Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: BoBn on November 07, 2009, 10:38:11 pm

Title: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BoBn on November 07, 2009, 10:38:11 pm
This thing has a hand grip instead of a bellows.  Squeeze the trigger for air.  Push the side button with your thumb for more smoke. 
Like a hand-held drill.

Battery powered hi-tech heater & blower.  I got to try a prototype 2 weeks ago.  Amazing! 

We were using wood shavings for fuel.  No matches. No lighter. No hot smoker. 

Patent pending by a young 1st yr beek couple that I have been helping get started.

You have to try this.  They will be  trying to market these through some distributer this winter. 
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: G3farms on November 07, 2009, 11:07:50 pm
and the pics please :-D :-D

Sounds like a good invention.

G3
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: TheMasonicHive on November 08, 2009, 10:14:34 am
Yeah, I'd like to see the pictures and specs too!
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: lmehaffey on November 08, 2009, 10:29:06 am
I'm interested, as well! Let us know if you find out who will be distributing this smoker....
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Cindi on November 08, 2009, 11:28:33 am
BoBn, tell us more.....have that great, most beautiful day, that great health too.  Cindi
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Robo on November 08, 2009, 11:40:07 am
Not trying to dampen the enthusiasm,  but the Younger smoker was a great technological advancement in smokers as well.  But priced 10x of a normal smoker really hampered sales.  It might be hard to get folks to buy a wiz bang hi tech smoker if the price doesn't compare well with the ordinary trusty old design that works well for people.  Hopefully they have considered this in their business model.

What happens when your in an outyard and the thing breaks or the batteries die?  
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: bigbearomaha on November 08, 2009, 12:15:37 pm
"ouch" happens?

Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: G3farms on November 08, 2009, 04:29:28 pm
>>>What happens when your in an outyard and the thing breaks or the batteries die?   <<<

you break out ol' trusty and fire her up!

G3
 
 
 
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: specialkayme on November 08, 2009, 06:50:44 pm
I have to admit, pics, specs, and a price estimate would be fantastic!

I'm all for a better design, but only to a certain cost. Above that and I can't afford it, even if I would like it.

It would also be great for me to know some older beeks are behind this design. While I have nothing against 1st year beek designers, something tells me the design might loose some fundamental quality that's needed.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Jim134 on November 08, 2009, 07:03:07 pm
Are you looking for a Younger ??


   http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=854&idCategory=8 (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=854&idCategory=8)


    BEE HAPPY Jim 134  :)
 
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: G3farms on November 08, 2009, 08:08:55 pm
I would hate to have to carry that around in the bee yard.

G3
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: specialkayme on November 08, 2009, 11:02:13 pm
Are you looking for a Younger ??


   http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=854&idCategory=8 (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=854&idCategory=8)


    BEE HAPPY Jim 134  :)
 

If I had $100 plus shipping to blow and needed a new toy . . . maybe . . . but probably not.

Thanks for the offer though!
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: rdy-b on November 09, 2009, 03:37:28 am
(http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20050262756-0-large.jpg)







    many would be millonars in the portable smoke industry  8-) RDY-B
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: lakeman on November 09, 2009, 08:44:30 am
This thing has a hand grip instead of a bellows.  Squeeze the trigger for air.  Push the side button with your thumb for more smoke. 
Like a hand-held drill.

Battery powered hi-tech heater & blower.  I got to try a prototype 2 weeks ago.  Amazing! 

We were using wood shavings for fuel.  No matches. No lighter. No hot smoker. 

Patent pending by a young 1st yr beek couple that I have been helping get started.

You have to try this.  They will be  trying to market these through some distributer this winter. 



Does it emit cool smoke? That would be a matter of importance
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Scadsobees on November 09, 2009, 02:25:50 pm
What?  Why would I not want to combine my two favorite pasttimes...beekeeping and playing with fire???

This would take half the fun out of it!
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: specialkayme on November 09, 2009, 02:49:14 pm
Haha, good point. My current smoker does get my Pyro qualities out of my system. Without it, it's likely to build up and I'll set fire to the yard . . . or maybe the neighbor's yard . . . a little bit safer for me.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: KD4MOJ on November 09, 2009, 04:16:58 pm
Are you looking for a Younger ??


   http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=854&idCategory=8 (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/ProductDetail.asp?idproduct=854&idCategory=8)

 Looks like a monster! If they invent something that will actually burn wood pellets, lemme know. For the life if me, I can't get them to work in my smoker. Have to stick with pine straw.

