First Time Build

[ChicagoCraig]

Hey all!

I've been using a Weber Smokey Mountain for years, and it's time to upgrade. I build parts washers for a living, so I have access to sheet metal, MIG welders, and tube steel.

I've started the sizing with my grate - 18" x 51". I'm guessing I need around 6" at the far end front the firebox to allow the hot air and smoke to make the U Turn at the gap. Additionally, I'm thinking about 18" height above the baffle plate and 12" below it. So the entire cooker (minus firebox) is 57" wide by 19" deep (an extra inch for sheet metal, brackets, etc.) by 30" tall. My FB would be around 18"x18"x18", after any insulation. The chimney is 1 4" diameter pipe on the vertical wall above the firebox.

According to the calculator, I'm pretty close in my dimensions. But does this sound reasonable?

I'm sketching something up in Solidworks and will post pix later.

Thanks!

[Big T]

Welcome aboard! I see that you've found the calculator so you can get all of your dimensions. The baffle plate (BP) only needs to be high enough from the bottom of the cooker that it doesn't choke the throat, the bottom rack needs to be 2''-6'' above the BP. A lot of guys build the BP as extension of the top of the FB but I like to raise the BP about an inch higher than the throat and put a shadow plate at the same height as the throat for the first 25% or so of the BP length to avoid a hot spot. The BP gap is the same as the throat or up to 25% smaller, I make them the same and I've never had any issues.

[inkslinger]

Yup... What Big T said.


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[ChicagoCraig]

Good advice! Thanks.

[Rodcrafter]

Welcome to the crew!



That BigT knows his stuff.


Making memories!

[The Czar]

Welcome aboard


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[ajfoxy]

Welcome

[SouthamptonSmoker]

I like solidworks!!! I look forward to this, don't forget, the sky is the limit!