Ash Shaker/ brainstorming out loud

[EricD]

So I've got a few long cooks on my WSM.  I've noticed that on these long cooks, the ash build-up can be pretty suffocating to the fire.   I was wondering if there is a shaker or some kind of mod to make that would shake some ash of the charcoal grate and keep the fire breathing.
I thought I read somewhere on this site that a shaker is a feature on someone's trailer rig, which is what got me thinking about it for the WSM.
Any one here have anything like this, seen it in action, think it's a good idea, etc....  Thoughts please.

The only plan I've come up with so far is going to the Adult toy store and using the vibrating motor.   Somehow attach it to the charcoal grate and 'buzz' some ash off.

[TheDude]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IVOLL3G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480632670&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=weber+rake&dpPl=1&dpID=21YbXVb8w4L&ref=plSrch

Weber charcoal rake.

[HoosierKettle]

I don't know, something from the adult store might work and be more versatile than a rake [emoji41]


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[pbe gummi bear]

Like an Ash Vibrator?  Do you do minion method with KBB? If so, try minion method with the fire starting on the bottom.

[kettlebb]

Try a lower ash producing charcoal.


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[LaTuFu]

If you use lump charcoal, you have less ash.

You can also do something like this:

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=21432.0

[TheDude]

If you use lump charcoal, you have less ash.

You can also do something like this:

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=21432.0

Using lump produces less ash, because there is less mass. Hence you would need to refuel on longer cooks. Producing just as much ash. It's simple physics.

[Hell Fire Grill]

I know who started the double crossed fire grate thing and its not anyone who posts on tvw...

I use lump, and two fire grates, and rarely get my ash clogged. but if I do I just kick one of the legs one way then kick another one the other way and come back in a half hour.

No dildoes or shop-vac required, but if thats the way you swing...get a video!

[iCARRY]

I just kick each leg a few times and it's all good. Stubbs works out great for long cooks.


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[jeffrackmo]

I have only used Stubbs in the WSM.   No real heavy ash accumulation like wth KBB. 

[EricD]

Thanks guys!
The rake wouldn't work for what I was thinking.  I want something so I don't have to open the door and let heat out, to shake the ash down into the bottom (off the grate)
I don't like using lump in the WSM.  It burns out to fast for long cooks, and I really hate adding fuel during a cook.  I've been using RO briqs.  Less ash than KBB but no matter what you use, on 6+ hrs cooks, theres gonna be a lot of ash no matter what.
@pbe gummi bear, I do use Minion, but I usually dump a bunch of coals in, dig out a hole, and dump lit briqs in the hole.   What do you mean start fire on bottom?
@Hell Fire Grill, not Dildo, just the motor!  gives a new meaning to heating my meat though!  lol

[56MPG]

TI want something so I don't have to open the door and let heat out, to shake the ash down into the bottom (off the grate)

I rarely use the door - preferring to lift the center section with lid as a unit using small SS knobs I installed. I close the lid vent first - thinking that I'll trap most of the heat in the unit for the minute or two that it's sitting on the ground while I'm tending the fire. Works pretty well for me.  YMMV

[HoosierKettle]

There are other things that vibrate that most of us already have such as a palm sander. Just leave the sand paper off.  I'd go that route versus walking into an adult store and purchasing a huge purple dildo.


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[Dsorgnzd]

Tie a piece of stranded stainless steel wire to the charcoal grate and run it out through one of the bottom vents. Attach a metal ring or knob to the end of the wire to give yourself something to grab onto. When you want to shake down the ashes a couple of good tugs on the wire should do the trick.

[TheDude]

Tie a piece of stranded stainless steel wire to the charcoal grate and run it out through one of the bottom vents. Attach a metal ring or knob to the end of the wire to give yourself something to grab onto. When you want to shake down the ashes a couple of good tugs on the wire should do the trick.

This guy is using his nogin.