Fire-Proofing the Smoke House and Smoking Wild Venison! (part 2)

After a devastating fire burned down the original smoke house, we re-engineered the design to prevent future issues from 'over-firing' the smoke house!
Life is about learning for your mistakes!
SMOKE HOUSE VIDEO SERIES
Part 1 (the original build): • I Built a Meat Smoke H...
Part 2 (overnight - smokehouse burn down): • First Overnight at the...
Part 3 (re-build): • Fire-Proofing the Smok...
At first I thought I could use some duct work, but I discovered that this was galvanized and would give off zinc fumes if the temperatures reached over 200C or ??F. I then used muriatic acid to try to remove the zinc, but this was extremely toxic. If galvanized metal get too hot, the zinc vaporizes and can attach to food particles potentially making people really sick when the eat the smoked food. Symptoms of zinc poisoning include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. During prolonged exposure the effects can include low copper levels, lower immunity, and low levels of HDL cholesterol.
Then I figured I could simply line the inside of the smoke house with cement board which will not burn. There are some styrofoam mixed into the board, but these were fired off with a torch and are not as volatile as the zinc.
A smokehouse is a small building where meat or fish is cured with smoke. Smoke works to cure and preserve the meat for long term storage without the use of refrigeration. If done correctly, smoked meats can last without spoiling for up to a year or more.
In traditional use, smokehouses served as a place to both smoke and preserve meat, but also to store it for long term use. In long term storage, salt and smoke were used in combination to effectively dry and cure the meat by removing all or most of the moisture. This prevents bacteria and molds forming which destroys the meat. Some houses also ward off animals from accessing the meats as smoke makes the environment inhospitable.
Before modern refrigeration and freezers, salting was a mainstay.
Various woods can be used for smoking, but all should be wet enough so that they burn cold and inefficiently. These woods will produce incomplete combustion - smoke. Apple wood, cherry, some spruce and alder make great smoking agents and impart nice flavor to meats.
A smoke house is a simple small box, or house with a vent at the top, not air tight. Wood is placed in a lower box and piped in to the space to encircle the meats. Wood is burned slowly, but persistently over time. Meats can be smoked for hours or days depending on personal reference and types of meats, cultures and desired use.
Over time, the smoke house will blacken, further protecting the smoke house from pests.
"Self-Reliance" is an 1841 essay written by American transcendentalist philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. It contains the most thorough statement of one of Emerson's recurrent themes: the need for each individual to avoid conformity and false consistency, and follow his own instincts and ideas. This channel will approach self reliance from a modern perspective. and will focus on various build projects using modern amenities, and tools to build a completely self reliant lifestyle.
Best woods for smoking include:
1. Oak. Good wood for new smokers. Medium strong flavor. Good for lamb, beef, brisket, and sausages.
2. Hickory. Most versatile. Too much smoke will be bitter. The smoke though is sweet, savory and hearty. Good for ribs, pork shoulders, red meat and poultry.
3. Maple. Subtle smoke. Sweet, light mild. Good for poultry, pork, foul.
4. Mesquite. Hardy with intense flavor, use modestly. Good for red meat.
5. Pecan. Rich, sweet, nutty flavor. Good for briskets, roasts, and ribs
6. Apple. Mild, sweet, mellow. Good for chicken, wild foul, pork.
7. Alder. Light, sweet, delicate. Good for fish, like salmon, trout.
8. Cherry. Mild, fruity. Good for chicken, turkey, ham.
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"Self-Reliance" is an 1841 essay written by American transcendentalist philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. It contains the most thorough statement of one of Emerson's recurrent themes: the need for each individual to avoid conformity and false consistency, and follow his own instincts and ideas. This channel will approach self reliance from a modern perspective. and will focus on various build projects using modern amenities, and tools to build a completely self reliant lifestyle.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

*If you enjoyed this video, please consider sharing it!* SMOKE HOUSE VIDEO SERIES Part 1 (the original build): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpndgKh4rb14hcU Part 2 (overnight - smokehouse burn down): kzbin.info/www/bejne/op2Zh2Vjerp3h8U Part 3 (re-build): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn-VhZyFZctrgck

[@thomaslewis448]

Obviously you don’t have to produce love to be deserving but you the man. Seen with everyone.

