first smoke... tryin a brisket...

[LSAtexan4x4]

well we will see how it turns out i am going to bpost up some progress pics... and if all goes well check back at around 7-730ct
hope i can keep the pit at a good temp on its first time...

[OSD]

You and the pit will do great. Remember it's a learning curve on a new smoker.
Looking forward to the pics.

[LSAtexan4x4]

so does anyone know how long ballpark til it gets to 150-160 inside temp

[OSD]

Not sure on your smoker or what temp you are cooking at, but going by my Spicewine ( which will be different than an offset ) I would check the temp at fours and see where it's at, then you can kind of judge how fast it's cooking. Might be the best doing that with this being a first time cook on a new smoker.
Rough guess somewhere around 5-51/2 hours, but I would check at the 4 hour mark just for the info. It will help in future cooks to know how your smoker will cook.

[JamesB]

FYI: Don't panic if that brisket gets up to about 150° and hangs around that temp for a while... This is about when the collagen starts to break down and it can take a while before you see the temp start to move up again.

[LSAtexan4x4]

ha this is where i really wish i had the thermopen....
but ill get it done i wanna wrap at about 160...
i think imma go to ace mart and get a new knife, i figure itll be good for the occasion.....

[JamesB]

Any reason to buy a new knife is a good one!

[LSAtexan4x4]

thats for sure.... man i am gettin ancy i wanna crank it up and eat it lol......

[LSAtexan4x4]

here are some pics so far about to go check the inside temp......

[OSD]

Lookin' good.

A quick question. In the last pic it looks like you have the exhaust almost closed or is that just the angle of the camera when the pic was taken?

You should have it open all the way when cooking and controlling the pit temp by the air intake vents.

[LSAtexan4x4]

just the angle

[LSAtexan4x4]

its right between 140 and 150
lookin and smellin good tho

[JamesB]

Looks awful good at this stage... Just looks a little lonely in there.

[LSAtexan4x4]

ha my neighbor said the same thing.......

[JaCK2U2]

That is looking good, so far! I see you're cooking away from the fire. It looked like about a 40 degree difference between the chamber closest to the firebox and the outside. Something to keep in mind. Nice looking pit, BTW. Looking forward to the finished brisket.