Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: Anonymous on March 21, 2004, 07:27:00 pm

Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Anonymous on March 21, 2004, 07:27:00 pm
Everybody has a favorite smoker fuel, and it's a pretty popular topic among beekeepers.  

I have had luck with a couple of things:  The fiber plugs from Dadant.  They are cheap, and produce cool smoke a long time!  Great for multiple inspections.  The problem is, it literally takes a blow torch to light them, and the smoke isn't terribly thick.  Great once they're lit, though.

And I ordered a pound of burlap off ebay for a dollar.  The shipping brought it up to nine dollars, though!  :?   It lights easy, has pretty thick smoke, stays lit a good long time.  Not as long as the plugs, but it's good for three hive inspections, at least!

And you don't think 1 lb. of burlap is a lot, but it IS!  It was about the size of a laundry sack.

(I love the smoke that pinestraw produces, and you can't beat the price, but it produces really hot smoke, and can blow hot sparks...  Maybe I'm packing it wrong, though.)

What's your favorite?
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Beth Kirkley on March 21, 2004, 09:07:42 pm
Ya know, that's one thing I haven't even experimented with. Guess I should. Everyone has a favorite, and I've always just stuck with pine straw cause it's all over the place here. It can burn pretty hot like you said. And I think it is a matter of packing. If I pack it too loose, it's hot....even to the point of blowing flames! But if I get it too tight, it goes out.

Beth
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Anonymous on March 22, 2004, 10:59:50 am
I use pine neddles off white pine trees. I place a wad of them in the bottom of the smoker and light them with a blow tourch as it is easier to reach the bottom. I then stuff more on top mixed with some of the green ones I pluck off the trees and stuff in my makins sack.
Orf course I very rarly use it. Mostly when i am going to pull frames and need to cut the burr comb from between the frames. I want the bees away from it so I don't cut the queen or some thing.
 :D Al
Title: I'm a burlap guy
Post by: beemaster on March 22, 2004, 01:26:04 pm
It's funny, I often feel like I'm repeating myself, Jas knows my site like a book and he usually knows my answers before he asks the question - lol.

But I get burlap from work, we get bundles of clean rags wrapped in burlap - wash it at work in or washing machine, cut it in foot square pieces and keep it sealed in a Tupperware.

I like it because WHEN THE FIRE IS OUT it is a fairly long burning and relatively cool smoke - and boy is the price right!

The bees react to it quickly, not being frightened at all, although they do RUN BACK IN the hive -from the entrance board when I come near them with it, which I think is a good think. That being: event the guard bees are getting a good dose of smoke too and they do their guarding JUST inside the hive.

All the other fuels metioned are great and well established too! If I didn't have such as treasure trove of burlap, I think I'd go pine needles which is another great local source here. Maybe I just like giving the bees HEMP to mellow out on - lol.

Bee
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Agility Mom on March 22, 2004, 06:01:15 pm
I use wood shavings which I bought in a bagged bale. It was inexpensive and they will probably outlast me as I have barely made a dent in them. They light easily with a little paper in the bottom, seem to give good smoke and last quite a while. I've tried other things, although not burlap, and this seems the easiest for me.
Title: Baling twine
Post by: Robo on March 29, 2004, 08:39:51 pm
I use baling twine.  If you know someone with a horse, they will be glad to supply you with all you can use.  Everytime they open a new bale it's 2 more loops of twine.   I like to roll a couple loops up and keep it in my pocket when I'm working the bees.  If the smoker starts to die down, I just reach in my pocket and pop another ball in.  Try that with pine needles :wink:

robo...
Title: twine as smoker fuel
Post by: Beth Kirkley on March 29, 2004, 09:04:30 pm
Do you mean that orange twine? Isn't that to plasticy? The stuff I'm thinking of seems as if it would gunk up the smoker.

Beth
Title: Re: twine as smoker fuel
Post by: Robo on March 29, 2004, 09:56:26 pm
Quote from: Beth Kirkley
Do you mean that orange twine? Isn't that to plasticy? The stuff I'm thinking of seems as if it would gunk up the smoker.

Beth


No, I use the twine made out of fibers from the sisal plant.  This is still commonly used by the farmers around here.  I believe the orange stuff you refer to is some type of nylon.  I wouldn't suggest using it. I imagine the fumes aren't to healthy.

robo...
Title: sisal rope
Post by: Beth Kirkley on March 29, 2004, 10:15:57 pm
Yeah :) I didn't think it would be too healthy either.

I've got a bunch of sisal rope around here. I'll have to try that too. I know it's pretty cheap stuff anyway - and I get all I need at Wal-Mart. Thanks for the clarification. :)

Beth
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Anonymous on March 30, 2004, 09:42:24 am
Unless I jam in a LOT of burlap, I've been having it finish up before I get to my second hive.  I've had some luck putting something long-burning on top or inside the burlap, like wood chips...
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: SherryL on March 31, 2004, 12:26:45 am
Since I've never tried this for beekeeping, I shouldn't even be posting, but I use dryer lint (rolled tightly) as fire starters when backpacking.  It burns very well and of course it's extremely lightweight (important in backpacking) and costs nothing!

When I do get my smoker, I'm going to try it & see what happens.  

Sherry
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Anonymous on April 01, 2004, 10:25:52 am
Sherry I think you will find that the dryer lint burns to fast and with out enough smoke. It does as you said start a fire fast, then cover it over with chain saw wood chips or some thing to make smoke.
 :D Al
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: BigRog on April 26, 2004, 12:39:12 pm
4th post and going off topic allready

Take that dryer lint pack it in the compartments of a egg crate. Pour wax on the lint in each compartment. Cut each compartment apart. Great fire starter. Works very well and doesn't get wet or damp.