[@kenharty6016]

I like watching your vids bro.

[@ronniehaines2155]

You should put your drip pan drain out side of your smoke house so you don’t over flow your can and catch fire again

[@barrel_of_toast]

It's poam time

[@DOWNMFDOWNMF]

Keep your smoker all Cedar like you had it before but building underground pipe that comes into the side of the bottom of your smoker have a firebox 5 ft 8 ft 10 ft away on the ground and run all your heat and smoke through a pipe that is late in a trench under the ground coming into your Smokehouse. And doing a brisket like that in a Smokehouse you don't bring it to temperature like you would a traditional BBQ Pit smoker what you built is more traditionally is for cold smoking. If you want to make you a pit or a smoke Ox for cooking briskets or any other kind of meats that you have to have at a certain temperature build one out of all that big rock all around your place with a big fire box that's offset from your grill so you're not cooking directly above the fire and build a drain system for all the drippings that would make it self cleaning while you cook

[@ALs-Outdoors]

My wife and I enjoy watching your channel

[@DeHGhamEz]

With Ryan's kzbin.infoUgkxy_pn55PK60wAV3X_C_RoLS_67mNonoCE plan I was like one taken by the hand and led step by step from start to finish. Thank you very much Ryan!

[@ImRichRu]

You need a water pan for the drippings. It will keep the meat moist, modulate the average temp and prevent the drippings from catching fire. like 1 or 2 inches of water as big as the drip area.

[@mattivirta]

i has smoke meat,pork,fish,cheese last 50 year and not newer has need water anywere in smoker room, i have 50 year has my granddad build old smoker and newer not burn, only big idiot burn,

[@xevenx]

what an amazing comment, very helpful 🤣@@mattivirta

[@screddot7074]

I burned down the old smoke house on my grandfathers farm. I was burning brush and the wind shifted toward the smoke house which was covered in tar paper. Didn't take much for the tar paper to ignite. I had tools to contain a fire, but not to put out a fire. All I could do was stand there and watch it burn - all the way to the ground.

[@mattivirta]

only totally amateur idiot burn smoker, i has smoke ewery weekend meat,pork,fish,cheese, and last 50 year not has burn.

[@DILLIGAF65]

Love that you used the old burnt wood and didn't replace it, it just shows that we all make mistakes and instead of trying to sweep it under the rug you leave it out there to remind yourself that no one is perfect. Also, like you I wouldn't have trusted the galvanized sheet metal but it would have made a good outer box (second line of defense),you could have built the cement board box inside of it,no zinc issues then. Regardless, looks great, the charred wood gives it character.

[@VotteyDaily]

Hello

[@MiscMitz]

Great rehab. Adds character. Just wanted to let you know that I will continue to watch every video (I'm a little behind) but they are really cracking down at work, so I won't be able to comment as often. Please know that one of the thumbs 👍 is mine.

[@bigbuckdown6588]

That cement board stinks like hell when it gets hot. I laid a sheet of that under a barrel wood stove (6" clearance) in my old deer camp tent one time. It off-gassed some horrible stench filled toxic fumes. I hope you have better luck with it.

[@domnuflick8739]

The New eyebrows are great🤣 Couldn't wait anymore for the video to come out so thank you very much.

[@jeffb5513]

Have you thought of separating the fire from the smoker? Having the fire box at a lower level where the rising smoke enters the bottom of the separate smoker box. Maybe add a thermometer on the smoker.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

The thermometer company was gonna send us a replacement.

[@davidquesada8704]

@@ModernSelfReliance just get a good ole fashioned analog thermometer which are still used in home/boat and RV ovens. Slap one of those on the stainless door and Bob’s your uncle.

