UDS build soon and Mesquite questions

Free Wood Is Good Wood!!!
Cheap Wood Is Almost As Good!!!

That scrap wood will definitely work for smoking or grilling. All I recommend is that you allow the skeet to season properly. It's got LOTS of oil in it. Very much like pine has sap in it. Pecan is the same way also if cut at the wrong time. Mesquite will give off a heavier smoke, thus the stronger flavor it produces. It's the oil in it that can give off a black smoke, much like pine that is full of sap will give off a heavy black smoke as well. That's why folks use it sparingly when smoking, to reduce the amount of black smoke, but still get the flavor. The reason it's great for grilling is that once it has burned down a bit, it makes for super hot coals that are great for searing, burns long, and gives a great flavor/more mild when used properly in grilling.
I've used mesquite in the drum for smoking brisket. Brisket can handle a heavier smoke, but even then one or two fist size chunks is enough for me. Your tastes may vary though. I'd say that wood would work very well for smoking.
Not a bad deal either for 10 - 20 bucks for a truck load. I'd jump all over that to heat my house as well and to use in the drums from time to time. Worst case scenario............you have some great wood for the firepit and direct grilling.

Mesquite is great for beef. I use mesquite lump all the time. Just make sure it's well seasoned before using it for smoking. $10-$20 for a truck load will last a LONG TIME, nice score!!

Matt

huaco said:

Also... I live (literally) across the road from a saw mill that mainly cuts mesquite.

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Mission Timbers in Sanger by chance?

I did some cooking with 100% mesquite on a uds and it was horrible. Charcoal and small chunks of what ever worked best for me!

Muscrat said:

I did some cooking with 100% mesquite on a uds and it was horrible. Charcoal and small chunks of what ever worked best for me!

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This for me too. Im not a fan of mesquite at all even in small doses but that just my .02. Im sure there are others that like the results it provides for them.

For a that price, I'd get a truck load to use for smoking, all wood grilling, the fireplace, and the firepit outside. Can't go wrong with it. Especially if you can hand pick the nicer sized pieces. I say go for it.

You could use a weedburner. Still need to be careful with it. Whole state is bone dry right now. It would eliminate the need to burn it out with wood. Plus, weedburners are cool and fun to use.

huaco said:

Thanks for the replies guys... I think I will certainly stock up and cut to length for smoking chunks as well as fireplace lengths. Seems like my county stays under a burn-ban most of the year out here so the outdoor fire pit is probably not a viable option! haha! Don't know how I am going to "legally" do a burn-out on these barrels I'm getting.

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Set a grill on top with cheap sausage. If any one complains, tell 'em you are new to BBQ-ing and not sure at what temps ya need to get sausage cooked.:becky:

I live here in Abilene and we are always under a burn ban. I live in the country south of town and I burned mine at night. Use old plywood to do the burn. That stuff burns hot as hell.