OK I guess there's a connection. I did use wax!
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: justgojumpit on May 03, 2004, 07:33:02 pm
I use hay from our horses.  we have the plastic twines, so i dont have the luxury of burning those, but the hay smokes a very think greenish smoke, which tends to be a little hot, but it is so thick that you can smoke from quite a distance.  This smoke is so thick you can't see though it, but MAN DO YOU STINK LIKE A FOREST FIRE once you've finished with it lol!
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Anonymous on May 04, 2004, 09:52:36 am
I use purchased smoker fuel. I tried the pinestraw but either it was too hot or I could not get it going at all. The smoker fuel does take a while to get started , so it is the first thing I do when I decide to go to the bee yard. It last through all ten hives and I am kinda slow with my inspections..
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: filmmlif on May 08, 2004, 12:44:42 am
i had pinon wood left over from the winter (from out outdoor firebowl). i soak the wood and it smolders real well...and the smoke smells terrific! start it out with newspaer, small twigs then the pinon. do you know it? it's great!
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Anonymous on June 08, 2004, 10:36:28 pm
I have used straw for he last year but my supply ran out and the wheat is a couple of weeks away from coming off here in Ohio.  This left me to come up with something else.  I read that someone was using cardboard.  I rolled some up with the corrugations running parallel to the cylindrical axis thinking this would give the smoke an easy route out though to the spout.  The length of the cardboard cylinder was slightly shorter than the smoker would accept.  I lit the one end and let it get a pretty good flame going and stuck it hot end first into the smoker.  It made smoke and stayed lit well as I experimented.  I was a disappointed with the amount and density of the smoke but started toward my hives anyway.  As I walked past my garden I saw the pile of brush I had cut from some of the trees around the house a couple of weeks back.  The limbs were full of dried leaves so I figured what the heck.  I took several handfuls of leaves from the branches, opened the smoker, removed and unrolled the cardboard and spread the leaves out on the unrolled cardboard, then rolled it back up, lit it, and put it back in the smoker.  I think it worked great, lots of smoke and stayed lit the entire time I was in my Hives.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Beth Kirkley on June 08, 2004, 10:46:45 pm
I just tried the cardboard the last time I was in the hive too. And I found the same experience - poor smoke coming out. So I stuck a little handfull of pine needles on top, lit again, and that time it did great. It lasted through both hives easily.

Beth
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: mark on June 08, 2004, 11:59:36 pm
read that same cardboard article and tried it.  I LIKE IT!  cardboard is free.  it's all over and easy to get.  did you remember to wet the end and mash the channels shut? it makes a difference in how long it lasts.  as far as how much smoke i don't think you need to see clouds of white smoke.  most of that is water vapor. the amount of smoke from the cardboard is very satisfactory and you're not likely to have the neighbors wondering if they should call the fire dept. seeing all the smoke.  it's how the bees perceive it that counts not how we do!
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Anonymous on June 09, 2004, 10:15:29 am
Here is a new smoker fuel the club member I got a swarm from uses.
It is the berry or seed heads off of sumac gathered each fall and stored in  paper lined milk crates till good and dry.
He has been using it for over 40 years. The stuff smokes like a steam engine at a threashing bee.
 :D Al
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: snowzerdog on June 09, 2004, 03:54:28 pm
tried the cardboard,  works great has me sold on it
 :D
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Finman on June 10, 2004, 07:09:26 am
I use shelf  fungus Inonotus obliquus in smoker champer. It grows in birch. Also decayed  birch is good.

http://www.uni-greifswald.de/~mycology/gallery/Bilder/Inonotus%20obliquus.jpg  
 It burns very slowly and makse blue smoke.

White smoke makes tar and it gives bad taste in honey.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: BigRog on June 10, 2004, 10:38:56 am
Quote from: Finman
I use shelf  fungus Inonotus obliquus in smoker champer. It grows in birch. Also decayed  birch is good.

http://www.uni-greifswald.de/~mycology/gallery/Bilder/Inonotus%20obliquus.jpg  
 It burns very slowly and makse blue smoke.

White smoke makes tar and it gives bad taste in honey.


OK
How do you use it. Does it have to be dried?
Does it have to be fresh? Or can you harvest a lot of it and store it for future use?
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: lobstafari on June 10, 2004, 05:45:58 pm
Ive been using pine needles this year, because theyre all over the ground by the hives, and Ive been short on time, BUT:
 Last year, when I was a bit more ambitious, I sat down one rainy day, and cut cardboard strips as wide as my smoker is deep, and burlap the same, and rolled them together (alternating) into little canister shapes that slid right in the smoker. I liked them far better than pine needles, but havent had time to make a bunch up yet.
Title: Smoker Fuel
Post by: davlanders on June 23, 2004, 01:09:24 am
I think I've come up with the perfect combination.

Burlap cut into 5-6" strips rolled around some pine needles and insterted into a toilet paper roll.  Lights fast, burns long, and has a moderate amount of smoke.  

I tried it tonite, think it works pretty good.