[@glg3945]

I was really impressed with how "spot on straight" you applied your eyebrows and mustache with the charcoal with NO MIRROR!! WOW! A+! 😁🤣🤪🥸 Great video, wildly fun and informative 👍. Peace and good fortune and good health to you and your family .

[@VotteyDaily]

H

[@mindym.1166]

I’d like to see if he could properly apply lipstick while driving a car like my mom used to do in the 70s. Bet he could.

[@gmgmotionstudios5575]

I have recently started watching your channel and I love your humour and your videos!!

[@michaelkathylynch5237]

"safety eventually" funniest thing I've heard all year!

[@stevenedwards4470]

That was a wild scene you had there. I'm glad it worked out. I think I would've gone to the dump for another abandoned boiler and done something with that. Bulletproof.

[@Michigan_North_Woods]

Nice! Helps to build a fire a little ways from the actual smoke house.

[@thomaslewis448]

It feels like you’re more, dare I say, fired up

[@VotteyDaily]

Hey

[@thomaslewis448]

@@VotteyDaily keep it up little dude

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

😄 the eyebrows Glad to see you salvaged the smoker👍

[@thegoodfooddude7395]

You have so much posative energy all the time my dude. You are so upbeat. a Smoker you put time and work into BURNS, and yet your pretty well unfazed. Its almost like it burning down is just an excuse to have another project to work on.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

It happens.

[@nealmacdonald9896]

Wire brush the burnt parts. It comes out looking brown streaky. Did that to an entire home once...all the 12by12s and 6 by 12s. Great look.

[@AmRealityInc]

Appreciate the inclusion of the galvanized option. It's cool to see the whole thought process and the Ideas that work and the ones that don't.

[@РаисаСтасилович-ц6з]

Браво, Мастер Золотые Руки!!! Ещё лучше, чем было до пожара!!! Ваша доченька - прелесть!!! Восхищение из Минска!

[@getcrackin6778]

The smoke house i like consists of a separate smoke area with smoke channeled in from a barbeque grill.

[@Keachybean]

I came here late but now love your channel. You start and complete projects fast enough to keep me interested and your sense of humour is fantastic! Thank you.

[@dianeadkins1281]

So glad you were watching it and didn't burn down the forest, those trees close to the smoke house needs to go

[@benives254]

You're lucky to have so many armchair professionals to give you advice.

[@eugeneplay9416]

That is a very good point :-)

[@VotteyDaily]

hey brother

[@theycallmebacon5692]

I apologise for I didn't look through the comments prior to using the terminology "armchair professional" I feel as though I plagerized your comment a little. My deepest apologies.

[@benives254]

@@theycallmebacon5692 All will be forgiven as long as you spell it plagiarised for ever more. Bloody 'z' 😉

[@theycallmebacon5692]

@@benives254 lol 😁no the z stayz I had to fight autocorrect to put the z in it.

[@valmora1094]

You could be a cartoon villain with the brows and mustache. Snidley Whiplash. Perfect name

[@BobBob-bl6kj]

The drawn eyebrows and mustache opener lmao

[@ceruleanfish6703]

My ex had eyebrows so light, she had em tatoo'd on. Guess makeup tatoo-ing is a think. Not self-reliant, but modern for sure.

[@TroyGabe]

I love how you left the burned trim to remind you classic

[@cheskydivision]

I think it’s cute when I see fancy smoke houses. Just build about the same size box with brick or cinder block and just toss dried corn husk on the ground for smoke. Wood shavings for flavor if you like.

[@gridfreedomquest8613]

I don’t know a lot about smokers at all. I have a question about the chimney and smoker chimneys in general. Did you put the chimney out the top for a reason? If you put it lower on the side would the smoke stay trapped longer in the chamber? Is it beneficial to exhaust it faster or slower?

[@ModernSelfReliance]

That's a good question.

