I'm on Vacation...Franklin Clone build...

[pjtexas1]

I agree with smitty as this is will work most of the time. A lot depends on how seasoned the wood is. Not seasoned enough and you need smaller splits so the fire doesn't smolder. Too dry and it burns hot and quickly leaving you hardly any coals to help maintain temps and light the next stick. If you are adding a stick every 20 minutes you may need bigger sticks. Play with the size and see what works best in your cooker and temp you want.

 

[Clay-b-que]

Forget the pine and burn some Oak. Splits are generally 16-18" long and about the diameter of 1.5 coke cans.......

I am going to see if I can get some on Monday, but if I'm burning oak I am cookin with it :thumb:

 

[m-fine]

Pine will burn so different than hardwood it is not useful as a practice aid.

 

[Clay-b-que]

Great point! I will get some wood tomorrow and try again.

Also, I am hearing cut the stack down and just learn to cook with it the way it is...don't know which way to go?

 

[Clay-b-que]

Here are some recent pics...

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[TuscaloosaQ]

Good luck..... keep plugging away and you will hit that sweet spot you like..... then you can walk away with the satisfaction that you built it with your on hands

 

[cowgirl]

Good lookin' build Clay! You do nice work.
So sorry for the loss of your dad...that's rough...

 

[m-fine]

Great point! I will get some wood tomorrow and try again.

Also, I am hearing cut the stack down and just learn to cook with it the way it is...don't know which way to go?

The only thing wrong with the stack is appearance. It isn't too big to function properly.

 

[Clay-b-que]

Good luck..... keep plugging away and you will hit that sweet spot you like..... then you can walk away with the satisfaction that you built it with your on hands

Thanks Paul! I really do enjoy fabricating and thinking through things and this seemed like a fun project. I hope someday to be a part of the Shirley family but this will have to do for now

 

[Clay-b-que]

Good lookin' build Clay! You do nice work.
So sorry for the loss of your dad...that's rough...

Thanks Jeanie! Now I gotta figure her out and dialed in...

 

[Clay-b-que]

The only thing wrong with the stack is appearance. It isn't too big to function properly.

What's wrong with the appearance?!? I think it looks sweet! :thumb:

 

[m-fine]

What's wrong with the appearance?!? I think it looks sweet! :thumb:

I have no issue with it, just saying it is more of a cosmetic issue than functional. Some people will think it looks big because it is different than what they are used to seeing, but different doesn't mean wrong.

 

[Hoosier1960]

m-fine is right about the wood and the stack. Just get some hardwood and try it before doing anything else. The bed of coals will be much different.

 

[Clay-b-que]

Going to get hardwood today. Hopefully some oak. For those that use stick burners how much wood do they use per cook? Estimates?

 

[m-fine]

I would guess a 2 foot by 2 foot stack of 16" splits will get me through an 8-12 hour smoke.

 

[Clay-b-que]

I just picked up some oak and apple. Charcoal is smoking in the starter as I type. Beef ribs are going on in a few. Wish me luck!

 

[Clay-b-que]

I am an hour in and it is holding the temps around 260 middle of the grate furthest from firebox. Middle of the grate that is closest to the firebox is between 20 and 30 degrees hotter. I am happy with it so far!

 

[chet8888]

Awesome! Great job


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[HAYBL]

Looks great!

 

[SmokinBub]

I just picked up some oak and apple. Charcoal is smoking in the starter as I type. Beef ribs are going on in a few. Wish me luck!

Looks delicious! Keep us posted!