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Starting and temp regulation

hashissmokin
hashissmokin Posts: 238
in EggHead Forum
Anyone else have trouble getting their lump started, and once started getting up to higher temps?  Most of the time I don't even use the daisy wheel and leave the damper wide open.  Just wondering if there is something that I'm doing wrong. 
LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • dldawes1
    dldawes1 Posts: 2,208
    Ready  ?  .......use Rockwood !!

    I use a couple twisted and tied paper towels with a little vegetable oil drizzled on them. I place them at 11 and 1 o'clock near the back of the egg.

    Sometimes I use a little 91% alcohol if I am in a hurry.  Sometimes I use both.


    Never have a problem.

    Donnie Dawes - RNNL8 BBQ - Carrollton, KY  

    TWIN XLBGEs, 1-Beautiful wife, 1 XS Yorkie

    I'm keeping serious from now on...no more joking around from me...Meatheads !! 


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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    That may be my problem.  I bought some Charcoal from Tractor Supply that seems to be pretty good, at least looks good.  Big chunks, no rocks or anything of that nature.
    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • dldawes1
    dldawes1 Posts: 2,208
    There is a difference in lumps.   

    I think most veterans here will agree. 

    But we all have our favorites. I have not tried very many, but Rockwood far outweighs all of the ones I have tried....( Frontier and Cowboy).   These are the only ones I've tried....I cannot force myself to change from Rockwood. It is consistent, and dependable. A little pricy....but satisfying !!!!!

    Try my lighting method and see what you think. There are as many ways to light it as there are brands of lump !!!!!!!

    Donnie Dawes - RNNL8 BBQ - Carrollton, KY  

    TWIN XLBGEs, 1-Beautiful wife, 1 XS Yorkie

    I'm keeping serious from now on...no more joking around from me...Meatheads !! 


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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    I can't find any rockwood!  only thing that is available to me are the **** lump charcoals from wal mart and lowes
    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • Brisket_Fanatic
    Brisket_Fanatic Posts: 2,885
    edited June 2016

    The only time I have had any issues with the lump you call "****" from Wal-Mart is when I hadn't cleaned out the egg in awhile and the holes were all clogged. Fire needs fuel and oxygen to burn hot so I would check to make sure all the air holes are open. Also is may sound weird but double check your fire box opening is lined up with the base door opening. May be something as simple as that, otherwise give some Royal Oak lump a try from wal-mart and see how it goes. 

    NW IA

    2 LBGE, 1 SBGE, 22.5 WSM, 1 Smokey Joe and Black Stone

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  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
    You should be able to find Royal Oak lump near you.  It is a good quality lump (yes I prefer Rockwood, but RO is good).  Many use RO and are satisfied with it.

    " I bought some Charcoal from Tractor Supply that seems to be pretty good, at least looks good."  Use sound to judge lump - more reliable than looks.
    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
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  • Ladeback69
    Ladeback69 Posts: 4,484
    @hashissmokin, here is were Rockwood is close to you.  I have a XL and have no trouble getting up to 400 in about 20 mintues or so.  It is worth the drive and get more then one bag.  Royal Oak is usually sold at Walmart and it isn't to bad.


    XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill

    Kansas City, Mo.
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  • Ladeback69
    Ladeback69 Posts: 4,484
    Here is the search I used to find it.
    http://rockwoodcharcoal.com/where-to-buy-lump-charcoal/

    XL, WSM, Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill

    Kansas City, Mo.
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  • hoosier_egger
    hoosier_egger Posts: 6,808
    I usually hit my lump with a 5 second blast from the MAP gas torch. Works every time. I've never had issues getting temps up, but I'm one of those use a shopvac for ash guys too :)
    ~ John - Formerly known as ColtsFan  - https://www.instagram.com/hoosier_egger
    XL BGE, LG BGE, Med BGE, BGE Chiminea, Ardore Pizza Oven
    Bloomington, IN - Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!

