How long do I smoke?

[rkp]

I'm a newbie to smoking and as I'm finding out there's a lot to learn. Although I haven't made any dog food yet. I'm finding that the time for each batch is so hard to get a feel for. I smoked a 8 lb batch of sausage for 3hrs of apple and it was a light smoke flavor, but then I did a 5 lb batch for 3hrs with hickory and it was strong. I know hickory is a stronger flavor. Nepa has the secret slim jim recipe and I saw the smoke routine for like 11 hrs on a 10 lb batch to get an it of 152?. Seems like I should cut the smoke and time for a 5lb batch ?? Is there a place to find smoking times or is it hit and miss learning?? I won't even get started on stuffing casings!!!???   Thanks for all your help.   

[TedEbear]

There seems to be a lot of helpful tips that you can find at the link below.

http://www.susanminor.org/forums/index.php

[classicrockgriller]

I think I posted those times and NO I don't smoke snack sticks for 11 hrs.

Those were ramping times and temps. On snack sticks I use 3 hrs of smoke

at the 140* temp.

You will have to decide the amount of smoke time and the wood you use

based on your taste.

I have found I like more smoke than most here on the forum.