Not a newbie but nowhere near an expert :)

[elkypro]

let me just say that I really really enjoy this forum.  Everything I have read has been very helpful.  I am the kind of person to do things the cheap way until I feel it is worth it to invest.  Just in case I "grow out of" something.  I bought a 22.5 Weber kettle silver two years ago and have experimented ever since. I have always had a smokey joe for grills on the run but never appreciated the quality until I bought a full size.  I have done ribs, a chuckie, a 4 lb brisket from walmart that disappointed me (but at least I tried), many meatloafs,  pork loins, etc.... 

BUT now I am moving into the big leagues and Right before I wrote this I purchased a 22.5 WSM.  I always get buyer's remorse about anything over 100 bucks but I know I will use this unit to its fullest and that it will be a workhorse.  I love Weber's quality and I do believe they will do me no wrong with this purchase. 

So in short........  Hello all!  I am eager to learn and able to try different things. 

Oh yeah.  SW side of Chicago....  

~Elky

 

[ellymae]

Welcome to the party - no need to regret that purchase!

 

[fpnmf]

Welcome..

This site has tons of info.

I would suggest you spend some time reading all the different forums and the WIKIs.

Then use the handy dandy search tool for specific interests!!

Have a great day!!!

Craig
  Also take the outstanding free E-Course!

http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse.html

 

[tyotrain]

Welcome to SMF its nice to have ya.. Have fun and Happy smoking

 

[beer-b-q]

 

Welcome to SMF, Glad to have you with us.


This is the place to learn, lots of good info and helpful friendly Members.
 

Many of our members have years of experience in smoking meat.  They are more than happy helping Newbies learn the art.
 

We have members who cure there own Bacon, Hams, Jerky, Snack Sticks, Make Their own Sausage, etc. if you want to learn,
this is the place. 
 

Don't be afraid to ask questions of them and follow their advice. You won't be sorry, you will be making great Q in no time at all...

Just remember, when curing your own meats follow the instructions included with the cure to the letter, this is not something to experiment with.  


Never use more cure no mater if it is Tender Quick or Cure #1 or Cure #2 than the manufacturer says to use, this can be very dangerous.
 

Tender Quick and Cure#1 or Cure #2 are not interchangeable, neither Cure #1 interchangeable with Cure #2 or vise versa
 

Tips For New Members.

1. Go into your profile and Under Location put where you are.
2. City & State or Area & State will do. This will help members when answering your questions.
3. Go to ROLL CALL thread and tell us a little about Yourself (A Name We Can Call You) and Experience & Equipment.
4. Do Not Post  your other questions and smokes in the Roll Call Forum.
5. Post your questions and smokes in the Proper Forum, Beef, Pork, Sausage, Electric Smoker, Charcoal Smoker etc.
6. Use the Wiki Section, many of our members have posted great tutorials and instructional threads so take advantage of them.
7. When you can't find an answer ask plenty of questions, we have some highly experienced members willing to help you.
8. When posting about your smokes be sure to post plenty of Qview (Pictures) Our Moto, "No Pics, Didn't Happen".
9. Get a good Probe Thermometer, Don't Depend on the Built in Thermometer in your Smoker (They are notorious for being off).
10. A good choice for a remote dual probe thermometer is the Maverick ET-732
11. Remember, We Always Cook by Temperature and NOT BY TIME...
12. Sign up for Jeff's 5-Day eCourse.  Click Here
13. Don't Take Chances, Always Follow USDA Safety Guidelines When Handling Meat.
14. 
    If you are wanting to get into curing meat, there are many members here more than happy to help and give good advice.
15. 
    If you are unsure of a procedure ASK, don't ASSUME, It will make your Smoking experience much more pleasant...

 

[scarbelly]

Why the regrets ? That is a geat smoker

 

[africanmeat]

Welcome to SMF Elky  I am glad  you joint us

Don’t forget the Qview  

 

[SmokinAl]

  The WSM is a great smoker, you won't be disappointed.

 

[meateater]

Welcome to the SMF. Glad to have you here. Lots of good folks, great recipes and knowledge. Looking forward to your first qview.