...DOUG
KD4MOJ
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BoBn on November 09, 2009, 06:58:03 pm

Does it emit cool smoke? That would be a matter of importance
The prototype that I tried looked like a regular smoker with the bellows removed and in place of the bellows was handle similar to a cordless drill.  The whole unit was about the same size as a regular smoker.

They are still doing the finishing touches of the design.  The final design for production is supposed to be finished around the end of this month.  They are in the process of setting up a web page for this smoker.

I'll do my best to post a picture /and/or links when they have this set up.

Quote from: bee-z-smoker
We intend to show this for the first public viewing at the ABF conference
and tradeshow down in Florida January 12 -16, 2010.


Self contained “power tool” 18 volt battery with charger included
Very light and comfortable to use
Ergonomically engineered specifically for women and older children, but larger hands fit just fine
No lighting of fires
Similar weight as “older generation bellow unit” and balanced for comfort
Very little to no heat on the can, just natural cool bee smoke made from easy to find wood shavings.
30 second Three step process,
1. Hold trigger until you see smoke,
2. press fan button for smoke,
3. repeat as needed (takes less than 30 seconds for entire process, including smoking the hive)

I was impressed with how fast this thing could start and stop.   

I'm still using an old W.T.Kelly "smoke cloud" from the 1970s.  I have patched it with tin cans where the bottom and lower sides have rusted out.  I have replaced the electrical tape patches on the bellows a couple times.  Just about the time my smoker really gets going is when I am done using it. 
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Robo on November 09, 2009, 07:09:50 pm
If they invent something that will actually burn wood pellets, lemme know. For the life if me, I can't get them to work in my smoker. Have to stick with pine straw.

Wood pellets are all that I use.  I have a Rauchboy which has the insert that allows air to flow around the burning embers.  I believe they claim 12 hours on a fill.   I've never completely filled mine, but do get 5-6 hours easily on a light when doing cut-outs.   

I would not recommend the Rauchboy though.  It is a dome top smoker with very little lip and overhang.  The top is easily dislodged or even pops when you first light it and get good fire going.   Instead, get a good cone top smoker (Dandant, Kelley, etc) and find a tin can that fits and drill it full of holes.  You can see a good example on MB site. -> http://bushfarms.com/beesmisc.htm#smokerinsert (http://bushfarms.com/beesmisc.htm#smokerinsert)

The tin can won't last as long as the Rauchboy stainless steel insert (which I know use in a Dadant),  but you should easily get a few years out of it,  and the price is right.....
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: specialkayme on November 09, 2009, 07:19:15 pm
I think MB should write the 'New Beekeeper's Bible'
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BeeHopper on November 10, 2009, 04:55:57 pm
I think MB should write the 'New Beekeeper's Bible'


He did, all you have to do is print it yourself  ;)
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BoBn on December 18, 2009, 01:38:32 pm
Edith and Dan have production model.  Here is a picture:
(http://www.beezsmoker.com/images/bee-z-smoker-1.jpg)

They also have a promotional video here on youtube:
Bee-Z Smoker Promo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oK7nhwdezg#ws)
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Robo on December 18, 2009, 02:31:58 pm
Pretty neat,  they have done a real professional job with everything.   Hope they don't run into issues with folks keeping their finger on the igniter button and burning the insides up.  Have they considered a single shot switch that would require letting up to energize again?   I wish  them luck, always nice to see innovation and entrepreneurship.  Unfortunately out of my price range for a smoker.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: lakeman on December 18, 2009, 02:54:54 pm
If it works real well, they could have made a better presentation, I was not impressed. I did not see much smoke compared to what I make, and I am very  inexperienced, having just started.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: KD4MOJ on December 18, 2009, 03:25:40 pm
Just went to their website... yep it is just a touch pricey.  Great concept though... and would be nice to see alittle more demo of it smokin'.

...DOUG
KD4MOJ
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: HAB on December 18, 2009, 04:29:47 pm
What was the price?  Some how I missed it? :)
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: lakeman on December 18, 2009, 05:12:23 pm
What was the price?  Some how I missed it? :)

I went to their web sight, and could not tind the prices, guess I didn't click on the correct spot.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: HAB on December 18, 2009, 05:50:49 pm
What was the price?  Some how I missed it? :)
Found the price=  $174.99
Don't know if that includes shipping or not.

