@@brucesbees thanks for making the video we watch so many YT videos and they don’t even know how to light a smoker…so youve done a great service to a lot of people!! That includes us Bruce!! We came out of winter with 16 hives( didn’t lose any) and have increased to 47 now! So many of the techniques and methods we used are because of you! Thanks for all you do!! 💕💞
Bruce- an old trick, used by many old-timers to keep a smoker lit, is to actually knock a couple of holes towards the bottom of the smoker with a nail. Yes . . . . . a little smoke will come out through those holes when you puff the bellows, but it's not bad and what it does is to keep an airflow going up into the fuel during those times when the smoker is not being used.
No doubt man. Pine straw works well if you take the time to really get it rolling. But it also burns faster. And I like the smell of the smoker pellets better too.
@@brucesbees yea I sent her a message about using pine straw but I love your pellet idea.. you know I’m going to have to go to Tractor Supply tomorrow… thanks 😂
Yep, been using this technique myself for the last few years. When I showed it in a video, I was accused by a viewer that was building a commercial operation that I was giving away the secret of commercial beekeepers!! 😅😅
@@brucesbees I was actually a bit surprised when you said you’d never done it before. When we were at your bee yard, I did my smoker like that and Greg was shooting some footage of me showing the straw, then pellets and then straw again. He was a bit taken aback by my torch to the side of the smoker though😁😁😂😂
Been using Hickory pellets for two years. Stays lit, last as long as you want and smells much better. I put a wooden plug in the end when done and it goes out. Reuse left overs next time. No waste.
Just roll up some medium thickness box cardboard into a tube about 3" long. It usually takes about 6 feet of cardboard to get it the size of the smoker. Roll it fairly tight by hand. Tie it with some string to keep it rolled up. Roll it with the corrigation to make it easy to roll. The gaps in the corrugation will act as chimneys. Light it with a torch and then drop it in the smoker You will get immediate smoke and if it is rolled fairly tightly it will burn for 3-4 hours. I've let it sit for over a half hour without pumping it and in a couple pumps you have immediate smoke. No dinking around with flame ups and packing, more flame ups and more packing. Make up a half dozen or more and you will have smoke for many outings. If you need more than 3-4 hours of smoke, just light another one and drop it in. Done. Easy. Cheap.
Yeah this method works well. The key to all methods though is to make sure the smoker flames up before you pack it and then give a bunch of good puffs to make sure it is well lit. Once that happens you can usually pack it pretty tight with duel whether it be more pibe straw, pellets or I’m sure burlap or other duels as well.
Thanks. This seems will be a good improvement to the way I did. I used oiled paper towel to start burning branches which I covered with leaves. But pine needles seems better than the branches. Instead of pellets I will try to use crushed branches from branches mulcher. I tried them before but had issues starting them with oiled paper towel.
Nice ideal. I’ve been using pine needles but goes out sometime if I don’t constantly use it. I have a tractor supply within a couple of miles from me ,so I’m going to get some of those pellets. Thanks for the tip.
Yeah I think that thing lasted at least a couple of hours after I lit it without adding pellets. It will run a little low but with a few good pumps it comes back to life.
Thank you Bruce.........i use pine straw or burlap and they both go out...........brillant move with the pellets........i have pellets and did not think to use same.........thanks!
That's a good idea. I bought some wood pellets for my meat smoker that wouldn't feed through the augar and would clog up the thing and really tick me off. I now have a 50lb bag of pellets I can use for my bee smoker. Thanks for the info.
Since we have a pellet meat smoker I've always put a handful of pellets at the bottom of the smoker. Then, like you previously, stuffed it full with pine straw. I found it burned through the straw too fast as well. I never considered reversing that - just using a little pine straw to light pellets and then just use primarily a few handfuls of pellets. I'll give it a go.
Thanks for the tip Bruce I got some pellets and have only got to do this a couple of time but works awesome and stays lit longer. That Seth Hill ins’t just another pretty face.
