Cactus Jack Smoker

[Burntwood boy]

Hi all,

I have a Cactus Jack Smoker and have been filling the firebox with Coconut Briquettes and topping it with large pieces of Hardwood, Maple/Hickory. Just wondering if I should be trying any other fuel, the Coconut Husk Charcoal got a good review on the website I bought it from (but why wouldn't it!) and it seems to burn well but I don't have a lot of experience with other types of fuel. Originally i thought I had to burn all wood, in order to smoke the food, which turned out to be expensive and was more difficult to get up to temperature.

Any info from someone who has used a similar set up would be appreciated.

Regards,

Christian...

[All Weather Griller]

Hi Christian,

You could try restaurant grade lump wood from your local bookers or Makro. The Liverpool Wood Company sells it for delivery but there is a minimum order.

I'm not sure what size the firebox is on those and wonder if you could burn logs like a normal stick burner. Scott from Miss Piggys or John aka Joker Smoker may be able to advise as they are currently using them.

Sorry, this may not be much use I'm afraid.

Cheers

Adie

[Burntwood boy]

Hi Christian,

.

I'm not sure what size the firebox is on those and wonder if you could burn logs like a normal stick burner.

It can burn large logs and I have used them before but I am not sure if that is the best/most cost effective method.

Thanks for the input, Adie....

[joker smoker]

my first suggestion with a cactus jack would be to make a system to enable easier removal of ash probably by raising the grate and having an ash pan. secondly a baffle and tuning plates then possibly a fire basket. a good, hot, small, wood fire regularly maintained provides the best results imho but I have also had good results using a fire basket, minion method with lumpwood and adding wood chunks hourly

[Burntwood boy]

my first suggestion with a cactus jack would be to make a system to enable easier removal of ash probably by raising the grate and having an ash pan. secondly a baffle and tuning plates then possibly a fire basket. a good, hot, small, wood fire regularly maintained provides the best results imho but I have also had good results using a fire basket, minion method with lumpwood and adding wood chunks hourly

That sounds like great advice, have you done this to yours and if so have you got any pics so I can get a better understanding of the type of modifications you mean.

Cheers...christian

[All Weather Griller]

I do believe I have a couple of uncle John's pit:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk17 ... C05409.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk17 ... C05408.jpg

[Burntwood boy]

Thanks for those, please excuse my ignorance but what purpose do the baffle and tuning plates serve?

[joker smoker]

the baffle stops flames licking the meat and together with the tuning plates creates a more even temperature across the cooking chamber

[Burntwood boy]

the baffle stops flames licking the meat and together with the tuning plates creates a more even temperature across the cooking chamber

Thanks for that, I did some web searching last night and found out about a lot of modifications. There is a lot more to this than I originally thought!!!!

At the moment I am deciding whether to treat my smoker to a face lift, as it has lived outside for a decade and has never been painted. I assume "stove black" would be the paint to use??

[All Weather Griller]

Some good heat proof silicon around your openings is a good idea if you overhaulin'