Let  me know what you think.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Beth Kirkley on June 23, 2004, 01:31:02 am
LOL - I know I need to figure out something better than what I'm using. I can't seem to get the smoker to stay lit at all. The pine needles are wet from rain - so no good. And the rope suggest above didn't work for me. Maybe I'm using the wrong rope, but it just won't smolder like I'd want, just keeps going out. I even tried string dipped in wax!
I'll be shopping for some burlap tomorrow I think. And I'll try this idea. :)

Beth
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Lesli on June 23, 2004, 08:03:28 am
I went to a beekeepers club meeting, and the smoker fuel was, among other things, those fist-sized seed pods from sumac. Since sumac grows like a weed around here, it's abundant and free.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: tejas on July 06, 2004, 11:38:09 pm
After reading a few of the post here I tried cardboard and it worked great. I just cut a strip about 4 inches wide and about 3 ft. long rolled it up. It lit very easy put out plenty of smoke.
Title: cardboard for smoker fuel
Post by: latebee on August 16, 2004, 12:43:15 am
I prefer cardboard as a smoker fuel as long as it is the corrugated type. Cut it so when you place it in your smoker the corrugate runs vertical(up and down) this helps pruduce plenty of smoke. Cut it just wide enough so it is below the cover of your smoker. Make the roll to any size diameter-depends how long you want smoke(experience will tell you) and I prefer to ignite it with a propane torch,because it is very quick. Once it is lit swing it back and forth by forcing air through the corugates and it will stay lit , then place in smoker. Its free,and from my experience produces a cool smoke. I dont use solid or cardboard without corrugatiion because it wont stay lit.
Title: any thing will do
Post by: Hilltop on August 19, 2004, 05:08:36 pm
Hi
What to use in a smoker? I use anything that is handy, old blue jeans, dry horse dumng, pine cones, anything that is in the woods or near me at the tme. I have used mint from my garden.
Donna
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: SageBrush on August 20, 2004, 09:39:14 am
:idea:  My favorite smoker fuel is wood shavings for the 'hamsters'. I get the cedar shavings in large bales from Walmart or any pet store. I keep a bucket of wood shavings on the truck. Second choice is pine straw. Saw dust works too, but it burns quick. The cedar shavings smell nice.  :wink:
Title: Smoker Fuel
Post by: Sting on August 20, 2004, 11:50:20 am
Cedar bark wworks great; especially if it is fairly dry.  I've been stripping an old fence for years for smoker fuel.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Anonymous on October 02, 2004, 10:41:02 am
Intresting to read that Sumac is not only a good smoker fuel but a bit of a mite control also.

 :D Al
Title: Smoker Fuel
Post by: beesharp on October 03, 2004, 10:05:52 am
Just thought I would add my favorite to the list. Cow Patties!  :roll:

I get a little fire burning with dryer lint and small wood scraps,
then toss in some broken up cow patties. Before ya gross out,
they are really dried out, so there's no odor at all.
Cheap, easy to light and a nice cool smoke. I would compare
cow patties' smoke quality to the smoker plugs. I like those too,
but have a hard time buying something to burn...
Jim
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: pardee on January 25, 2005, 12:25:30 am
Cedar chips the kind you buy for the hamster, it starts quick and after you get it going in burns a long time makes tons of cool white smoke that smells good.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: ibeecanadian on January 25, 2005, 12:43:10 am
i use cedar chips aswell. i get them free at the sawmill. they are always happy to get rid of them. its best if you wait till they plain the lumber right from the dry kiln. ive also used dry cedar leaves, (bouse?) it works good but doesnt last as long as the chips.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: beemaster on January 25, 2005, 01:33:02 am
Interesting how some posts return like the previous season of the Sapranos - lol. It is interesting to see the different fuels. I only mention it again because it's up the page about 11 months back that I use clean washed burlap used to wrap clean rags bought through work.

The rags are old clothing ripped into square foot sections and bundled in burlap in 40 pound squares. The burlap gets thrown out, so I grab it up as we go through bundles of rags.

I then take the burlap and cut in roughly foot square sheets. Two dozen sheets lasts me a full season typically, give or take a few.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: buzz on January 25, 2005, 01:57:57 am
You're lucky beemaster :lol: I used burlap last year, from burlap bags I bought at Army Navy. It works great, but I want to find something that I can get for free this year. I will probabbly check out the pine needle thing first.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: asleitch on January 25, 2005, 05:00:49 am
Just one tip, put the back of your hand, near your wrist about 1 inch from the mouth of the smoker, and puff the smoker. It the smoke passing over your skin is too hot for you to stand, it's certainly going to be too hot for the bees. I attended a lecture from a commercial beekeeper that has worked all over the world in developing countries, as a bee inspector and various other roles and he said one of the #1 mistakes of people who use smoke is that have it too hot. It needs to be cool.

A quick puff on the back of you wrist (a little like testing the water in a bath for babies with your elbow) before smoking a hive gives a reasonable measure of temperatue. He reckons if its hot to the point of discomfort, it's too hot. I tried this a few times, and found dry grass/cardboard often burn too hot.

Adam
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: BigRog on January 25, 2005, 09:13:57 am
Always wondered if the heat from the smoke was harming the bees. But I use burlap - purchased at a garden store - and I usuall can smoke from a foot or more away
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Horns Pure Honey on January 26, 2005, 11:16:50 pm
I was at my grandpas friends house and his farm is like ares and he uses a little of this and that like damp dead leaves and green ones, some old mamoth grass, pine straw, old cotton, and twigs, it burnt pretty cool for how he did it and it lasted for a long time and lit pretty easy to. bye
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: golfpsycho on January 27, 2005, 12:47:23 am
Are you all putting an old soup can in the smoker?  Take a soup can, punch holes all in it... put something made of metal like a nut  in the bottom so the can is held off the bottom... the fuel goes in the can.. it can breath.. it keeps smoldering for a very long time... ...no relights.. no emergency and the smoker is out... works like a charm
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Horns Pure Honey on January 27, 2005, 12:51:01 am
good idea, I will have to try that. bye
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: eivindm on January 27, 2005, 08:12:01 am
Quote from: golfpsycho
.. put something made of metal like a nut  in the bottom so the can is held off the bottom...