Very helpful video! I tried pellets a couple years ago but I gave up because it made a really messy black resin all over that made it hard to open and close the lid. Around here the insiders all use 🐎 🐎 🐎 biscuits.
I put in the pine shavings from Tractor supply, light the top and get a burnt layer on top. Then add about a handfull or 2 of smoker pellets while still puffing, top off with more pine shavings to hold the pellets in.
It indeed is a nice, clean and easy way. Have you ever tried cow or horse manure ? Light cardboard or so or just straw, as soon as it is lit put the (dry, of course) cow or horse manure, and it will stay smoking for at least a couple of hours without any problem. Good luck
That is an interesting idea. I don’t always have that available but there are cows and/or horses near some of the bees so maybe I will give it a try. Thanks for the tip.
i have only 1 problem with the smoker pellets...since they are just compressed saw dust if you don't keep them in an airtight container the moisture from the air will cause them to "uncompress". i had to throw out half a bag that turned back into sawdust from sucking up moisture.
Do you ever have a problem with the pellets rolling out of the top while smoking frames? Or do you prevent that from happening by only filling the smoker halfway?
I've been using the pellets and was struggling to get my smoker lit and keep it lit. Also I've added a piece of #8 hardware cloth in the lid to keep the pellets from rolling out the end. Recently I discovered by sticking my map gas torch down in to the pellets it forces the pellets to start burning deeper in the smoker. This is because I haven't been using a kindling source under the pellets. Again this is because I don't reload my smoker everyday day. It's still loaded with pellets from the last several times I've been in my bees. With only 13 hives one smoker load last several visits to my bees.
I also have a great tip: Pack the bottom of your smoker with dried leaves, then add a large handful of shredded wood-chips, then finish packing it with pine needles. Once fully packed, using a blow torch, light the bottom outside edge of the smoker-yes the metal bottom part of the smoker. It will ignite the dried leaves you have in the bottom. Start puffing till you get heavy smoke then close it up. Ours stay lite for over 40 mins.
Thanks for the tip. After starting this lighter I think it was something like an hour or maybe even two before I had to add more pellets. I do think your method would work well also. I prefer the smell of the pellets as well though. I have seen the torch used as you describe and have even done it myself. It works well.
I have tons of pine needles not straw. I use it cause I’m lazy but it takes a toll on a smoker for sure. Just bought a new Dadant and I’m gonna get some pellets. Don’t wanna ruin another smoker with pine creosote!
The line creosote can be cleaned up with heat. I bought a little propane torch that I use now. If you burn the buildup with the torch it seems to pulverize it pretty good.
Hmm. I know there are other materials. I just used line straw for years. If you really get it lit and pack it full and make sure it is smoking heavily it will last awhile. Greg Burns at Natures Image Farm has a good video on lighting a smoker and keeping it lit with cardboard and pine straw. It’s worth a watch.
Thank you for this video! I’ve been getting a bit frustrated with my smoker. This is awesome for me! $7.88 pellets from Walmart and now it stays smoking. Thanks again!
When I went to TSC I bought the last bag of these. The rest were much more expensive. So I hear ya. Not sure if they just run out quick or is they only supply them part of the time.
I usually just scrape it with the hive tool but it doesn’t work all that well. I have seen folks hear it up with a torch. But I rally don’t have a solution. Any ideas?
I just clean the inside with a wire brush, creosote on the outside gives your smoker character. Really dry material help in preventing creosote buildup
They are just smoker pellets from Tractor Supply. The cheap ones. I think I bought my last bag from Lowe’s or Walmart. They have worked well with no noted negative side effects. I now put pine straw over the top to help keep the smoke cool.
I have used some blades of green grass and it has worked well. But have not had issues “burning down the back 40” without the green grass or clover either.
I bought a Dadent looks a lot like yours. These last a long time. I'm going to try dropping a lit charcoal briquette in with wood pellets or pine needles.
Dennis always puts moss on top also…keeps the pellets from rolling out of the smoker if you tilt it too much and it also keeps it a cool smoke!!
Hey great idea. Thanks for the tip!