[@donfrazelle7752]

You want the smoke to pass under, around and over the meat you are smoking, then exit...vs have it trapped/swirling too slowly in the meat containment area. The smoke must exit this area smoothly and continuously, which is accomplished by a proper diameter flue pipe to create the draw in the metal cylinder chimney, which will help pull ambient air into the firebox rather than 'choking out' the firebox due to lack of airflow. The design of this smoker can serve either as a cold or hot smoker, depending on the size of fire in the firebox. Good job on the improvements from the first build !

[@donfrazelle7752]

The higher up the chimney exit is in the meat containment area, the better airflow/draw you will have.

[@virginiarocks]

Nom! Smoked venison sounds yummy. I like the cement board liner idea and how it looks. 😎

[@Hiker63]

Grant: It’s glowing. 🔥

[@VotteyDaily]

Hi Brother

[@combatreality7363]

The start of this video is awesome

[@hazrdrosenyc9385]

Fingers crossed! Lmao I love that you used the fire 🔥 wood!!! Smokers looking good!

[@ronhart8857]

Glad to see you rebuilt the smoker with some improvements!! The test with some venison jerky and it came out looking very nice! Love the channel, be safe, stay healthy, God Bless everyone.

[@barbararidsdale9036]

The eye brows and moustache looks awesome.

[@TioMostFrio]

You should consider putting a vented dampener on the door where you feed the wood. That way you can control more of the air flow. It would be a easy retrofit as well

[@ModernSelfReliance]

I completely agree. Gotta get the welder fired up.

[@TioMostFrio]

You earned a new sub. I really like your content. I wish you all the best for 2021 and beyond

[@kevintulak9987]

I am looking forward to see what creative use you come up with for the sheet metal box. It looks good, I could almost smell it from here. Thanks for sharing.

[@lgmakes9412]

Your wife is going to love your new eyebrows! I laughed my @$$ off. Thanks for that! Even though the ductwork didn’t turn out, at least you’ve got yet another raised garden bed. 😂

[@TetraResinstone]

😂 you’re so funny! I love your sunny disposition even in the face a fire lmao 😂 Smokey the Bear 🐻 was like 👀 😳 an you were like 😏

[@roger4763]

Sad the Old one burnt down. Good videos as always ofcourse!

[@Princessjasmineeee]

Whoever said you were doing this wrong where you stored the wood should honestly be embarrassed never bring someone down who knows what they’re doing even if they make a mistake ppl learn. The meat turned out looking delicious I always enjoy your project videos they’re fun! As a woman I enjoy it I’m studying to be a very talented Architect and I just enjoy little bits of craftsmanship done by men or women. (: I feel satisfied watching what you create!

[@ModernSelfReliance]

Thanks!

[@BeesBomb]

Thank you for making another smoker.

[@davidreid8353]

Smoker 2.0, nice to see that you upgraded your smoker based on comments provided by your viewers. Looks great!

[@jasonpetrich4141]

Hardy panel is your best friend when doing a home diy smoker or shop fire place!!!!! Its great skirting for houses but its multi purpose. My fireplace pipe is lined with it and could take a 1500° fire im confident. I think you are right about the drippings catching fire, same as a bbq when you don't clean it!!!!!! This should work very well now

[@katchin6891]

Thank you, you always make me laugh and I learn something cool. 👍👍👍💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@ModernSelfReliance]

My pleasure!!

[@chrisstarnes2644]

Ol buddy better than ever what you did to the smoker is smart I so much enjoy watching I'm ready for some beef brisket now good job

[@dangolden7200]

Muriatic acid on galvanized does not remove zinc, but it does etch it and makes it paintable. If after etching you paint with high temp paint, you lock in the zinc and will have no problem. Even if you don't paint, a smoke layer will form eventually that will also lock in the zinc.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

I was able to actually remove the zinc.. I just didn't want to trust it.. Didn't want to risk it.

[@1776PonySoldier]

I had one of those water tanks as a kid and it was awesome for water fights with neighbor kids.

