I've got some burlap and some wood stove pellets that I've played around with, but I always go back to the pine needles. The smoke doesn't give me a headache like some others.
Just ordered me a 40mm ammo can. I have a strap on a post I just hang my smoker on to let it burn out and and cool off, but if I forget sometimes and don't put it away before rain comes which isn't good for wood bellows. I have also used a sweetgum ball to plug the smoker but it is too hot to put away and so again I risk getting it rained on. Thanks again for the great idea! Also, I have been very successful using the propane torch method on the outside of the smoker like you demonstrated along with pine needle fuel. It is so simple, fast and reliable and only requires your primary fuel to be used in the smoker. For the longest time when using this method I kept thinking "what am I missing?" because a lot of my beekeeper friends and UA-cam channels go to such great effort (and time) with other methods. I like working smarter not harder!
Love the ammo can idea. I’ve been using a cap (found a heavy duty plastic/rubber cap like those used on chair leg feet. It fits the mouth of the smoker but thinking that the ammo with the capped smoker will work better. Being capped, it shouldn’t cause a vacuum, can keeps the hot smoker from causing problems and it doubly safe.
I have a small galvanized metal bucket from ace, looks like a small trash can with a air tight lid. I pack the bottom of the bucket with smoker fuel and throw a hot smoker right on top, snap the lid and take off!!! Also I use a propane torch like you, so much faster heating the side than trying to build a small fire inside the bottom of the can like the old timers taught.
I have hives in several places and have to transport my tools around to work them. My smoker fits very well in an old crab boiling pot with lid. But I dump out the embers into the metal pot first and let them die out before putting the smoker in it, while I gather the rest of my items for the next location.
Nice job Nath. I know you’ve spoken about the Butane burner before and I loved the idea back then when you first used it. 🤯 That’s what I can use that old ammo can I’ve had in the garden shed since I was 17. Nothing like up cycling to save some coin. I normally shove a stick into the spout which puts the smoker out but it’s still too hot to leave unattended for 10 or so minutes. Bring on more pro tips! Thanks for the countless hours of content you create week in and week out. Appreciate all the work you do so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
@@DuckRiverHoneyyeah I’m in thick of it at the moment. But temps are pushing 37 degrees. The bees are hot and humidity is high. A Few days ago it touched 40 degrees in nearby towns. I’m struggling to come up with ideas to keep them a little cooler. Experimenting with screened bottom boards on one hive to increase air flow. But it’s still hot here mate in the tropics. But I’m learning
Easy access to water and a little shade and they should handle that fine. We get into the upper 90’s and low 100’s pretty often here, guess that would convert to 32 to 38 C
Great video! I need one of those torches!
They’re easy to come by, thanks!
Try rolling-up 1/2 of a burlap sack super tight. Stuff it into the smoker. Light it as you did with the torch. Will burn for days
I've got some burlap and some wood stove pellets that I've played around with, but I always go back to the pine needles. The smoke doesn't give me a headache like some others.
Funny thing the brain is. When the smoke blew in your face I could smell it. Love the video, Thanks!
It's a good smell. Pine needles at least. Dry grass gives me a headache.
Just ordered me a 40mm ammo can. I have a strap on a post I just hang my smoker on to let it burn out and and cool off, but if I forget sometimes and don't put it away before rain comes which isn't good for wood bellows. I have also used a sweetgum ball to plug the smoker but it is too hot to put away and so again I risk getting it rained on. Thanks again for the great idea!
Also, I have been very successful using the propane torch method on the outside of the smoker like you demonstrated along with pine needle fuel. It is so simple, fast and reliable and only requires your primary fuel to be used in the smoker. For the longest time when using this method I kept thinking "what am I missing?" because a lot of my beekeeper friends and UA-cam channels go to such great effort (and time) with other methods. I like working smarter not harder!
It works really well!
Love the ammo can idea. I’ve been using a cap (found a heavy duty plastic/rubber cap like those used on chair leg feet. It fits the mouth of the smoker but thinking that the ammo with the capped smoker will work better. Being capped, it shouldn’t cause a vacuum, can keeps the hot smoker from causing problems and it doubly safe.
Good thinking.
I like this idea instead of the broken stick I use in the spout. This channel is full of ideas people.
Just use your latex glove In the in and out but the box is good for prevent heat to the liner of bed
Great tip thanks!!!
Thanks for the encouragement Virgil!
I have a small galvanized metal bucket from ace, looks like a small trash can with a air tight lid. I pack the bottom of the bucket with smoker fuel and throw a hot smoker right on top, snap the lid and take off!!! Also I use a propane torch like you, so much faster heating the side than trying to build a small fire inside the bottom of the can like the old timers taught.
Good ideas, thanks
Awesome tip brother! Greetings from an Arizona desert beekeeper ✌️
Thanks David!
I have hives in several places and have to transport my tools around to work them. My smoker fits very well in an old crab boiling pot with lid. But I dump out the embers into the metal pot first and let them die out before putting the smoker in it, while I gather the rest of my items for the next location.
Nice!
Happy Thanksgiving Nathan!
Thanks Keith, you as well!
Been using a ammo can for years works great.
I’m surprised more people don’t, but the regular sized cans are too small. The 40mm cans are less common.
Great idea . 💡
Thanks, Happy Thanksgiving!
Great video :) thanks for sharing
Thanks, Happy Thanksgiving to you!
@@DuckRiverHoney you too my friend :)
Hey…Nathan I will try that Ammo box…I have a couple but never thought of using one for that purpose….Thanks…
Thanks Ed!
Nice job Nath. I know you’ve spoken about the Butane burner before and I loved the idea back then when you first used it. 🤯
That’s what I can use that old ammo can I’ve had in the garden shed since I was 17. Nothing like up cycling to save some coin. I normally shove a stick into the spout which puts the smoker out but it’s still too hot to leave unattended for 10 or so minutes.
Bring on more pro tips!
Thanks for the countless hours of content you create week in and week out. Appreciate all the work you do so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Thanks Wayne! Is your season heating up now? You ought to be getting close to swarm season right?
@@DuckRiverHoneyyeah I’m in thick of it at the moment. But temps are pushing 37 degrees. The bees are hot and humidity is high. A Few days ago it touched 40 degrees in nearby towns. I’m struggling to come up with ideas to keep them a little cooler. Experimenting with screened bottom boards on one hive to increase air flow.
But it’s still hot here mate in the tropics.
But I’m learning
Easy access to water and a little shade and they should handle that fine. We get into the upper 90’s and low 100’s pretty often here, guess that would convert to 32 to 38 C
@@DuckRiverHoney yep got water shade is the issue
Nath, I'm interested to know if you use a Dado blade to make your joints on you boxes
I don’t make boxes currently.
Just put a latex glove on the in and out of the smoker than put in the box