Here is the link to the web page with prices.

http://beezsmoker.com/Beezsmoker.html (http://beezsmoker.com/Beezsmoker.html)
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BeeHopper on December 18, 2009, 06:20:17 pm
Great tool for someone whose task is to inspect hundreds of hives a day, just the ticket for efficiency.  :-D

 However, I see no justification for the hobbyist or small time Beek as far as the cost is concerned. I did find the video a little annoying, the part of the "Veteran Beekeeper" unable to start his smoker, the guy by all counts should be an "Expert" in starting his Smoker in an instant. It reminds me of those vacuum infomercials.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Robo on December 18, 2009, 06:32:48 pm
the guy by all counts should be an "Expert" in starting his Smoker in an instant. It reminds me of those vacuum infomercials.

Bob,

That "guy" is Bob Naylor (aka BoBn), you don't remember him, he sat right by you at the treatment free conference.   Don't get annoyed, it is an infomercial, enjoy the humor in it. They're trying to sell a product,  of course they don't want to light a smoker instantly.     Now that Billy Mays id dead, Bob might have a new career coming ...... :-D
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: HAB on December 18, 2009, 06:50:25 pm
the guy by all counts should be an "Expert" in starting his Smoker in an instant. It reminds me of those vacuum infomercials.

Bob,

That "guy" is Bob Naylor (aka BoBn), you don't remember him, he sat right by you at the treatment free conference.   Don't get annoyed, it is an infomercial, enjoy the humor in it. They're trying to sell a product,  of course they don't want to light a smoker instantly.     Now that Billy Mays id dead, Bob might have a new career coming ...... :-D

Dag Nab Man,  I was so in hopes of becoming the next "Billy Mays" :bee: :bee: :bee:
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Paraplegic Racehorse on December 18, 2009, 10:43:01 pm
The ultimate in easy bee-smoking: the beekeeper's pipe (http://www.bienen-meier.ch/db/index.cfm?Artikelnummer=2502&do=detail (http://www.bienen-meier.ch/db/index.cfm?Artikelnummer=2502&do=detail)). Fills from the top, lights from the bottom, completely hands-free, has a one-way valve to keep you from inhaling (directly) the smoke. Simple, easy, convenient, similarly priced to other smokers.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Robo on December 18, 2009, 11:06:27 pm
The ultimate in easy bee-smoking: the beekeeper's pipe (http://www.bienen-meier.ch/db/index.cfm?Artikelnummer=2502&do=detail (http://www.bienen-meier.ch/db/index.cfm?Artikelnummer=2502&do=detail)). Fills from the top, lights from the bottom, completely hands-free, has a one-way valve to keep you from inhaling (directly) the smoke. Simple, easy, convenient, similarly priced to other smokers.

Brushy Mountain use to sell these.  Anyone know if anybody in US or Canada sells them?
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Natalie on December 19, 2009, 03:07:03 pm
Never saw anything like it. Brushy use to sell them huh?
I wish this couple the best of luck selling their smoker, its great.
Hey Bob, good to see you, remember me? I was the quiet girl that sat in front of you during the conference. :-D
If I knew you were going to be famous I would have got your autograph.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BeeHopper on December 19, 2009, 03:25:04 pm
the guy by all counts should be an "Expert" in starting his Smoker in an instant. It reminds me of those vacuum infomercials.

Bob,

That "guy" is Bob Naylor (aka BoBn), you don't remember him, he sat right by you at the treatment free conference.   Don't get annoyed, it is an infomercial, enjoy the humor in it. They're trying to sell a product,  of course they don't want to light a smoker instantly.     Now that Billy Mays id dead, Bob might have a new career coming ...... :-D


Well I'll be darned  :shock:  :shock:  :shock: No PUN intended in my reply and I hope Bob does not take it as an insult either. I was just being critical of the infomercial on that part where Bob tries to light her up, I used to light my smoker the same way, always burned my fingers  :oops: Now I just lay it on its side.  :-D

Hey Bob, put on your best boot and plant it on my butt if you like   :-D
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Jim134 on December 19, 2009, 03:56:54 pm
The ultimate in easy bee-smoking: the beekeeper's pipe (http://www.bienen-meier.ch/db/index.cfm?Artikelnummer=2502&do=detail (http://www.bienen-meier.ch/db/index.cfm?Artikelnummer=2502&do=detail)). Fills from the top, lights from the bottom, completely hands-free, has a one-way valve to keep you from inhaling (directly) the smoke. Simple, easy, convenient, similarly priced to other smokers.

