How to Build a Smoker for Beekeepers
Beekeepers wear protective suits to keep their bodies and faces safe from bee strings. However, they also use smokers. When smoke is pumped near the bees, they gorge themselves on honey and don't go into attack mode. This gives the beekeeper time to access the hives and honey. A homemade smoker can be constructed two cans, a funnel and a bellows which doubles as a handle.
Things You'll Need
- Large metal can
- Power drill
- Small metal can
- Small metal clips
- Soldering gun
- Solder
- Metal funnel
- Fire bellows
Instructions
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1
Place the large can onto your worktable. Mark and drill out a hole one-inch from the sealed bottom rim. Make the hole the same size or slightly larger than the nozzle of your bellows.
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2
Turn your smaller tin can over and drill a few small holes into the bottom lid of the can. The holes will act as ventilation for your smoker. Drill out as many holes as possible, leaving about a 1/8-inch space between each hole.
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3
Drop the smaller can into the larger one. Lift it out just enough so the open rims of the two cans are aligned. Clip the rims together with your small metal clips. This will prevent the smaller can from sliding back in as you work. Solder the rims of the cans together with your soldering gun. Make sure to move the metal clips as you solder all the way around. They are only used to hold the cans together as you work. Make sure the two cans are soldered completely together and make a seal between each other.
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4
Slip the funnel over the top of the cans, with the spout pointing up and away. Push the funnel down so it's snug, but can be removed for lighting the smoker. Bend the rim of the funnel down over the can a little to better hold its place. Slip the bellows into the hole you made in the larger can. Solder the bellows to the can so it holds in place.
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Tips & Warnings
To avoid harming the bees, burn a fuel with a cool smoke, such as pine needles or burlap.
References
- Photo Credit hiver apiaristk beekeeper beeyard image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
