Quote Originally Posted by MustardSeedMum View Post
Big_Eddy,
Been looking at your block arch tutorial.
I will have to get serious in building a better one after this season is over.

So I am getting smoke from every crevice as well as the between the steam pans ad also between where the lip of the pan sits on the blocks. Most un enjoyable as I am smelling smoke all day long instead of sweet sap.

ANYHOO, my question is this - do you get smoke escaping between the bottom of your pan as it sits on top of the blocks? Trying to figure out what I can do to improve my setup this season, short of taking my setup apart... I already have the beginnings of a cinder cemetery.
The best solution to avoid smoke is also the best for a good hot fire. Lots of draft. Make sure you have lots of stack height. You should have 12' of 7" or 8" stove pipe for a typical block arch. The extra height causes increased draft and will suck air in the cracks instead of letting smoke seep out. Make sure there is a good opening at the bottom edge at the front to allow air in, and once you get a fire established, the draft will keep the area clear of smoke. You do have a grate of some kind to keep the fire off the ground and let air under it - correct?

There will always be some smoke when you first light, but once it is roaring there shouldn't be enough to bother you.