@@brucesbees thanks for making the video we watch so many YT videos and they don’t even know how to light a smoker…so youve done a great service to a lot of people!! That includes us Bruce!! We came out of winter with 16 hives( didn’t lose any) and have increased to 47 now! So many of the techniques and methods we used are because of you! Thanks for all you do!! 💕💞
@@meloneycrews wow that’s great. A bee operation can definitely expand quickly! Sounds like y’all have it rolling now! Thanks for the kind words. 🐝😎
I put some green grass on top.
I like it. Sounds like a great idea!
I am just getting started with beekeeping and that's great ideas
Awesome. Hope it helps!
Bruce- an old trick, used by many old-timers to keep a smoker lit, is to actually knock a couple of holes towards the bottom of the smoker with a nail. Yes . . . . . a little smoke will come out through those holes when you puff the bellows, but it's not bad and what it does is to keep an airflow going up into the fuel during those times when the smoker is not being used.
I like it. Sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the tip!
I love this technique. Smokers are the bane of my existence. But when I get one going I almost don’t want to put it out. Lol. Great video.
No doubt man. Pine straw works well if you take the time to really get it rolling. But it also burns faster. And I like the smell of the smoker pellets better too.
Nice of you to make this video for Emily and the rest of us!👍thanks Bruce
Yes. I was watching her video and a light bulb went. It was a great idea and easy video to film.
@@brucesbees yea I sent her a message about using pine straw but I love your pellet idea.. you know I’m going to have to go to Tractor Supply tomorrow… thanks 😂
Awesome. I think you will like it.
Yep, been using this technique myself for the last few years. When I showed it in a video, I was accused by a viewer that was building a commercial operation that I was giving away the secret of commercial beekeepers!! 😅😅
To funny lol. I really like the pellets. Game changer
@@brucesbees I was actually a bit surprised when you said you’d never done it before. When we were at your bee yard, I did my smoker like that and Greg was shooting some footage of me showing the straw, then pellets and then straw again. He was a bit taken aback by my torch to the side of the smoker though😁😁😂😂
Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Been using Hickory pellets for two years. Stays lit, last as long as you want and smells much better. I put a wooden plug in the end when done and it goes out. Reuse left overs next time. No waste.
Thanks for the tip.
Just roll up some medium thickness box cardboard into a tube about 3" long. It usually takes about 6 feet of cardboard to get it the size of the smoker. Roll it fairly tight by hand. Tie it with some string to keep it rolled up. Roll it with the corrigation to make it easy to roll. The gaps in the corrugation will act as chimneys. Light it with a torch and then drop it in the smoker You will get immediate smoke and if it is rolled fairly tightly it will burn for 3-4 hours. I've let it sit for over a half hour without pumping it and in a couple pumps you have immediate smoke. No dinking around with flame ups and packing, more flame ups and more packing. Make up a half dozen or more and you will have smoke for many outings. If you need more than 3-4 hours of smoke, just light another one and drop it in. Done. Easy. Cheap.
I like it. Thanks for the tip!
I don't like it it has glue and god know what chemicals were added into that glue.
Always making my bee life better! Thanks Bruce!
Thanks for checking in Ashby. If you try it let me know what you think.
Thanks for the info, been having smoker issues myself.
Yeah this method works well. The key to all methods though is to make sure the smoker flames up before you pack it and then give a bunch of good puffs to make sure it is well lit. Once that happens you can usually pack it pretty tight with duel whether it be more pibe straw, pellets or I’m sure burlap or other duels as well.
Wow... great suggestion as always Bruce!!
Works well for me. Thought it might work for others as well.
Oh my goodness, thank you!
You’re welcome. Thanks for checking in!
Needed this advice! Thank you.
Awesome. Hope it helps!
Great video Bruce. Will be trying this. I hate the smoker going out
Hopefully it will work out for you. I think it will.
Thanks. This seems will be a good improvement to the way I did. I used oiled paper towel to start burning branches which I covered with leaves. But pine needles seems better than the branches. Instead of pellets I will try to use crushed branches from branches mulcher. I tried them before but had issues starting them with oiled paper towel.