Michael Bush (a guy at beesource.com) bends some of the bottom out to make the same effect as having bolts in the bottom. He also bends out small parts at the side, so it will allways have some air space at the sides too. Great idea!

(http://incolor.inetnebr.com/bush/images/SmokerInsert3.jpg)

He also have some other interresting things at his page thats' worth a look (http://incolor.inetnebr.com/bush/bush_bees.htm)
Title: fuel
Post by: lively Bee's on February 06, 2005, 02:28:51 am
I use burlap and end rolls off the hay baler always end up with a few extra feet.  Some of my hives set in the woods and i have used green or wet leafs in the smoke.  The trick i have found with the burlap is to roll it up tight and light it before u put it in the smoker.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: justgojumpit on February 07, 2005, 07:30:57 pm
I've been wondering about using dried horse dung in the smoker, as a top layer to cool the smoke.  Throughout the season I have used hay, which produces a very thick green smoke with a very strong scent, pine shavings, which gunked up the smoker due to the resin in pine trees, newspaper, which burned too fast and produced a bad-smelling white smoke, and old blue jeans, which worked well but were in short supply.  I think I will go back to they hay, and perhaps some shelf fungus as mentioned or rotten woodchips or horse dung for a cooling top layer.

justgojumpit
Title: more burning questions...
Post by: dr_wag on February 19, 2005, 06:24:27 pm
I am new here....nice to meet ya. am also new to beekeeping...my only experience is reading about them, okay, im way new to it. and i have a question (make that a million!). reading through this section on what to burn...i wondered is there anything you should NOT burn...or anything that affects them in a harmful way?....i dont mean trash-man-made things, but naturally occuring burnables. just curious, thanks.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Beth Kirkley on February 19, 2005, 06:31:03 pm
This may have been covered in these LONG posts :) but what comes to mind is that you don't want to burn things that stay too hot. You don't want FLAMES going on in the smoker - only smoke. Of course when you start it, you have to have flames, just a little. But then it needs to just smoulder. If you have flames, when you pump the smoker, you are basiclly using a torch. :) You most definately don't want to torch your bees. It needs to just be cool smoke - no flames - no masses of hot air.

Beth
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: beemaster on February 19, 2005, 06:45:16 pm
Hi Dr_Wag:

First, welcome to the forums - I think you found a great place to start your beekeeping experience here. Hundred and hundreds of beekeeper of all experience levels from around the globe, most of us could only dream of such access when we first started this wonderful hobby. Back in my beginning at 14/15 I had a schoolmate for a mentor and hands-on experience that realy interested me.

Today, we live in a much different world and having the resources available today can really get you off to a great start - but no resource is better than interaction with others as in this and other forums. Learning through trial and and errors of others gives you a tremendous advantage when starting in this hobby.

Keep away from anything that has man made fibers, plastics, petrol fuels in old rags. Also, keep away from these fireplace starter sticks (usually packaged at camping supply stores) and always make sure your fuel source is clean and mildew free.

As you have read, there are a lot of things you can burn, but the one thing you can't burn is your bees - as Beth said, smoke, not fire and keep the smoker back far enough from the hive entrance so that it can air-cool a little as it is bellowed in.

Again, welcome to the forums - I hope we see you here often.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Michael Bush on February 20, 2005, 11:39:25 pm
I used to buy my chicken feed in burlap sacks just so I'd have it for my smoker.  Still nothing beats burlap.  Now I have to buy it at the fabric store by the yard.  But when the smoker goes out I burn whatever is natural and handy.  Leaves, grass, pine needles, sumac berries, dry sticks etc.

It's interesting to see a picture of my smoker insert above.  :)  Glad someone found it.  If you have the money, buy the Rauchboy.  It's stainless steel and has a stainless steel insert.  But mine will work just as well and when it rusts out, you can get a new one for the same price.  Free of course.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: lively Bee's on February 27, 2005, 09:10:59 pm
Well I would think the glue in the card board wuld be unhealth.

I just pine needles and burlap.  I will also use sawdust that I end up with after making my hive parts I take a peice of burlap pour a little wax on it and the put the sawdust on then a little more wa etc.  Then I roll it up and it is ready for the smoker.  Last for quite a while If I will be in the yard for some time I will stuff it as full as i can get it wil pine starw aka realy long pine needles.
Title: smoker fuel
Post by: organicfarmer on March 02, 2005, 12:50:06 pm
I like to use free stuff as there is plenty around us. i have tried many things and usually use a mix. i like to use staghorn sumac dried flowers (it's been mentionned already) and it has a great smoke.
As far as hot smoke (as in pine needles), the remedy is to top your smoker with a handful of green grass. It stops the flames, sparks and cools off the hot smoke.
a word of caution about both baling twine and burlap as these are often treated with fungicides to prevent rot of the material. There are untreated burlaps, hard to come around. and more expensive.