Brushy Mountain use to sell these.  Anyone know if anybody in US or Canada sells them?


Brushy Mountain did about 3 to 5 years a go

    BEE HAPPY Jim 134  :)
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: lakeman on December 19, 2009, 05:00:52 pm
Quote
Well I'll be darned  :shock:  :shock:  :shock: No PUN intended in my reply and I hope Bob does not take it as an insult either. I was just being critical of the infomercial on that part where Bob tries to light her up, I used to light my smoker the same way, always burned my fingers  :oops: Now I just lay it on its side.  :-D

Hey Bob, put on your best boot and plant it on my butt if you like   :-D

Doesn't make any sense trying to light a smoker with a cigerate lighter, when there are all kinds of extended butane torch lighter similer to this  http://www.amazon.com/Calico-Brands-HF12CR-RED-Lighter/dp/B000UONR4M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1261256342&sr=1-3 (http://www.amazon.com/Calico-Brands-HF12CR-RED-Lighter/dp/B000UONR4M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1261256342&sr=1-3)  
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: lakeman on December 19, 2009, 05:03:52 pm
x
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: deknow on December 19, 2009, 09:26:44 pm
IF YOU WANT TO BE BILLY MAYS, YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE CAPS LOCK KEY!

DEKNOW
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BeeHopper on December 20, 2009, 09:34:31 am
IF YOU WANT TO BE BILLY MAYS, YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE CAPS LOCK KEY!