Good deal. Hope it works out well.
Great video Bruce!!!! I pray your season is going well!!! It’s all hands on deck here!!!
We are having a strange year. Somewhat of a busy so far. Holding out how that the tallow kicks into gear and we end up salvaging the harvest.
Nice ideal. I’ve been using pine needles but goes out sometime if I don’t constantly use it. I have a tractor supply within a couple of miles from me ,so I’m going to get some of those pellets. Thanks for the tip.
Yeah I think that thing lasted at least a couple of hours after I lit it without adding pellets. It will run a little low but with a few good pumps it comes back to life.
Thanks Bruce! I like pine needles and old denim scraps 😊
Sounds good. Many different ways to do it.
Great tips, I like to use hessian coffee bags seem to last for hours.
Cool deal. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the great video!
Awesome. Thanks for checking in my friend.
Thank you Bruce.........i use pine straw or burlap and they both go out...........brillant move with the pellets........i have pellets and did not think to use same.........thanks!
Good stuff. Maybe it will work out well for you if you use them. I think it will.
That's exactly what I do Bruce. If you can't find pine straw I have subbed with pine shavings from TSC with same effect.
Awesome. Thanks for the tip!
Yep. I use straw with pellets. It really lasts a Long time! Nice video Bruce. I like the music and word fly aways/transitions 👍
Thanks for the support and kind words Brian. And as always I appreciate the support!
Super helpful, thanks man!
Great. Thanks for checking in!
great video Thumbs up!
Thanks my friend!
Thank you for the information!!! I really appreciate it very much!!
Thanks for checking in and for the support!
That's a good idea. I bought some wood pellets for my meat smoker that wouldn't feed through the augar and would clog up the thing and really tick me off. I now have a 50lb bag of pellets I can use for my bee smoker. Thanks for the info.
Awesome. Good luck!
Since we have a pellet meat smoker I've always put a handful of pellets at the bottom of the smoker. Then, like you previously, stuffed it full with pine straw. I found it burned through the straw too fast as well. I never considered reversing that - just using a little pine straw to light pellets and then just use primarily a few handfuls of pellets. I'll give it a go.
I really like it. Has worked well for me so far.
Good idea Bruce, let us know when the ribs are ready.....now that you made us hungry!
I hear ya haha.
Great video!
Thanks Lisa. It works well.
Good video Bruce, I've always used just Pine Straw, I used to use pellets but then Only used Pine Straw. Good method 👍
Thanks for checking in Grayson.
Thanks Bruce!!! Great advice, I’m definitely gonna try this. RTR ✌️
I think you will like it. Works well for me!
I started using them last year. Game changer.
Absolutely. Works great!
Thanks this was very helpful and informative
Great! Hope it works out well for you!
Thanks Bruce!!!
You’re welcome man. Thanks for checking in!
Thanks for the tip Bruce I got some pellets and have only got to do this a couple of time but works awesome and stays lit longer. That Seth Hill ins’t just another pretty face.
Yeah he is going to do big things for sure.
@@brucesbees yes he is. He's learned from one of the best. Seems like a very hard worker.
Thanks Bruce ! Been stuffing pine needles for years this makes way more sense hahaha
Me too! Until a few weeks back.🐝😎
Thank you, I've had same problems.
Hopefully this will help.
Very helpful video! I tried pellets a couple years ago but I gave up because it made a really messy black resin all over that made it hard to open and close the lid.
Around here the insiders all use 🐎 🐎 🐎 biscuits.
Yeah I have noticed the black resin both with the pellets and pinte straw. It’s a good idea to loosen the lid it open it before storing it.
Thank you I’m a new bee keeper it’s a huge help
I’m glad you enjoy the information. Good luck with your bees and I hope you can keep your smoker lit!
Thanks Bruce.
You’re welcome. Thanks for the support Hope.
I put in the pine shavings from Tractor supply, light the top and get a burnt layer on top. Then add about a handfull or 2 of smoker pellets while still puffing, top off with more pine shavings to hold the pellets in.