But since we work with Nature, she has much to offer...
Title: sumac
Post by: amymcg on March 02, 2005, 04:27:30 pm
OK - I'm not real familiar with sumac. Can someone post a picture or tell me what this stuff looks like?
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Jay on March 02, 2005, 05:29:38 pm
Amy, here is a picture of staghorn sumac. It grows along the highways and biways all around this area. Once you recognize it you'll say "ooohhhh, that's what that stuff is!" :D

(http://www.scienceu.com/library/articles/flowers/images/medium/sumac.jpg)
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: amymcg on March 02, 2005, 07:25:50 pm
AHHH, That's what that stuff is. . . ROFL

:-D

Yes I do recognize it now, I just never knew what it was called.  Very good. Thank you.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Lesli on March 02, 2005, 09:01:10 pm
Where I live, staghorn sumac is a weed. I use the pods in my smoker, too.
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Michael Bush on March 02, 2005, 09:28:49 pm
You can also make tea from the sumac berries.  :)
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: TwT on March 03, 2005, 12:12:42 am
i use smoker fuel from mannlake , heck it aint but a dollar for a half pound bag and it will last a while as long as you don't "SMOKE IT"
<---------------------- GIVES ME A COUGH !!!!!
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA  :wink:
Title: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Jay on March 03, 2005, 12:58:07 am
You can also make wine from sumac berries. Yes, even though the berries are very bitter, they make excellent wine similar to eldeberry.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: kolob on April 20, 2011, 09:40:26 pm
I am new here and need to post at least once in two weeks to stay registered. I use alfalfa cubes for fuel. I like cubes that have gotten wet and expanded a little. Then they have to be dried out again. The number one cubes are too hard to get lit easily. These cubes make a cool smoke and they burn very slowly.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: forrestcav on April 20, 2011, 10:31:09 pm
my first trip to a hive with my mentor. He stoppedon the way out the basement and scooped up hand fulls of dried leaves and stuffed the in. Lit ans pumped the bellows to it smoked. I was thinking "wow, thats cool and cheap too. I guess you don't have to buy smoker fuel."
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: oldbeebum on April 20, 2011, 11:57:24 pm
I use pine straw because it is free and it works.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: G3farms on April 21, 2011, 08:51:50 am
burlap and cedar tree bark is my favorite, it will last for hours.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: slacker361 on April 21, 2011, 09:01:38 am
I wonder if that hamster bedding would work?
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: VolunteerK9 on April 21, 2011, 03:38:41 pm
I wonder if that hamster bedding would work?

New or used?

I can mail you some  :-D

Shooo-weee
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: slacker361 on April 21, 2011, 05:36:41 pm
If the hive is a good producer they get the new stuff,,, not good producers they get the used stuff...
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: GWDawg1 on April 24, 2011, 08:59:33 am
Anybody use those smoker pellets that go into the BBQ smokers? I'm going to pick up a sack and give them a try.  If they don't work I can always use them in my BBQ!!
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: vpetemo on May 01, 2011, 05:57:15 am
I have read with interest everybody's ideas about the perfect smoker fuel and for many of them i have been there and done that except for the sumac. I probably used the burlap and cedar chips the most which both made good smoke. The wood shavings were sometimes too hot or if I needed to get it revived it would start throwing sparks if I pumped too aggresively. I have finally cast them all off for a much better method. It is not original with me but I am a believer. I was looking through the Beekeeping For Dummies book and the author mentioned that he had started using pellets for a wood pellet stove so I thought I would give it a try. I have found it to have the best features needed for a smoker. It is cool, starts easy, smells good and keeps going without any attention. In fact, after I get done with a full inspection of my six hives and I go back to the house it sits outside the rest of the day until all the pellets have burned up. All I do is throw some wood shaving in the bottom, light it with a butane torch or lighter, pump it a few times to get a flame going and then just fill it up with pellets. In less than five minutes you can set it down and let it smoke away. A few puffs and you've got a cloud. I bought a 40# bag at Attwoods for $5 and that will last a long long time.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: rbinhood on May 08, 2011, 08:38:27 pm
Try a couple of old farmer smoker fuels....dry cow patties, horse pucks, a couple of handsfulls of simi dry sweet feed, and the best broken-up corn cobs, the cobs produce a very cool smoke and last a long time.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: hilltophermit on May 12, 2011, 11:14:01 am
I use sumac. As others have said, it burns cool, smells good, is plentiful and free. Though I have never tried it, I know of those that smoke it and make tea out of it. To each his own. As for smoker fuel its the best in my experience.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: slacker361 on May 12, 2011, 12:12:49 pm
wow I just found some stuff that works really good, you know those cup holders from fast food places, they are made of presses paper, that stuff works great especially to get the wood or what have you going. Also I am going to try Michael Bush's modification to the smoker , he says that is will make it stay lit....which I need
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: SmokeEater2 on May 16, 2011, 05:39:21 pm
I've had good luck with burlap,oak leaves,pine needles etc. I am going to make one of the smoker inserts that someone mentioned though. Good idea!
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Haddon on May 17, 2011, 06:52:01 pm
I use pine needles the nice people in my town put them out in a bag in front of their houses for me to pick up.
 :-D

With that said God have mercy I am tired of smelling pine needles burning I have grown to hate the smell more than my bees anyone else tired of the smell.
Now they work great if you get it lite well and there is nothing easier to light all I use is a match no blow torch not even a lighter. Can last for hours done right but still the smell sinks into your cloths and I have got to hate it so bad I now change cloths after using the needles.

Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: qa33010 on June 01, 2011, 04:54:22 pm
   Bought two bags of untreated wood chips (mainly cedar) for fire starting about six years ago.  Still have them and use regularly.  They were only a buck and a half each.  Price is a lot higher now.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Matthew207 on June 01, 2011, 11:04:28 pm
I use coastal hay that is very dry.  Very thick smoke and lasts through two hives.  Pack it really tight so that there is not a lot of air space for the ember to go out.  Works good every time!
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Michael Bush on June 02, 2011, 12:18:03 am
Why would you buy smoker fuel?  Burlap is my favorite although pine needles smell better.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Scadsobees on June 02, 2011, 09:11:15 am
Sycamore tree bark - I pay my kids to pick up bags of it - starts burning easily and burns hot.  Burns fast, so I follow that up with either pine straw (which I pay them to pick up too) or wood pellets and a burn that will have some good thick cover and lasting power.
Title: Re: Smoker Fuel
Post by: cowboygourmet on June 02, 2011, 09:52:31 am
I think I've come up with the perfect combination.

