New guy questions on GF smoker

[nolannn]

Hello Im Nolan and new to this site. Ive finished a GF smoker build and bring to learn how to use it.
Can someone help me with questions about GF smokers. How do you mix chunks of wood with the charcoal. Ive been putting pieces of wood in the ash tray for now but want to try mixing in the coal. If your using uniform sized charcoal and wood chunks the same size. would it be a 10 to 1?

also how low of a temp can you go? Is something like 130f for smoke sticks possible?

This is my smoker. A 1" insulated barrier that slides in where a grate goes saves me on charcoal for smaller cooks.
Ive used it as electric smoker for low temps for cooks like sausage and sticks.

BTW. Pictures go sideways. no knowledge yet how to straighten it.

[dacolson]

Welcome Nolan. Not a gf guy myself but there are a bunch on here. Good luck!

[Pete Mazz]

Welcome

[JKalchik]

I can run my double pan GF with a HeaterMeter down to 175 F or so on natural lump charcoal. I haven't tried any lower since I put a larger fan & damper assembly on it. I suspect it'd work pretty well, seeing how well it holds 175 now.

As far as flavoring wood ratios go.... that's going to depend on how heavily you want the flavoring smoke to be. I burn about 1.25 to 1.5 lbs/ hr, if you want a couple of fist sized lumps per hour, there's where I'd be loading it. I've been using oak natural lump, and have been pretty happy with the results. Hickory lump also works well, I haven't tried mesquite yet (but I should.)