[@Essex121514]

Lol "we're not going to get too high". Nice.😎

[@joecallahan3379]

You're a hoot, informative and entertaining

[@chrisread6103]

That fire was crazy scary in the woods. You handled it fine. Still scary.

[@carmencunningham4904]

You did it again Kevin! You bring out that wonderful community with great comments!Amazing!Blessings to you all! Puerto Rico USA

[@ModernSelfReliance]

Thanks again!

[@emilmaki3001]

You're living the life that I wish I could.

[@donovan2913]

To me, this is one of the most enjoyable yt channels. Keep the vids rolling my friend.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

Thanks, will do!

[@magranamx]

DO NOT, under any circumstance dispose of the drippings in that corn can. That stuff is friggin' delicious! Just let the grease solidify on top and the juices you'll find below are liquid gold

[@antonkool3106]

From a chef pov. i approve this!

[@jasonpetrich4141]

Yes sir makes steak,and eggs the best on the planet.!!!!!!

[@VotteyDaily]

hey

[@theycallmebacon5692]

Yeah I agree with Quim Jardi, plus that grease makes for a fantastic grease sandwich for when you pack a lunch for work and your tired of people eating your lunch at work. I've never made a bologna and bacon grease sandwich and took it to work........

[@ceruleanfish6703]

I add the yes to this, mon dieu !!! (see french, Canadian eh?), that grease would be awesome. Add sadly is probably what was on fire, dripping in the ver. 1 of the smoker when it was over fired I'd gather. Think of the tasty irony!

[@Roadkillstew]

A damn good show. i think youve nailed the smoker this time.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

Hope so.

[@sheilam4964]

Love the tongue-in-cheek. Great vid.

[@tedbonedog]

Great video man! I look forward to your next upload

[@michaelmartinez189]

Your channel is blowing up quick nice job!

[@sawyerandjackfucking]

"A beard"! Super glad the smokehouse is back! I've always wanted (at least access to) one.

[@comicsgatekeeper9746]

Smoker 2.0 looks fabulous

[@lyndior8963]

Using metal cutting snips (aviation snips) - Red handles for counter clockwise cuts - Green handles for clockwise cuts - Yellow handles for straight cuts. 45 years in cutting sheet metal. 😊

[@ModernSelfReliance]

I'm a sucker for the yellows for everything.. but I usually cut steel stud, furring channel, resilient... etc.

[@JoanneFong]

“Safety eventually”. I knew a guy who liked to say “ SafetyThird”. He had patches and t-shirts too, he was really committed.

[@pigeonlady3525]

I love your positive mental attitude 💜

[@marywitt4597]

Out loud laughing when you drew in eyebrows and mustache. Always entertaining Mr. Fancy Pants.

[@VotteyDaily]

Hello brother

[@raydlopez420]

I feel the no eyebrows thing. I overcompensate with a giant beard now lol

[@stephaniemackes5305]

Why haven’t you posted in 4 years 😐

[@0BRAINS0]

@@stephaniemackes5305 he got fired from his security job at the local hospital and couldn't afford anymore activator for his jerry curls.

[@JavidShah246]

Aye bruh! Beard looks good on ya

[@VotteyDaily]

hey brother

[@raydlopez420]

@@stephaniemackes5305, who me? I stopped dealing with the vape industry. But I have thought about doing an outdoor channel or I am planning on buying a farm soon. Maybe that could be interesting.

[@rr8960]

“Safety Eventually!” 😂

[@yuehchih4592]

I am from Taiwan,I like your videos

[@paulsavage33]

the new upgrades look great looking forward to seeing more smoked good for the hobbit storage

[@dper1112]

After charring, you can use an oil, such as boiled linseed oil. There may be others. Or don't, just leave it. Or brush off the surface ash, because that doesn't actually do anything.

[@startpage717]

Awesome rebuild!

[@DaimyoD0]

Now I just kinda want you to go around with the torch and char the rest of the wood to make it match! I love the look of Yakisugi.

[@TheA.K.]

Looks great!! I like that you saved the majority of the original smoker. Char just adds a little character and makes for a great camp fire story.