Burlap cut into 5-6" strips rolled around some pine needles and insterted into a toilet paper roll.  Lights fast, burns long, and has a moderate amount of smoke.  

I tried it tonite, think it works pretty good.

Let  me know what you think.

Now I think this is a great  idea and would be easy to store and use.  I give you a rating of 3 stars!!!!
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Haddon on June 03, 2011, 06:22:48 pm
I stumbled onto something the other day I was lighting my smoker with pine needles and the hand full I had grabbed wasn't enough to fill the smoker being to lazy to walk the 10 feet back over to the pine needle pile I looked down at my feet and the bag of peat moss was siting there I remembered the Scots used it for fuel so I grab two hand fulls of that and threw it on top of the small wad of pine needles worked the bees for about one to two hours got hot and left the smoker in the field I came back like 3 hours later it was still lite with out a single puff and that was the first day I had my suit back and was looking for queens so I only puffed it like 4 times in the first 2 hours part of the reason I left it out there I thought it had to be out.

So pine needles then peat moss on top worked like a charm and the smell was not near as bad as pine needles alone.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: AllenF on June 03, 2011, 07:50:35 pm
Just to let everyone to know, I caught my pine straw along the house and the grass in the yard on fire today.   Very hot and dry today.   Lit the smoker and started smoking a swarm hive I placed on my front porch for all to see.   An ember came off the lid of the smoker and caught my pine straw on fire.   I am standing there in shorts and flip flops so I can't stomp it out.  I use the empty deep box I was holding to drag the pine straw out into the grass to let it burn out.   But it is so dry the grass burnt.   I buried the fire with the deep box several times because it kept starting up again and again.   The wife is going to kill me so don't let her know and I'll play dumb.         Be careful with that smoker folks.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: schawee on June 03, 2011, 11:48:18 pm
i use grass :-D well the legal kind.i use the the grass cut with a bushhog .i light some  and get it started and pack it in till you can't fit no more.it will stay lit for hours.  allen, its so dry here the whole state is under a no burn ban. man i had to sneak in my backyard with my lit smoker to check on my bees :-D.          ...schawee
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: hardwood on June 04, 2011, 12:04:56 am
Allen, I know this Italian guy that wants you to light your smoker next to his restaurant (wink, wink)

Scott
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: AllenF on June 04, 2011, 09:04:19 am
 :lau:
Title: Re: Smoker Fuel
Post by: joebrown on June 10, 2011, 11:28:16 pm
I know a 90 year old beekeeper that used a soup can to hold his smoker fuel. He found a can that would fit down in the smoker, cut the top and bottom off, placed the fuel in the can, lit one end, and stuck it in the smoker lit end down. I like the idea. It helps prevent burning your hands and the area around the can or between the can and smoker wall allows the fuel some ventilation. This helps prevent the fuel from smothering out!


What do you all use to light your smoker fuel?? I use a small hand held torch. Just turn on the gas and squeeze the trigger. Plenty of fire! Good way to clean wax off the hive tool as well!
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: slacker361 on June 11, 2011, 09:53:21 am
I think michael Bush has that can on his website
Title: Re: Smoker Fuel
Post by: Jim134 on June 11, 2011, 10:26:42 am
I know a 90 year old beekeeper that used a soup can to hold his smoker fuel. He found a can that would fit down in the smoker, cut the top and bottom off, placed the fuel in the can, lit one end, and stuck it in the smoker lit end down. I like the idea. It helps prevent burning your hands and the area around the can or between the can and smoker wall allows the fuel some ventilation. This helps prevent the fuel from smothering out!

 I know a beekeeper in 1958 who did this.


            BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Grieth on June 11, 2011, 11:20:42 am
My smoker came with an inner tin.  The bottom of the inner tin has a small bolt in the middle so it doesn't sit right on the bottom of the smoker, and has holes in the inner tin- works great!
I prefer pine needles as they are easy to get (once you fine a tree in a park or on the roadside), and the smell is really good.  Only down side is a fair bit of rosin residue.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: CapnChkn on June 12, 2011, 01:37:17 am
Believe it or not Charcoal.  I start the charcoal outside the smoker, and then blow the coals to red hot.  It doesn't matter what I pack in on top of it.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: yockey5 on June 15, 2011, 08:30:22 pm
Pine needles on the bottom and a few pine cones on top. Works great, cost nothing.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Jim134 on July 16, 2011, 07:26:46 am
Believe it or not Charcoal.  I start the charcoal outside the smoker, and then blow the coals to red hot.  It doesn't matter what I pack in on top of it.

I have done this for about 25 years and it works well



     BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Michael Bush on July 16, 2011, 08:26:28 am
http://bushfarms.com/beesmisc.htm#smokerinsert (http://bushfarms.com/beesmisc.htm#smokerinsert)
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Mishu05 on July 20, 2011, 07:41:35 pm
I use wood and bark from black locust and plum tree bark for a very nice smoke smell. If bees are a little bit nervous I add some wax in the smoker and they will calm down pretty fast ( also a nice smell)
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: joebrown on July 21, 2011, 12:21:26 am
I have never heard of adding wax. Interesting, I may need to try that sometime.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: kbee on July 22, 2011, 10:43:13 am
i use straw to start the smoker then i put a good amount of walnut bark and the shell of the black walnut on the straw and it produces a very good smoke and the bees are very very calm when i use that combo. plus the bark burns for a while. i have 14 hives and when im all done inspecting them the smoker is still going...never have to re light  :)
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: blainenay on December 15, 2011, 04:25:44 am
Everybody has a favorite smoker fuel, and it's a pretty popular topic among beekeepers....What's your favorite?