DEKNOW



 :-D
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BoBn on December 21, 2009, 03:27:13 pm
  Hope they don't run into issues with folks keeping their finger on the igniter button and burning the insides up. 
From what I understand, the heat unit can take it.
Quote from: lakeman
I did not see much smoke compared to what I make,
It will generate lots more smoke if the heat button is held down longer.  The operation of the smoker in the video was in "real time" from a cold start with the heater energized for 3 seconds or so.
Quote from:  BeeHopper
I did find the video a little annoying, the part of the "Veteran Beekeeper" unable to start his smoker, the guy by all counts should be an "Expert" in starting his Smoker in an instant.
That only works when nobody is watching. :-D
Quote from: HAB
Dag Nab Man,  I was so in hopes of becoming the next "Billy Mays"
I had to ask my kids who Billy Mays was.
 You can have the job.  I got an education about how much work it is to produce a video.
Quote from: Natalie
Hey Bob, good to see you, remember me? I was the quiet girl that sat in front of you during the conference.
Hi Natalie! :)

~~~~~~~~~~

When I started this thread, I thought that Dan & Edith were going to market it through beekeeping supply companies. 
They are planning on showing it at the various beekeeping conferences. 


 
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Robo on December 21, 2009, 04:17:12 pm
  Hope they don't run into issues with folks keeping their finger on the igniter button and burning the insides up. 
From what I understand, the heat unit can take it.

That good,  is was just going by the disclaimer on the website

WARNING:  Improper use of the Bee-Z-Smoker will cause a fire to start in the smoker canister.   Any fire damage to the Bee-Z-Smoker will void warranty claims.

But who knows, now a days with our sue happy country, most disclaimers are just to protect one's butt regardless if they are truly needed or not.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: deknow on December 21, 2009, 05:24:44 pm
the part that is the least attractive to me (although they seem to call it a "feature") is the fact that the battery is propriatary.  to buy a product from a small company that relies on propriatary batteries is something that i'd personally avoid doing.  ditto with the heating element.

one of the best features of the maxant bottling tanks is that the heating element and/or thermostat are replaceable with a standard, off the shelf part.

i feel the opposite of an earlier poster, i think this is better suited to someone with a few hives in the backyard who occasionally needs a puff of smoke than someone that is going through hundreds of hives.

there is certainly a learning curve to keeping a smoker lit, but it just not that hard.  having a smoker that can be lit with a match, fuled with almost anything found in the field, and can be abused, caked up with resins and still work perfectly has a lot of advantages.

i'm sure there is a market for this thing, but if i were to advise a new beekeeper (one without unlimited funds), i'd tell them to buy another hive rather than an instant light smoker.

deknow
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: magnet-man on December 29, 2009, 04:16:33 am
I feel deknow is correct in that it is suited to the backyard beekeeper who wants a quick and easy smoke. Remember it is the backyard beekeeper that has the hardest time lighting a smoker and likes to look in their two or three hives a lot. There are backyard beekeepers with lots of money out there, but I am not sure if there is enough to recoup all of the tooling cost this thing required.

As far as the battery pack it really isn't proprietary, in that a replacement pack can be made up by a place like  Batteries Plus (http://www.batteriesplus.com/). They will replace the batteries in a cordless drill battery case and I have had them makeup battery packs for my son's battery powered plane. An interesting idea would have been to design the smoker to take the battery pack from an 18 volt Dewalt cordless drill. Then they would be able to sell the unit with or without the battery and charger and keep the price down and likely increase sales enough to overcome the lower price. It would make the smoker a lot more attractive.

I did notice their warranty void notice and I suspect the connector wires burn up. The heating element replacement at $35 is a bit high in my book. The connecting wire likely needs to be replace with a  fire poof wire (http://www.electro-ramezani.com/prod02.htm) similar to what is used in cook tops.

If they can get the price down to $100, I believe it will sell. I hope they succeed, because they look like the put a have a lot of money in developing the product.


The key to lighting a smoker with a match is very dry tender and fuel, or use a propane torch.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: lakeman on December 29, 2009, 07:34:11 am
A year ago, I had never seen, and did not know what a smoker was (I would have thought it was a cigarette smoker). But, since about my third time trying to light my new smoker last spring, I have never had trouble lighting, and keeping my smoker lit. A few hands full of dry pine needles, and a propane torch, and it is going strong. I think these people are wasting their time, and there investment.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BoBn on December 29, 2009, 11:26:19 am
An interesting idea would have been to design the smoker to take the battery pack from an 18 volt Dewalt cordless drill.

The only way to do this is to get an agreement with Dewalt.  The various cordless tool companies will (and have many times) quickly respond to any 3rd party company that uses their batteries with legal threats and lawsuits. 

If you think about it, it makes sense.  They are defending their product reputation and their own patented battery system.
 
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: magnet-man on December 29, 2009, 01:41:38 pm
Sorry I don't buy that argument. There are generic replacement Dewalt battery packs on the market now and Dewalt sells both the charger and batteries. It isn't like they are making a generic drill which uses Dewalt batteries where the public would confuse their generic drill as a Dewalt drill. Sure their product is yellow like Dewalt but the product could have been made orange and would look nothing like a Dewalt product. Bottom line is the product is too expensive and by designing the product to use an existing battery pack that a lot of beekeepers already have would make it easier to justify purchasing.

Hey, I don't have a cordless drill. Hum looks like a good excuse for the wife.

