BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The Digital Smokers (BTDS76P & BTDS108P) => Topic started by: turko77 on January 30, 2010, 07:29:14 AM

Title: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: turko77 on January 30, 2010, 07:29:14 AM
I just bought a bds and would like to vent it out the wall in my garage,since I live in northern mn and would like to use it in the winter..Is there anything I should be aware of to make this work correctly?  I have learned allot just reading this forum for one day!  Allot of helpful people on this site and I really appreciate the help.  I have made one batch of smoked sausage and I got it too hot and they fatted out :-[............not bad,but still learning,  didn't realize the temp swing on it would be that much.  Ordered a pid to help me. out.  Any advice is is very much appreciated!

        turko
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 30, 2010, 07:30:59 AM
Welcome Aboard Turko

There are several different members that have vented out the wall one of them will be along shortly to help you out.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: RAF128 on January 30, 2010, 08:36:17 AM
I did mine but it doesn't go through the wall but out a window.   I cut a piece of ply wood the size of my window,and put the vent through it to the out side.  

Here's a picture of what I have.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/candlelake/picture001.jpg)

I guess it could go through the wall but make sure the vent clears the wall or you'll end up with smoke stains on the out side.   I found that out and will have a big cleaning job in the spring.   
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Klondikesmoker on January 30, 2010, 10:53:20 AM
I did mine out the wall and it works fine.  I also added a 4 inch duct fan.  If I was to do it again I would NOT reduce to 3 inch.  I believe it restricts the flow  a little.  As RAF states extend the vent out past the wall a few inches to avoid stains. 

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j158/gordonschmok/IMG_2047.jpg)

Klondikesmoker
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: turko77 on January 30, 2010, 02:35:43 PM
Thanks for the pics and ideas.............heh klondikesmoker, what does the fan do for ya and is it variable speed.  Did you mount your pipe permanant? Where do youbuy these duct fans at?  This site is very cool! thanx again everybody for the help....


                                              turko
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Klondikesmoker on January 30, 2010, 03:42:13 PM
The fan helps the air flow.  If the fan is not on then the smoke backs up thru the smoke generator, not a good thing.  With the fan on it keeps the smoke and air flowing out the pipe.  It does not rob any heat or excess smoke.  ie with the fan on the smoke still fills the tower.  I got my fan at the local hardware store and they come in 4,6,8,10 inch sizes. (duct fan)  The fan is NOT variable speed but was thinking of adding a switch to it.  the pipe is not permanentley attached to the smoker but there is a whole thru the wall so it is permanent there. 

Klondikesmoker
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: bundy on January 30, 2010, 04:21:59 PM
I also did mine out the window, plus added the 4" duct fan. The fan I use when the wind is wrong and the BDS won't draft, or if I want to clear the smoke out of the box. I made a gap of about 1" between the smoker and the piping out.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: smokeNcanuck on January 31, 2010, 12:33:34 PM
turko77 Welcome to the forum!!

I also vent my OBS through my garage window.  All I use is a piece of flexible duct like RAF128.
I have no in line fan right now but will probably put one in.  As bundy stated if the wind direction is wrong
it will not draft properly causing smoke to back up in to the generator.  Just don't seal the vent pipe
to your Bradley, you need it to draw air from inside the garage as well as the smoke from inside your cabinet.

Good Luck and Good SmokeN! :D
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: turko77 on January 31, 2010, 03:08:41 PM
Thanks everybody for the help..I now gotta plan
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 01:20:18 AM
Sorry Klondikesmoker what cfm is you fan pls? And you know the adjustable vent on top of the smoker did you take it of or is it still there and if is still there i guess you always let it full open? And last one what type of on/off switch comes with your fan? Did you wired it your self or it came prewired? THX
                                                    Frank
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: MPTubbs on February 03, 2010, 04:35:51 AM
You have to wire the fan to your power source.

You can also put in line a dimmer switch for fan speed.

Notch out the duct so the handle of the vent is sticking out and mark on the the top of your smoker Closed...1/2 open...wide open.

I personally would have the end of the duct about 6 to 12 inches above the vent so it can draw in fresh air while the fan was running.

You don't want to suck out the smoke/heat out of the tower.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 05:30:24 AM
OK thx one more question pls, at the end of the duct i mean the end that goes outside would you put a kind of grate or screen of a kind to patch the hole or not?
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: RAF128 on February 03, 2010, 05:42:10 AM
I didn't but mine uses the window and when not in use, I take it out and close the window.    If you have it permanently vented through a wall you might want to consider doing something to cap the pipe to keep birds and whatever from coming in.   I have thought about putting something on the end of mine to adjust away from the direction of the wind.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: OU812 on February 03, 2010, 05:46:40 AM
I have a dryer vent on the end of mine.

