new to building smokers

[texsmker]

got lots of question.....Ive got a 200 gal propane tank that I want to build a smoker out of.
Once the tank is cut open im guessing its safe to cut and weld on right? should i rinse out the inside...
First time cutting on a propane take....trying to be safe....anyways what size firebox would be a good size for
this tank? Do old water heater tanks work good for fireboxes? I have lots of 2 inch pipe, would that be to small
for a chimney if i ran 2 of them? Open to any and all suggestions.....thank you

[The Czar]

Okay first and foremost do a search for how to cut open a propane tank ....I'm sorry I can't give you links from my phone ...second you need to take measurements and then search for the pit calculator on this site ....once again I'm sorry I can't give you links from my phone .....from there you can find out how big your firebox will need to be and how big your stacks will need to be as well!!

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[The Czar]

Old water heaters are a no ....on the front page in the top right hand corner should be a search engine to find those two things on this forum....

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[The Czar]

here is to cut a tank.....

http://www.smokerbuilder.com/pitcalc/

here is the calulator to use....

[Frank_Cox]

stickmen_doubleposters_100-100.gif (28.73 KiB) Viewed 252 times

or in your case.... tripple posters!!!!!

[Smokeone]

That's a new one, do we get to keep it.

Oh and DC has set you on the right path. Don't be shy around here, ask away!

[MikeInMiami]

Not sure if the images are being blocked/filtered here at work but I couldnt see the link DC listed. Just did my first Propane cut. I Let it sit with water for a few days, drained, filled again waited afew days then cut. I was more concerned with the electricity and water than the spark and Propane. I strongly recommend a GFI when you cut. Good Luck!

[texsmker]

I just got a second tank....I was wondering if I put the 150 gal vertical, bottom for fire pit, top for warming
oven......and the 200 gal horizontal for cooking chamber.....Has anyone done this or would it even work...
Thanks guys

[Gizmo]

In my experience diameter is your challenge on a verticle - from a practical standpoint just laying out the meat on the grate to cook means you would want the larger diameter tank to be the vertical. Then again you might have that covered....

[texsmker]

I thought about that....unfortunetly I cut open the 200 already so i would have to weld that piece back
and start over......How much should I drop the vertical tank below the horizontal tank and where
should I put the smoke stack?? Thanks..........

[Gizmo]

Have you worked out the pit calc numbers for this cooker yet?
Some of what you're asking is subsequent decision to getting those numbers right first....

[texsmker]

I havnt got around to trying the pit calc yet.....Ill have to get the measurements and try it...