I've been happily using burlap for some 50 years. It's getting harder to find, though.

Another excellent fuel is chunks of dry cow pies and horse biscuits. Don't laugh, they're great and free!
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: kingbee on January 05, 2012, 09:46:57 am
Most if not all cotton harvested today is compacted into modules of 10-15 bales in the field and then allowed to sit there from several days to several weeks before the cotton gin sends a tilt bed truck to pick up the module and deliver it to the gin.  There is always several pounds of cotton with seeds remaining on the ground at each module site after the modules are gone.  If you have the farmers' permission to gather this waste cotton it makes a good smoker fuel similar to the store bought fuel plugs.

The soup can trick works but I have a refinement I want to try.  Why not make up several soup cans each one charged with a new starter and smoke generating fuel.  Then make several holes with an old beer can opener in the bottoms for both air flow and as a place to light the fresh starter fuel before you replace the old can with a fresh just lit can?  I know you would need a pair of needle nosed pliers to safely remove or replace a hot soup can in your smoker and you also need to be careful about stray sparks or embers from the first can igniting dry grass and leaves.  Has anyone tried it?  It seems a good way to me to keep your smoker fuel ready and at your finger tips.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: BlueBee on January 05, 2012, 11:40:18 am
Believe it or not Charcoal.  I start the charcoal outside the smoker, and then blow the coals to red hot.  It doesn't matter what I pack in on top of it.
CapnChkn and I are on the same wavelength!

I got sooo tired of my smoker going out half way through an inspection, that I finally started using Charcoal too.  It keeps going and going and going  :)
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: oregonbeeman on May 31, 2012, 03:31:40 am
I use paper to start my smoker then pack it tight with dry hay. It will.last a hour.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: JackM on June 01, 2012, 09:15:48 am
I get lots of sawdust from milling wood to make guitars.  Start with shavings, add some chips, get going, work in some sawdust, get it going, smother with more sawdust, lasts for hours.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Keskin on June 01, 2012, 11:30:55 am
My best is decayed willow branchs and barks, dried thyme and orange peel mixture.
Thyme and orange peel smell good and willow burning about four hours.

Cow and horse... I could not use for bees but I am using donkey pies as a mosquito repeller. It works great...
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Royall on June 01, 2012, 03:07:45 pm
When I started clearing the jungle to build my home I found a couple of old rotted hives that were still full of bees. I had a young man come over to take the bees and when he fired up the smoker, he added a handful of pakalolo (marijuana) stems and leaves to it!! Did a fine job calming the bee down and smelled mighty fine! lol
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Jim134 on June 01, 2012, 03:36:02 pm
Welcome to Beemaster forums hope you have a good time hear.
Well I see you on the Big Island




     BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Royall on June 01, 2012, 10:32:57 pm
Thanks Jim, just have to pace myself.... so many questions to ask but trying to find them with out asking all the "newbee" type questions!! lol

Yep, Big Island Just a little ways away from Pahoa  town.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: JackM on June 08, 2012, 09:19:11 am
Well interesting, will try some of my pakalolo scrap from medication stuff to see if there is a difference, any smoke really calms my bees.  Doesn't take much at all.  I am lucky to have such happy little campers.  My state allows medical, so don't go and freak out.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: scdw43 on June 08, 2012, 11:43:13 pm
Pine straw and cardboard it start it.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: syphon1 on June 10, 2012, 03:38:45 pm
I've tried several different things for fuel (burlap, wood shavings and dry hay) but none of them lasted for more than four or five hives.  Then a friend showed me how he uses alfalfa pellets.  He puts about an inch of shavings into his smoker, lights it, pumps it to get the shaving going,then adds the pellets.  Once the pellets are smoking he puts grass in the top to keep the pellets from falling out.  Takes about five minutes to light it properly, but then you can use it all day. A bag of alfalfa pellets will last a long, long time.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: asprince on June 10, 2012, 09:20:08 pm
Pine straw is so abundant around here that I would not dream of using anything else. If you pack it tight after it is lit, it will burn for awhile.


Steve
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Danpunch on June 11, 2012, 03:38:00 am
I found a saw mill close to one of my apiaries and they let me fill 5 gal buckets with shavings from their planer for free. I've also been known to throw in a couple of horse apples after I get it going. Lasts a long time. I also carry a torch for lighting and have found that to be a very useful tool to keep with me. Will have to try the soup can method, but will drill two small holes close to the top rim and attach some baling wire for easy removal.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: RHBee on June 13, 2012, 04:17:18 am
I got a tip from a guy that has been keeping bees for 40yrs. He said hay, bought a bale and couldn't bee happier. Cheap, lights easy, likes to be packed and as long as it as packd  well produces cool thick smoke.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: saperica on June 13, 2012, 03:40:17 pm
for smoker fuel i use a wraped cardborad paper and pine cones.
in summer time my favorite is a water sprayer mix 1 liter of water and 30 ml of aplle vinegar.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Lovett on July 29, 2012, 01:15:18 am
Pine straw is so abundant around here that I would not dream of using anything else. If you pack it tight after it is lit, it will burn for awhile.


