I plan on building a smoker.

[rsp4834]

Hi guys, my name is Rick, I live in WV. Retired from steel mill after 33 yrs. Served in the Army in Germany for 21/2 yrs with the 4th Armored Division. i plan on building a smoker soon and I'll be coming here for answers to questions!! I hope I can count on you guys for help!

 

[davidhef88]

Lots of great people her willing to help you along the way. Welcome and have some fun.

 

[s2k9k]

Hi Rick! 

 to SMF!!! We're happy you joined us! There's a lot of people who have built their own smokers so you should get a lot of help!

 

[rsp4834]

Thanks! I've been looking around the site and I see some remarkable smokers that some guys made.

 

[rsp4834]

i guess my first question would be...what should I use as a heat source? I know most of you have your personal choice and I know there are pros and cons with any type. I have the materials available to make any kind even electric but, that wouldn't be my first choice. I'd also like some info on HOW to smoke something. I need to know about does the wood or chips etc. have to be directly over the heat or is it in a separate chamber?

 

[scarbelly]

Hello and 

to SMF - glad to have you here 

I would suggest posting this question in the smoker builds area so you can get responses from builders. This area is mostly for welcomes 

i guess my first question would be...what should I use as a heat source? I know most of you have your personal choice and I know there are pros and cons with any type. I have the materials available to make any kind even electric but, that wouldn't be my first choice. I'd also like some info on HOW to smoke something. I need to know about does the wood or chips etc. have to be directly over the heat or is it in a separate chamber?

 

[s2k9k]

i guess my first question would be...what should I use as a heat source? I know most of you have your personal choice and I know there are pros and cons with any type. I have the materials available to make any kind even electric but, that wouldn't be my first choice. I'd also like some info on HOW to smoke something. I need to know about does the wood or chips etc. have to be directly over the heat or is it in a separate chamber?

Some good info to get you started would be to take Jeff's Free 5 day e-course, it will teach you all the basics and a lot more: http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse.html

I think only you can answer your first question, everyone else will have their personal preference but it might not be what "you" want. Ask yourself a few questions: How much am I going to be smoking? How often?  What kind of food do I want to smoke? How much time to I want to involve? Do I want to babysit it all day feeding wood to it? Do I want to set and forget and come back when it's done? Do I want something in the middle?

There isn't one type of smoker that is right for everybody. I think you need to narrow down what you want it for.

You can read a lot about all the different types here:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/92/smoking-supplies-equipment

I hope this helps a little.

 

[jrod62]

 

[smokinhusker]

Hello and welcome to SMF! Dave gave you some good advice in determining what type of heat source you want. 

 

[richardsecord]

Hello,

My name is Rich, I also am new to this forum. Can you recommend a source to purchase a natural gas heat source " burner"'. I want to make my own smoker. I'm not sure if I will use an old refg. Or build a wood housing.

Thank you

Rich Secord

 

[s2k9k]

Hello,
My name is Rich, I also am new to this forum. Can you recommend a source to purchase a natural gas heat source " burner"'. I want to make my own smoker. I'm not sure if I will use an old refg. Or build a wood housing.
Thank you
Rich Secord

Try Google there are a lot of suppliers out there, so you should be able to find just the right equipment to fit your needs.

I see this is your first post here, when you get a minute would you do us a favor and go to Roll Call and introduce yourself so we can get to know you and give you a proper welcome, also would you add your location to your profile, we like knowing where you are when we talk to you, Thanks!

 

[25mike87]

You could start off simple like a UDS to master the basics of smoking. that's kinda what I have been doing with a Lot of success and not a whole lot invested in something I am still learning how to do and what methods I like. but no matter what you do the forums are a great resource to help you along the way.

 

[mossymo]

Glad you joined us Rick! :welcome1:
Best advice I could give anyone interested in smoking that never has smoked and wants to purchase or build the perfect smoker right away is to wait. If you do not have a 22.5" Weber kettle, pick one up used one off Craigslist and start smoking with indirect heat with it. You will pick up quite a bit of knowledge and experience learning on the kettle (food is great also!) and while your using that you will also be reading here on SMF and learning what you want your next smoker to do for you. In the end I think you will get a smoker you will be much more happy with and that Weber you have won't go to waste, they always come in handy!

I just noticed I was a 5 months late with this reply... Oops!