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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    I generally use a shop vac too.  It's been quite some time since I last cleaned it out though.  That was probably part of my problem.  I use those propane torches but those can be a pain the ass.  The minute there is any air whatsoever coming off the coal it immediately goes out

    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    I doubt it's your charcoal, but what brand are you using? You certainly do not need to spend premium prices to get lump that will light easily and get hot. How are you lighting it?

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • hoosier_egger
    hoosier_egger Posts: 6,808
    edited June 2016
    hashissmokin said:
    I generally use a shop vac too.  It's been quite some time since I last cleaned it out though.  That was probably part of my problem.  I use those propane torches but those can be a pain the ass.  The minute there is any air whatsoever coming off the coal it immediately goes out

    That sounds like wet lump...Has it ever gotten wet? Are you leaving the lid open while getting your lump going?
    ~ John - Formerly known as ColtsFan  - https://www.instagram.com/hoosier_egger
    XL BGE, LG BGE, Med BGE, BGE Chiminea, Ardore Pizza Oven
    Bloomington, IN - Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!

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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    ColtsFan said:
    hashissmokin said:
    I generally use a shop vac too.  It's been quite some time since I last cleaned it out though.  That was probably part of my problem.  I use those propane torches but those can be a pain the ass.  The minute there is any air whatsoever coming off the coal it immediately goes out

    That sounds like wet lump...Has it ever gotten wet? Are you leaving the lid open while getting your lump going?

    I am leaving the lid open.  I keep my lump in one of those deck boxes that are generally used to store cushions for patio furniture.  It shouldn't be wet.
    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • Acn
    Acn Posts: 4,490
    Carolina Q said:
    I doubt it's your charcoal, but what brand are you using? You certainly do not need to spend premium prices to get lump that will light easily and get hot. How are you lighting it?
    I agree with this - the biggest difference I've noticed in the premium vs. non-premium lump is the speed to burn clean, not the speed to light and get to a certain temperature.  It has to be airflow.  Maybe an obvious question, but is the hole in the firebox lined up with the opening on the egg?

    LBGE

    Pikesville, MD

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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    Acn said:
    Carolina Q said:
    I doubt it's your charcoal, but what brand are you using? You certainly do not need to spend premium prices to get lump that will light easily and get hot. How are you lighting it?
    I agree with this - the biggest difference I've noticed in the premium vs. non-premium lump is the speed to burn clean, not the speed to light and get to a certain temperature.  It has to be airflow.  Maybe an obvious question, but is the hole in the firebox lined up with the opening on the egg?
    yeah it is lined up.
    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • dldawes1
    dldawes1 Posts: 2,208
    edited June 2016
    hashissmokin.....I thought Mike at Bluegrass in Versailes, went out of business. Bluegrass might still be selling Eggs and Rockwood though....I'm not sure.

    I thought I asked before, but do not remember seeing a reply....where are you located? I'll hook you up with some Rockwood if you want to try it.


    Donnie Dawes - RNNL8 BBQ - Carrollton, KY  

    TWIN XLBGEs, 1-Beautiful wife, 1 XS Yorkie

    I'm keeping serious from now on...no more joking around from me...Meatheads !! 


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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    Paris, KY.  about 15 miles north of Lexington
    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    161 Woodmont Dr. Paris KY. 40361
    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • dldawes1
    dldawes1 Posts: 2,208
    I'll message you and we can set up a delivery. I'll fix you up !!!!

    Donnie Dawes - RNNL8 BBQ - Carrollton, KY  

    TWIN XLBGEs, 1-Beautiful wife, 1 XS Yorkie

    I'm keeping serious from now on...no more joking around from me...Meatheads !! 


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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    Thanks man!

    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • hoosier_egger
    hoosier_egger Posts: 6,808
    hashissmokin said:
    161 Woodmont Dr. Paris KY. 40361
    I'll send you some IU gear :)
    ~ John - Formerly known as ColtsFan  - https://www.instagram.com/hoosier_egger
    XL BGE, LG BGE, Med BGE, BGE Chiminea, Ardore Pizza Oven
    Bloomington, IN - Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!