(http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/OU812_bucket/sides/Dec12_0001.jpg)

This is when the vent fan is on.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 05:51:31 AM
OK thx just to clarify the things i have no garage I'm just thinking of building a kind of Bradley hotel like i seen here in this forum. I guess its the same thing same method.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Klondikesmoker on February 03, 2010, 08:18:13 AM
Quote from: toker on February 03, 2010, 01:20:18 AM
Sorry Klondikesmoker what cfm is you fan pls?
   No idea what the cfm is just a standard 4 inch duct fan.

And you know the adjustable vent on top of the smoker did you take it of or is it still there and if is still there i guess you always let it full open?
  Vent adjuster is still there I can lift the pipe to adjust it.

And last one what type of on/off switch comes with your fan?
   There is no switch I just plug it in or not.  I have been thinking about putting a dimmer switch in.


Did you wired it your self or it came prewired? THX
  I had to wire it myself,  I just put a plug on it. 

at the end of the duct i mean the end that goes outside would you put a kind of grate or screen of a kind to patch the hole or not?
   I did put a dryer vent on the outside end of the pipe but with the extra cold weather here I took one of the flaps off as it was freezing shut. 
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j158/gordonschmok/IMG_2069.jpg)


I notice some recommend leaving space between the smoker and the  pipe.  I have not had any problems leaving it right on top of the smoker.  I am still able to keep the smoker up to temp and it doesn't suck out all the smoke.   I have tried it with a gap but it doesn't seem to make any difference, except some smoke gets into the garage.   I will extend the pipe out a couple of inches to avoid the dripping onto the house siding.  I am sure this will be an ugly job in the spring to clean. 


Klondikesmoker
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 08:25:41 AM
I used a 4" Inductor fan for mine that is rated at 80 cfm.

If you want a variable speed control, make sure to get one that is made for an AC motor and not a dimmer switch for lights.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 08:31:36 AM
Quote from: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 08:25:41 AM
I used a 4" Inductor fan for mine that is rated at 80 cfm.

If you want a variable speed control, make sure to get one that is made for an AC motor and not a dimmer switch for lights.

Do you use one speed control yourself or just the fan without it? Is 80 cfm just enough or too much strength? i just bought one like your a 80 cfm not installed yet. My plan would be not using one and since i will be using it outside and i have no choice than using a power strip i will use one with a on/off switch anyway my fan came prewired.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 08:57:30 AM
Quote from: toker on February 03, 2010, 08:31:36 AM
Quote from: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 08:25:41 AM
I used a 4" Inductor fan for mine that is rated at 80 cfm.

If you want a variable speed control, make sure to get one that is made for an AC motor and not a dimmer switch for lights.

Do you use one speed control yourself or just the fan without it? Is 80 cfm just enough or too much strength? i just bought one like your a 80 cfm not installed yet.

Just wired mine to a 3 prong cord, no switch. Used all 4" pipe except for a 6" to 4" reducer on top of the smoker. Had to play with it a bit and wound up raising it about 1" from the smoker because mine was dropping the temp in the smoker. I've had no moisture at all coming from the vent and I think it's because of the high volume of air it moves.

It kind of works like a miniature version of the one OU812 made. Smoker Hood (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=13927.msg168598#msg168598)

His is real sweet!

Hope this helps some.  ;D
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 09:06:09 AM
Sorry i don't understand the need for the 6" to 4" reducer it was not wide enough for the bradley need?
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 09:09:35 AM
The 6" just covers the Bradley vent better with less smoke escaping.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 09:12:13 AM
OK THX now i know how to make it  :D
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: OU812 on February 03, 2010, 09:13:26 AM
I put a variable speed switch for a ceiling fan on mine, mainly so I can turn the fan speed down. I havent needed to turn the speed to high yet, it runs at just over half speed and keeps up with the smoker. Also I can shut the fan off with out havin to un plug it.

A plain ol on off switch will work too.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 09:19:55 AM
Quote from: OU812 on February 03, 2010, 09:13:26 AM
I put a variable speed switch for a ceiling fan on mine, mainly so I can turn the fan speed down. I havent needed to turn the speed to high yet, it runs at just over half speed and keeps up with the smoker. Also I can shut the fan off with out havin to un plug it.

A plain ol on off switch will work too.

