First smoked turkey - how much wood?

I did my reseach by searching on this great site. Yes, I have read Mad Max's page, along with 15-20 other threads on cooking a turkey, and I understand the basics: to expect ~15min /pound since it is not brined, but start taking temps at 10 mins / lb if cooked at 325/350.

I also read how poultry apparently takes up a lot of smoke. I would like to add some apple chips for some flavor, but am afraid of adding too much. I know it is a personal taste (no pun intended) but I do not know where to start and when to add the chips to the fire.

I was thinking of getting to temp, adding about 3/4 a cup of soaked chips (not chunks) to the outside of the coals and then putting on the platesetter, drip pan and grate, close up then 10 mins later put on the bird.


Really, I just would like those who have had good results tell me what quantity of apple chips (I do not have pecan) to put in and when during the cook to have a mild subtile smoke flavor.