I like it. Thanks for the tip!
Ha Bruce Seth got it from Bob Binnie Bob puts the straw on top of the pellets, as well, the video was great hope u have a blessed day
Yeah I’m sure he did. He has a great mentor for sure.
Bruce, I’ve always used just pine straw but I’ve been thinking about trying pellets so I will definitely give it a try.
Cool deal. Hope it works out for you. I think it will.
Thank you
About to use this method now!!
Awesome. Hope it works for you!
It did! Stayed lit for hours! Without even constantly puffing it!!
@figaloo awesome. It works well for me too!
I use three handful of smoker pellets or smoker chips the. Light with a propane torch and then pac with wheat straw (year 51 this year)🐝
Yeah I have started doing something similar with pine straw. The propane torch is a game changer.
@@brucesbees been using pellet stove fuel its cheaper as the base after its burning stuff it tight with wheat straw
It indeed is a nice, clean and easy way.
Have you ever tried cow or horse manure ?
Light cardboard or so or just straw, as soon as it is lit put the (dry, of course) cow or horse manure, and it will stay smoking for at least a couple of hours without any problem.
Good luck
That is an interesting idea. I don’t always have that available but there are cows and/or horses near some of the bees so maybe I will give it a try. Thanks for the tip.
@@brucesbeeseven if you start like I said and can't find the good dry stuff.
You can add some half dry stuff and it will smoke even better. 😁😁
i have only 1 problem with the smoker pellets...since they are just compressed saw dust if you don't keep them in an airtight container the moisture from the air will cause them to "uncompress". i had to throw out half a bag that turned back into sawdust from sucking up moisture.
Hmm. Good to know. I haven’t had that issue but I do keep them in a 5 gallon bucket with a reusable lid.
Nice to see this had the problem of keeping it lit to
Awesome. Thanks for watching!
Do you ever have a problem with the pellets rolling out of the top while smoking frames? Or do you prevent that from happening by only filling the smoker halfway?
Yes I forgot to mention that. I have just started being careful not to turn the smoker upside down.
My smoker stays lit after I finish whatever I'm doing
Good deal. Sounds like you need to keep doing what works for you.
Mine gets going when I finish and stays going forever, but it dies until I'm finished.
Haha.
Well said
Thanks Mike and thanks as always for the support.
Thanos: I may be inevitable
Iron man: I may be iron man
Anthony Barbosa: I may be Anthony Barbosa
█▄░█ █▀█ █
█░▀█ █▄█ ▄
Haha.
Wonder if Equine Pine Pellets would work? Going to try that tomorrow.
Couldn’t hurt.
I've been using the pellets and was struggling to get my smoker lit and keep it lit. Also I've added a piece of #8 hardware cloth in the lid to keep the pellets from rolling out the end. Recently I discovered by sticking my map gas torch down in to the pellets it forces the pellets to start burning deeper in the smoker. This is because I haven't been using a kindling source under the pellets. Again this is because I don't reload my smoker everyday day. It's still loaded with pellets from the last several times I've been in my bees. With only 13 hives one smoker load last several visits to my bees.
Hey good stuff and thanks for the tip. I forgot to mention that the pellets can roll out if you too it up too much.
I also have a great tip:
Pack the bottom of your smoker with dried leaves, then add a large handful of shredded wood-chips, then finish packing it with pine needles.
Once fully packed, using a blow torch, light the bottom outside edge of the smoker-yes the metal bottom part of the smoker. It will ignite the dried leaves you have in the bottom. Start puffing till you get heavy smoke then close it up. Ours stay lite for over 40 mins.
Thanks for the tip. After starting this lighter I think it was something like an hour or maybe even two before I had to add more pellets. I do think your method would work well also. I prefer the smell of the pellets as well though. I have seen the torch used as you describe and have even done it myself. It works well.
@@brucesbees where did you get the pellets?