If I wasn't renting OU812, I would try to make mine just like yours. It has to be the nicest one I've seen!

;D ;D
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 09:33:00 AM
I live in an apartement too  ;) thats why i will be building a kind of bradley hotel. But as far as the fan speed variable goes for my inline 80 cfm duct fan can i use it with my fan?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Speedster-Variable-Speed-Fan-Control-ventilation_W0QQitemZ110488800842QQihZ001QQcategoryZ43555QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26ps%3D6

thx again.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 09:35:59 AM
Quote from: toker on February 03, 2010, 09:33:00 AM
I live in an apartement too  ;) thats why i will be building a kind of bradley hotel. But as far as the fan speed variable goes for my inline 80 cfm duct fan can i use it with my fan?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Speedster-Variable-Speed-Fan-Control-ventilation_W0QQitemZ110488800842QQihZ001QQcategoryZ43555QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26ps%3D6

thx again.

Looks like it should work.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: OU812 on February 03, 2010, 09:36:13 AM
Thanks Hawkeye

Even in this cold ass weather were havin theres no condensation build up out side and the flappy thing dont freeze shut on the outside eather.


toker

The variable speed switch will work fine.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 09:40:02 AM
Great i will buy one thx for the confirmation.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: RAF128 on February 03, 2010, 10:32:41 AM
I don't know but IMO an 80cfm fan is going to move a lot of air.    I wonder if there would be any smoke in the tower.   Also it would suck a lot of heat out to.   
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 10:43:47 AM
So what range of CFM do you suggest? More like 40 CFM?
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: RAF128 on February 03, 2010, 10:57:18 AM
I'm no expert with in line fans.    If I were to put one in I'd go with smallest I could get and then put a reostat switch on it.   Then I would be a matter of experimenting to find what works best.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 11:04:56 AM
Its a chance that ive just bought it too  :o
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: OU812 on February 03, 2010, 11:27:47 AM
Quote from: toker on February 03, 2010, 11:04:56 AM
Its a chance that ive just bought it too  :o

The variable speed switch will slow the fan down to the CFM you need.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 11:49:40 AM
Hey look what i just found on the web about inline duct fans...and i just bought a speed controller  >:(

Can I use a rheostat or fan speed control with an In-Line Duct Fan?
No. A rheostat lowers the voltage supplied to the fan motor. This will cause the motor to overheat and the Thermal Protector will open, destroying the motor. A solid-state fan speed control could be used. The problem is that such a control allows the fan to be adjusted to very low RPM's. Since the electric motor needs air flowing over it for cooling, adjusting to too low a RPM will cause the motor to overheat. That will cause the Thermal Protector to open, destroying the motor and voiding the Warranty. Since the speed the motor is adjusted by the user and is not under the control of Suncourt, we advise against using a solid-state motor speed control.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: OU812 on February 03, 2010, 11:54:01 AM
Well it aint like your goin to turn the fan down that low to do that.

If you did the fan wont move the smoke out.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 11:55:44 AM
Quote from: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 09:35:59 AM
Quote from: toker on February 03, 2010, 09:33:00 AM
I live in an apartment too ;) that's why i will be building a kind of Bradley hotel. But as far as the fan speed variable goes for my in line 80 cfm duct fan can i use it with my fan?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Speedster-Variable-Speed-Fan-Control-ventilation_W0QQitemZ110488800842QQihZ001QQcategoryZ43555QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26ps%3D6

thx again.

Looks like it should work.

are you sure i could use it with my in line fan according what i just found and posted? A confirmation or a clarification would be nice. I'm really worry i just bought one speed controller not even 1h ago.  ???
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: TTNuge on February 03, 2010, 02:52:50 PM
Honestly, I am using an 80cfm fan in the following run and I can't see any reason you'd ever want to turn it down.  It's not a huge amount of suction, just a nice reasonable about that keeps air flowing through the ducting.  I would just wire it up and disregard any type of speed control.

(http://images54.fotki.com/v552/photos/9/910849/8294517/IMG_1419-vi.jpg)
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: Toker on February 03, 2010, 03:10:04 PM
ok but i have no garage me only an enclosure like bradley hotel that i seen on an other post in this forum its more like  4x4x4 might be extremly too much. i did not find any lower cfm fan thats why i bought the 80 cfm.
Title: Re: Venting my bds out the wall
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on February 03, 2010, 05:19:28 PM
Suncourt has a solid state fan control so you should be able to use one. Don't use a rheostat.

Variable Speed Fan Control (http://www.suncourt.com/Residential%20Accessories.html)