My Mailbox Mod

[jimf]

My neighbor knocked down my mailbox. So I thought I would give the Mailbox mod a try for my UDS.  This will allow me to Hot Smoke using the AMNPS.

First I drilled multiple wholes in the bottom of the mailbox to allow for ventilation.  Next I cut a 4 inch hole in the mailbox by using a jig saw.  Then inserted a transition piece.  I repeated this on the smoker.

photo 1.JPG

• jimf
• Feb 2, 2013

Next I attached a 2 foot drier ventilation tube to the mailbox:

photo 2.JPG

• jimf
• Feb 2, 2013

Connected to the drum.  Mailbox sitting on some old pavers:

photo 3.JPG

• jimf
• Feb 2, 2013

Complete set up along with wind screen:

photo 4.JPG

• jimf
• Feb 2, 2013

I have two briskets currently on and the AMNPS is working great.

 

[pgsmoker64]

Nice job Jim!

That thing looks like it's on life support!!!!  

Bill

 

[davidhef88]

Nice job on the mod!!

 

[jrod62]

Just seen this, looks great ! Thumbs Up Thumbs Up

 

[wes w]

Jim I like what you've done here.  

I have a question.   Is this so you can cold smoke?    If so, how does the mailbox hold up to the heat of a fire?    I need to figure out a way to cold smoke with my smoker.     I thought about cutting a piece of plywood the same size as the door and pipe something in, such as a mailbox?

 

[jimf]

No, this is so I can HOT smoke. I have a charcoal basket in the UDS that produces the heat.. I was putting chunks in the basket and having a hard time keeping my UDS smoking for long smokes. Now I can add more pellets easily if need be.

To cold smoke, I remove the UDS basket, place the AMPS in the UDS and open all vents.

 

[shannon127]

Pretty cool build. 

 

[jrod62]

Do you have a way to plug off the hole for the mailbox when your done smoking ?

On mine I just pull it off and put a cap on the pipe to shut it down.

 

[wes w]

No, this is so I can HOT smoke. I have a charcoal basket in the UDS that produces the heat.. I was putting chunks in the basket and having a hard time keeping my UDS smoking for long smokes. Now I can add more pellets easily if need be.

To cold smoke, I remove the UDS basket, place the AMPS in the UDS and open all vents.

Ok,   Cool idea.  Thanks

 

[jimf]

Do you have a way to plug off the hole for the mailbox when your done smoking ?
On mine I just pull it off and put a cap on the pipe to shut it down.

This is the problem I'm having. Because my hole is 4 inches, I can't control the temp on the UDS. I think I ruined my smoker. With all vents closed, the fire basket is sucking air through the pipe and mailbox. And the mailbox is too drafty. Guess ill get a new drum and transfer all the parts over. No biggie but I was really hoping this would work better. Should have used a pipe like you and not a 4 inch drier vent