[@Snowzeus]

Full Stop 🛑. Nice come back👍🏻🎉

[@RandomShip23]

Love you kept the burnt facade as a reminder not to burn it down again haha.

[@thomaslewis448]

Happy Saturday from the lower pnw

[@annesweeney5552]

I was so worried watching that smoker burn 🔥 omgourd I was so shook up ! Lol

[@mrpetef]

Dude, my daughters want to do your eyebrows now! That was hilarious!

[@TinyHouseLife]

Nailed it Kev, shes perfect with style now hahah..

[@edkokosko1759]

Love your channel! I wish stainless or used copper could have been used. I wish I had your knowledge and skills.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

Maybe one day with an unlimited budget.

[@davidquesada8704]

@@ModernSelfReliance unlimited budget? You put lots of money and time into that when all you needed was a foil drip pan.

[@brianwolfe5982]

What a great thing to wake up to... been waiting for this one! Happy smoking!

[@lizs1572]

I am happy your did not use the muriatic acid metal. It will continue to eat away your metals and it at high heat can be just as dangerous..I enjoy your journey through this.. Also think about another fire extinguisher, water and grease do not mix. Be careful and have a good day.

[@ModernSelfReliance]

I figured as much... wasn't fun.

[@barbararidsdale9036]

Nice upgrade to the smoker.

[@marianockster]

Now it is a better smoker! Congratulations for your great job, I would love to help building that amazing cube

[@vbosh7734]

Nice to see you kept some of the "shou sugi ban" exterior. The whole thing looks awesome. Pork belly would be great in that. Maybe even some nice smoked Eggplant or tomatoes.

[@24CiViC]

Nice improvements and well done! 👏🏻🔥

[@redhauscreator146]

SMOKER 2.O may I make a suggestion since everyone else is haha. Use charcoal instead of wood. The reason being that you want to smoke things not induce flame. Or reduce the amount of oxygen getting to the wood. Or use wood that is green that will smoke more. Best of luck with 2.0.

[@AIAllar]

What you use as firewood will alter the taste a lot so you should not ever use charcoal or wood that contains resin. Usually, trees like apple and cherry are used so primarily green wood, but not as in raw wood.

[@royrodriguez2375]

Hands Down! Dude! Awesome Videos 😎👍

[@greatgooglymoogly1980]

I like you more than the Wooded Beardsman! What you build so much fun to watch. You need a log cabin Burger/Beer bar. A little Ale goes a long ways.

[@chefeddie6164]

You need to build a wilderness fire station now.

[@gbthecamper458]

Now that was hilarious Kevin. Nice eyebrows and stash! Nice repair too. You should name it “The Phoenix Stoker and Smoker”.

[@PaullaWells]

Looks like a fine upgrade to the smoker. Hahaha on the no eyebrow thing. 🤣

[@fonhollohan2908]

U did a great job kevin. Love how you keep it real, no ones perfect no not one, except our lord of course. Now, you got my mouth drooling.

[@MsMeri1969]

You can scrape off the char from the wood after the shou sugi ban and it will crate a smoother surface. You don’t need to put any varnish or clear coat on it. Now your smoker is (somewhat) weatherproof. Nice rebuild!

[@Follower_of_The_Word]

Man, that burnt smokehouse looks familiar! Shoshugi ban smokehouse!

[@johnhamilton3987]

What about putting a thermometer in the door similar to what’s on a grill instead of the electric thermometer it can be a back up for out of meat temp

[@nbow51]

Lmao yeah my panic from your last video is probably because I live in Cali. That would have probably caused a huge fire here. We need more rain!

[@rudyfisher7660]

That Copper at Copper fitting put a little short copper hose coming to the outside on it and then all your greases will come to the outside and rip into a can or jar whatever you want into and then it wouldn't be next to the fire

[@victoriadurham29]

Dude you are hilarious!!!! I’m crying laughing! The opening with the eyebrows and mustache was too much, I lived it!