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  • hashissmokin
    hashissmokin Posts: 238
    ColtsFan said:
    hashissmokin said:
    161 Woodmont Dr. Paris KY. 40361
    I'll send you some IU gear :)
    That I will promptly use to start my next cook!
    LBGE, Paris, KY.
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  • Darby_Crenshaw
    Darby_Crenshaw Posts: 2,657
    fundamentally, you should be able to use any lump, now leaf blowers or special gizmos, and just ligjt the lump and reach nuke temps in 20-30 minutes.

    before you run out looking for different brands or solutions, simply make sure the thing is free of ash.  light in a couple spots, shu the dome, and wait.  no daisy, and an open lower vent.

    that should do it
    [social media disclaimer: irony and sarcasm may be used in some or all of user's posts; emoticon usage is intended to indicate moderately jocular social interaction; the comments toward users, their usernames, and the real people (living or dead) that they refer to are not intended to be adversarial in nature; those replying to this user are entering into a tacit agreement that they are real-life or social-media acquaintances and/or have agreed to or tacitly agreed to perpetrate occasional good-natured ribbing between and among themselves and others]

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  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    edited June 2016
    hashissmokin said:
    I use those propane torches but those can be a pain the ass.  The minute there is any air whatsoever coming off the coal it immediately goes out

    According to the guy I talked to at Bernzomatic, propane torch heads are not designed to work well when inverted. The MAP-Pro heads are. You don't need to use the expensive MAP-Pro gas, standard propane is fine. I use regular cheap propane with a Bernzomatic TS8000 torch and it never goes out.

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • logchief
    logchief Posts: 1,431
    Try a complete clean out.  Pull out the platesetter ring and the bowl below and get out the shop vac and completely clean it out.  RO is the only thing I can get locally.

    Mamby Pamby CA won't let Rockwood sell in CA because they won't change their labeling to meet air quality requirement.
    LBGE - I like the hot stuff.  The big dry San Joaquin Valley, Clovis, CA 
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  • DTEgg
    DTEgg Posts: 93
    Gotta keep the lump dry. The paper bags can absorb moisture if left exposed on patio or such. I use BGE and Royal Oak lump since no place close to here does Rockwood.  I have no trouble getting 600+ out of either and the lump size is decent for both, the BGE lump is better but also more expensive.  Menards carries RO lump in an 8lb green bag, walmart usually has RO in an orange bag, seems to be the same stuff.  With the daisy wheel and bottom vent completely open I usually hit 350 within 15 minutes, quicker if the lid is open. Good luck!
    LBGE
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  • dldawes1
    dldawes1 Posts: 2,208
    Not trying to jump in...too much....but I probably only clean my egg out every 4 or 5 months ( before I started disassembling to moving egg often). I only rake out the ash with ash tool through the bottom vent and fire away. I never have trouble reaching temps or lighting.

    Donnie Dawes - RNNL8 BBQ - Carrollton, KY  

    TWIN XLBGEs, 1-Beautiful wife, 1 XS Yorkie

    I'm keeping serious from now on...no more joking around from me...Meatheads !! 


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  • stlcharcoal
    stlcharcoal Posts: 4,759
    dldawes1 said:
    hashissmokin.....I thought Mike at Bluegrass in Versailes, went out of business. Bluegrass might still be selling Eggs and Rockwood though....I'm not sure.
    The dealership is now under Henry Power Equipment.  Bluegrass was located inside of their store in Versailles.  
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  • DieselkW
    DieselkW Posts: 915
    Rockwood
    Wicked Good
    Kamado Joe
    Royal Oak
    Fogo
    Kebracho

    If you can't find good quality lump near you, Amazon is your friend, or FireCraft if you don't mind spending $100 for free shipping.

    I bought my first bags of Kamado Joe lump during the Costco road show...
    I'm very impressed (two cooks) so far.

    I wonder if @stlcharcoal is private labeling for them.? =)

    Indianapolis, IN

    BBQ is a celebration of culture in America. It is the closest thing we have to the wines and cheeses of Europe. 

    Drive a few hundred miles in any direction, and the experience changes dramatically. 



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  • stlcharcoal
    stlcharcoal Posts: 4,759
    DieselkW said:

    I wonder if @stlcharcoal is private labeling for them.? =)
    Nope!
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