Steve

Ditto!
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Foxhound on August 14, 2012, 12:16:04 am
I will stuff a paper grocery bag full of pine needles. When it comes to lighting, i'll rip the bag into light the torn paper bag, then add pine needles to it. Works for me.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Satch on August 16, 2012, 09:34:46 pm
I use a mixture of shredded paper and hickory bark to get a good smoke and it last for a while as well.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: max2 on December 22, 2012, 03:18:52 pm
I use burlap and I'm happy with it. Dried cow manure also works well. The best is the leaves ( they are needle like) from the Casuarina tree ( I think it is called Ironwood in your part of the world) - excellent!
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: BGhoney on December 23, 2012, 07:56:28 pm
Went over last year to a nursery and picked up 3 totes of burlap. I rolled it up in 10 bag bundles, i have about 100 bundles, think im covered for about 9 lifetimes.  Just hope mass amounts of mice dont move in..
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Wonga on January 16, 2013, 07:13:26 am
I use she-oak needles, so do plenty of other bee keepers in my part of the world. Plenty on the ground in the bush nearby, I keep a bag of them ready. Great smoker fuel.

It's called Casuarina, and Americans call it "Australian pine", its a pest species in southern USA, I hear. Looks like dry land version of a pine tree, with thick corrugated bark.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: gefdef on January 30, 2013, 10:07:28 am
I use the corrugated cardboard that is used to separate stone fruit ( peaches, plums etc) in the trays.

Provides a good smoke and is not harsh.

Geoff
Title: Re: twine as smoker fuel
Post by: Moots on January 30, 2013, 11:29:28 am
Quote from: Beth Kirkley
Do you mean that orange twine? Isn't that to plasticy? The stuff I'm thinking of seems as if it would gunk up the smoker.

Beth

No, I use the twine made out of fibers from the sisal plant.  This is still commonly used by the farmers around here.  I believe the orange stuff you refer to is some type of nylon.  I wouldn't suggest using it. I imagine the fumes aren't to healthy.

robo...

Robo,
Does the Sisal twine you use have any color to it?  I have a buddy that raises horses and gave me an entire sack of the stuff which comes off his hay bales.  It burns great and makes a ton of smoke.  This Sisal twin is green in color...However, after doing some research I'm thinking I shouldn't use it but wanted to confirm my concerns.  First, because of the green color, I'm assuming it's been died and that's not a natural color.  Second, I've read that it's common now for these twins being used in such applications have been treated with rodenticides to prevent rats/mice from chewing through the twine.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: twine as smoker fuel
Post by: indypartridge on January 31, 2013, 07:20:44 am
Second, I've read that it's common now for these twines being used in such applications have been treated with rodenticides to prevent rats/mice from chewing through the twine.
I stopped using twine in my smoker for exactly that reason. Not only rodenticides, but insecticides as well. It's getting difficult to find baling twine that isn't chemically treated. Used to be you could tell it was treated if it was green or orange, but now even the un-dyed twine is treated.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: capt44 on February 13, 2013, 12:15:49 pm
When I'm going to inspect 4 or 5 hives I use wood shavings from my wood planner.
I usually have a large box of it from planning rough lumber.
If I'm going to inspect several hives I use the wood pellets with the fire starter pellets.
It smokes for 3 or 4 hours.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: robk23678 on June 28, 2013, 12:07:21 pm
I've been using a combination of timothy hay and pine bedding together in the smoker.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: njfl on June 28, 2013, 02:18:59 pm
Pine needles work very well, thought burn quickly.  Dry cow patties are the best smoker fuel I've ever tried.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: divemaster1963 on June 28, 2013, 08:16:31 pm
Best fuel I have found to date is cedar dog bedding. you get a 2Cubic foot bag for 6.00. lasts for ever and burns slow with a pleasent aroma that does not hurt my eyes and does not leave a bad odor.

john
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Better.to.Bee.than.not on June 28, 2013, 09:41:09 pm
I use grapevines, pine needles and grass usually.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: olbow on June 29, 2013, 06:55:51 pm
I use corb cobs. Break them up with a hammer so they light better and let the smoke roll.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: bhaktibees on August 08, 2013, 12:53:22 am
Hi folks. I'm a newbie (newbee?) To the buzz biz but have had horses for a few years. In reference to the suggestions to using bailing twine (from hay); please bear in mind that most bailing twine, even the jute or hemp, may be impregnated with a rodenticide (to discourage mice from opening your freshly bailed hay)
So ask questions before using it.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: hiram.ga.bee.man on August 09, 2013, 10:21:19 pm
I have used pine shavings, cotton rags, dadant smoker fuel, hardwood leaves, combinations of all of the above and by far my favorite is pine straw. I bought two bales of pine straw at home depot, placed them in an old garbage can next to my beehives so i always have a readily available source of very dry smoker fuel. For me it works great. The trick is to get a good source of real hot pine straw coals so to speak, then pack it with dry straw, puff it till hot again and it will produce smoke for hours.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: Oblio13 on August 10, 2013, 01:22:23 pm
Lately I've been getting a raging inferno going with birch bark and pine cones, then I pack in some dried horse poop and/or sumac seed heads, and top it off with a wad of green grass to cool the smoke off. Works great, lasts a long time.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: forrestcav on August 10, 2013, 01:43:58 pm
when I can get it going horse manure works great and is plentiful. I need to find some pine cones.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: capt44 on August 10, 2013, 11:57:27 pm
When I'm going to work a few hives I use wood shavings from my wood plane.
But when I'm going to work a lot of hives I use wood pellets for they will keep a smoke going for 4 hours or so.
The only draw back of wood pellets is it takes longer to get them smouldering.
Title: Re: Favorite smoker fuel
Post by: forrestcav on August 11, 2013, 08:14:20 am
plus I bet it's a real pain to fit a pallet into your smoker, unless you have a really BIG smoker.  :-D