I did post a link to their web site on that other bee forum.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BoBn on January 06, 2010, 09:20:04 pm
Sorry I don't buy that argument.

Do you know of any 3rd party product that uses Dewalt (or Makita, etc.) battery packs for power?
I don't think that any exist, but if you do know of any, please let me know.

There are several past and current cases in litigation involving 3rd party battery suppliers being sued under for infringement of "copyrighted battery pack design" under the DMCA.

BTW, I do work with wireless signal transducers and I get battery components from here:
http://www.batterystation.com/ (http://www.batterystation.com/)

Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: magnet-man on January 07, 2010, 12:35:36 am
Quote
Do you know of any 3rd party product that uses Dewalt (or Makita, etc.) battery packs for power?
I don't think that any exist, but if you do know of any, please let me know.

Used to start small gas engines. (http://www.afineredgemfg.com/index_files/Makita%20adapter8.jpg)

 Company that makes battery pack adapters. (http://www.10ctech.com)

I have seen others over the years but not many. Almost purchased an electric starter for my John Deere lawnmower that took a cordless drill battery pack.

Regardless of the battery issue the smoker is too expensive to succeed. They have to get the price down below $100.
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: BoBn on January 07, 2010, 08:27:55 pm
Quote
Do you know of any 3rd party product that uses Dewalt (or Makita, etc.) battery packs for power?
I don't think that any exist, but if you do know of any, please let me know.

Used to start small gas engines. (http://www.afineredgemfg.com/index_files/Makita%20adapter8.jpg)

The device is sold without a battery and charger.  
Quote
Regardless of the battery issue the smoker is too expensive to succeed. They have to get the price down below $100.
If they sold it without a battery and charger, it probably would be so.

So, do you think that they should try to sell a "power tool" without a battery and charger?  

Dan told me that they did attempt to make the Bee-Z-Smoker work with an off-the-shelf battery, but the tool manufacturer did not want to speak with them and certainly did not, under any circumstances, want their battery being used in another companies device.


This smoker is a very nice tool.  Before you pass judgment on it, try it out.  

Bee-Z-Smoker is offering a $25 discount with the promo coupon A012010 for the Orlando show.  They also offer a bee club discount, but the club needs to call directly for the offer.  

They also have a couple more videos:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3A8DD08D87DBFBAB (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3A8DD08D87DBFBAB)

Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: magnet-man on January 08, 2010, 12:08:45 pm
So, do you think that they should try to sell a "power tool" without a battery and charger? 

Then they would be able to sell the unit with or without the battery and charger and keep the price down and likely increase sales enough to overcome the lower price. It would make the smoker a lot more attractive.


I have thought about purchasing one just to complete my collection of smokers.


Currently the only smoker I don't have is shown at dave-cushman.net.

"This smoker has no bellows at all, it is spring driven (clockwork) and has a metal fan that provides the draught. It is known as a 'Vulcan' smoker.
Similar to the Vulcan there is an almost identical version that is powered by a torch battery.
Both of the bellow less smokers have switches or levers to allow the delivery of smoke to be regulated. I used to sell both of these types when I was in business, but I would sell two or three hundred 'normal ones' to every clockwork or battery one sold.

I have been told by a friend that the battery version tends to overheat the battery, but I have no personal experience of actually using either type myself."

(http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/jpg/tool/smokevulcan.jpg)
 
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Robo on January 08, 2010, 01:19:30 pm
Currently the only smoker I don't have is shown at dave-cushman.net.

Magnet-man,

Do you have one like this?   I've only ever seen one other and that was on eBay a few years ago.  Would love to know more about it if you have any knowledge of it.

(http://www.bushkillfarms.com/gallery2/d/2576-2/smoker1mp6.jpg)(http://www.bushkillfarms.com/gallery2/d/2579-2/smoker2vc1.jpg)

Thanks...
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: magnet-man on January 08, 2010, 08:01:58 pm
Well Robo I haven't seen this one. Did some quick research on German web sites and apparently the company made a lot of fire extinguishers. The other one on ebay that you saw was it exactly the same? Can you post some more pictures showing the opposite side and the connection between the bellows and the can? Is that a rip in the brass sheeting on the left?
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: Robo on January 08, 2010, 11:13:19 pm
Well I think you just ruined my day.   I think you are right, it may just be a fire extinguisher.  Someone gave it to my dad close to 40 years ago and I was always told it was a bee smoker (that is why the person gave it to him).  I've also seen the colonial type where they put a fire pot on the end of a bellow, so I just thought this was a more elaborate version of that.  I just did a closer inspection and took some pictures and found that the bellow pumps air into the bottom of the canister and the outlet is also in the bottom of the canister.   there is a rod attached to the bellow handle that moves what appears to be an agitator in the canister and another knob on the canister that adjusts the sizes of the holes in the canister plate.  So it seems it would make a better dry chemical fire extinguisher than a smoker  :'(

Guess that is why I've only ever seen one other.  Least I'm not the only one that thought it was a smoker :roll:

(http://www.bushkillfarms.com/gallery2/d/2582-2/IMG_3698.JPG)(http://www.bushkillfarms.com/gallery2/d/2585-2/IMG_3699.JPG)


Thanks for helping me out.  Although not what I expected to hear,  I'm glad I know more about it now.

Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: magnet-man on January 10, 2010, 08:43:06 pm
Sorry! :(
Title: Re: Amazing New Smoker
Post by: wfuavenger on January 11, 2010, 08:50:43 pm
$150 with the $25 discount applied for a smoker is just too much money for me... I like the concept and it would be perfect for people with a lot of hives. Maybe when I get 10 or more hives in one apiary it would be worth it.

Nice videos! And I do really like everything about it, just not the price. I do understand there are development and patent costs.