First 250 RF build help

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TRC
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First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » August 27th, 2013, 1:32 pm

I have started building a RF smoker from a 250 gallon propane and need some help. Only half of the tank will be a smoker the other half is a wood BBQ . In reading I found out that my BP and the top of the fire box should be about 4" from the cooking surface. I used the calculator I found the hole in my fire box going to the cc is not that big because I am only using half of the tank. Should I put the hole close to the top? I am also leaving the end on the tank and I am notching it for the fire box. When calculating the volume of the cc do I include the area over the fire box? One last question, I have seen that some people put the stack down into the cc and some have it flush with the outside of the tank. Which is better and why? Thanks in advance for any suggestions or help. Todd Carlson



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by onesquin » August 27th, 2013, 1:46 pm

You definitely want the opening from the FB to CC to be at the top of the FB or it will trap heat. I think you would include the area over the firebox. As far as the stack... I have built them both ways. On smaller builds with smaller pipe I have dropped the pipe into the CC so it looks good as the pipe was really long and looked funny all the way out of the CC. On larger builds I try to source pipe large enough to keep the entire stack out of the CC.



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » August 27th, 2013, 6:50 pm

Thanks for the reply. I have done a lot of reading and I hope it all works. I will post pictures and drawings as the project unfolds. I plan to cut the hole for the fire box and doors this weekend.



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Rodcrafter » August 28th, 2013, 11:44 am

The stack seems to be the best at the top flush, this allows the flow of smoke and heat to move very smoothly thru the CC. Even better if you make an attachment that allows you to place the stack past the end of the CC end over the FB. This will work well and the accumulated smoke build up in the stack, will not be dripping on your next cooks. I try to not have the stack over the food, for that reason.

jm2cw


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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » August 31st, 2013, 4:27 am

I will put the stack flush, thanks. I cut the hole for the fire box last night and hope to cut the doors today. I am designing the smoker in solidworks I am getting ready to put in the RF plate. I have seen it done several ways, flat , a Chanel down the center etc. I was thinking about making in a slight v and putting an end on it so it can hold water. I wonder if that is a good idea? Will an end plate restrict the air flow? I will start posting pictures once I figure out how.



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » November 24th, 2013, 6:41 pm

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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Rev.Mike » November 24th, 2013, 7:00 pm

:LG:



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Rodcrafter » November 24th, 2013, 7:10 pm

:LG:


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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » November 24th, 2013, 8:28 pm

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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by bluecatfish » November 24th, 2013, 8:49 pm

:LG:
Good start.



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Clover Ridge Smokers » November 26th, 2013, 9:27 pm

:LG:


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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » December 27th, 2013, 6:10 am

The smoker on the trailer. I chose a small trailer to get my smoker through the gate in my back yard. Once it is finished I will use the 4wheeler to get it to the final destination. I have the right side figured out (reverse flow smoker). The left side is going to be a charcoal grill. I am not sure how long of a chimney to put. I used the pit calculator for the reverse flow side but can someone tell me how to figure out the chimney length for a charcoal BBQ?

DSCN2852.JPG



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Tinker » December 27th, 2013, 7:05 pm

I'm not certain but I think the calc would be right for the grill too but might ought wait for someone a little more experienced than myself



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by SmokinFF » December 28th, 2013, 9:28 am

Since it's just a grill, high enough to keep the smoke out of your eyes. Jm2cw :beer:


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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » December 28th, 2013, 5:17 pm

Thanks for the advice. I hope to pick up the pipe this week and should be able to put the chimneys in next weekend. I will then try and get another picture posted. Thanks again for the help!



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Rodcrafter » December 31st, 2013, 8:34 am

I would make them both the same. After all I hope they both keep the smoke out of your eyes.


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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » December 31st, 2013, 7:06 pm

I have already cut the pipe. The design is similar to a Lang Hybid, so the chimney on the left (BBQ side) is centered towards the back and using 6" pipe about 12" long.The right chimney (reverse flow side) is on the right end and I am using 6" pipe 17.35" long, figured by using the calculator. I plan to cut the tank tomorrow so if anyone thinks I shouldn't use the 6" pipe please feel free to let me know. Thanks for all the help and a Happy New Year to all!



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » January 28th, 2014, 6:51 pm

I installed the chimneys and straightened the doors. If the weather permits I hope to finish the inside and the get it sand blasted in the next few weeks.
DSCN2855.JPG
DSCN2860.JPG



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Big T » January 28th, 2014, 9:36 pm

:LG:


Measure Twice.....Cut Three Times.

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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Gizmo » January 29th, 2014, 6:07 am

Nice! :kewl:


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Post by Grabber70Mach » January 29th, 2014, 10:06 am

Looking good

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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by dwwantasmoker » January 30th, 2014, 7:01 pm

:LG: Keep up the good Work!



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by TRC » March 30th, 2014, 5:02 am

sandblasted and ready for paint
DSCN2898.JPG



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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Big T » March 30th, 2014, 6:47 pm

:LG:


Measure Twice.....Cut Three Times.

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Re: First 250 RF build help

Post by Clover Ridge Smokers » March 30th, 2014, 7:09 pm

:LG: :LG:


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