversely, if I damp it down to drop the temp, I get way too much thick white smoke. I'm burning oak and hickory splits that read about 5-7% moisture with my meter. I've watched every YouTube video on the subject but have not had any luck with applying the techniques.
I installed a BBQ Guru into the firebox and with a load of charcoal I can set the temp I want and leave it alone. So I'm going to go that route and supplement the fire with an occassional small split or chunk. I've used only charcoal before and got decent of smoke flavor.
Besides, I'm getting lazy in my old age and don't enjoy tending a fire for 10-14 hours straight. With the Guru and charcoal, I can dump a whole bag in the firebox, set the desired temp, and walk away. A tip of the hat to those of you who successfully burn wood. I wish it worked for me.
The upside of this is that I have a lot of dry hardwood splits that I'll be able to cut into chunks. Should last me a the rest of my life.