Tractor Supply. Most of their pellets were pricy but they had one bag of these left. I think they cost around $7 or $8
I have tons of pine needles not straw. I use it cause I’m lazy but it takes a toll on a smoker for sure. Just bought a new Dadant and I’m gonna get some pellets. Don’t wanna ruin another smoker with pine creosote!
The line creosote can be cleaned up with heat. I bought a little propane torch that I use now. If you burn the buildup with the torch it seems to pulverize it pretty good.
I've seen some use wood shavings ( not wood dust). Ad a little alcohol and lighted up. Don't know how long it last.
My two cents.
Thanks for the tip.
I’m allergic to something in the pellets. Does anyone have another idea ?
Hmm. I know there are other materials. I just used line straw for years. If you really get it lit and pack it full and make sure it is smoking heavily it will last awhile. Greg Burns at Natures Image Farm has a good video on lighting a smoker and keeping it lit with cardboard and pine straw. It’s worth a watch.
What about wood shavings?
I think would work well too.
I don’t buy pellets. I use dry sumac and it works the same 😊
Thanks for the tip!
Yea I switched to that fuel combination last year and am not going back.
Game changer for sure
i do the same works great all day
Yes I seems to work well. My new favorite method.
God, i love beekeepers. If you dont have a beekeeper in your life, youre missing something.
Thank you
Roll Tide
Thank you …
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
👍👍💪💪🙂
Tea bags dry out add 8ml kerosene 2 eye drops lighter fluid leave dry out. Keep in plastic snap container coconut husk light tea bag drop in smoker add huskshould get 5.8 hrs.
Thanks for the tip!
I do the same,and it last all afternoon!
Yes it works great!
Thank you for this video! I’ve been getting a bit frustrated with my smoker. This is awesome for me! $7.88 pellets from Walmart and now it stays smoking. Thanks again!
Hey that’s great to know. Glad it helped you!
The tractor supply bedding pine pellets are cheaper and work great
Good to know. Thanks for the tip!
These pellets were only $7 or $8 though.
@@brucesbees ya that's not bad. We don't get the hardwood fuel pellets in FL where I am. We get bbq grill pellets but they're way too expensive
When I went to TSC I bought the last bag of these. The rest were much more expensive. So I hear ya. Not sure if they just run out quick or is they only supply them part of the time.
How do you clean the creosote out of your smoker?
I usually just scrape it with the hive tool but it doesn’t work all that well. I have seen folks hear it up with a torch. But I rally don’t have a solution. Any ideas?
I just clean the inside with a wire brush, creosote on the outside gives your smoker character. Really dry material help in preventing creosote buildup
Hey thanks for the tip!
@@brucesbees I use a little battery type drill with a wire brush to mostly get around the lid and what I can reach inside the lid and barrell!
Thanks for checking in. Sounds like a good idea.
pellets made by what, chemicals inside them maybe, no guarantee
They are just smoker pellets from Tractor Supply. The cheap ones. I think I bought my last bag from Lowe’s or Walmart. They have worked well with no noted negative side effects. I now put pine straw over the top to help keep the smoke cool.
Handful of clover on top will catch the sparks so you don't burn down the back 40.
Thanks for the tip!
I have used some blades of green grass and it has worked well. But have not had issues “burning down the back 40” without the green grass or clover either.
@@brucesbees yeah, but I also won't take a bath during a thunderstorm and I rarely pass up the opportunity to smoke something green.
Haha.
I have a pellet stove...... extremely convienent.
I’ll bet.
You can use cow dung, which is free of charge and lasts a long time
Thanks for the tip!
I bought a Dadent looks a lot like yours. These last a long time. I'm going to try dropping a lit charcoal briquette in with wood pellets or pine needles.
I really like my smoker. I used a Mann Lake smoker for years and then a Hillco smoker which was good but nothing beats the quality of this beast.
Old egg carton , tea tree bark to get things started then top off with crumbed dry cow manure or sheep
manure . Works for me .
Thanks for the tip!
This video really helped alot thank you so much for this unique helpful advice. Now I can finally smoke my dog out of his dog house.
Awesome. Glad it helped. And as far as the dog goes? Let me know if it worked haha!