1st build, 64 gallon lp tank RF vertical design ?

[mag1]

Thanks for the input. Would a damper help between the CC and the FB? going to have an additional heat sheild between the opening and the BF plate. I have seen a couple with the damper there.

[Rodcrafter]

The opening would have to be larger than the calc requires to allow you room to adjust with the damper. Then it seems that the material must be heavy enough to truly stop the heat. If it is too thin the heat will transfer right on through it as if it were not even there. So that part get a bit touchy.

[mag1]

Looks like I might go back to the 3rd version, with round Fb, but instead of using fire brick (245lb extra weight) and try to create an insulated tank. Weld up a round outer skin and use insulation. Seems like it should work. What gauge metal should be used for outer skin on FB? Thanks

[mag1]

Final design out for review, then to make some prints and get started.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Love the design

[mag1]

CRS, THanks. Since my buddie has 3 tanks, and we are trying to keep the costs down, this seemed like a nice compromize in using available materials. Now to get the prints drawn up, make some flat patterns for the outer skin, and get a material list. Then off to the local scrap iron yard to see what I can find. The actual build may take a bit. I like the look of the cast iron casters, northerntool has them for $13-14 a piece right now. I also have some nice casters that were extra when I bought my tool box, they are only Ø4 wheel, but heavy duty. I may use those. I know it won't roll real good across the lawn though.

Propane - Does anyone have any idea's on adding a burner? What parts would I need?
Thanks

[Rodcrafter]

The "gas " word has been a topic not many want to talk about. But I'm sending you a link that will help you do it safe.

http://www.smokerbuilder.com/forums/vie ... f=31&t=689

Remember smoke and gas flames don't mix well so the fire can and will go out if you are not set up right it will become dangerous.

jm2cw

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

RC is correct. Adding gas can be very dangerous unless you spend lots of money and add all the safety equipment. I really think you need to ask yourself the question why you would want to add a gas burner? What is it going to do for you? If you are thinking you would want it to get the fire started, there are easier / almost free ways of doing it.

Just some things to think about.....

[mag1]

I was thinking of something similar to this:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/1017 ... started/20 (post # 40)

I was wondering if you could run the smoker similar to a gas grill, for when you don't have time to smoke, but wanted to grill something, or possibly use the propane to heat up the cooker quicker. I'm new to all of this, so I may be off in my thinking. Thanks for all the input.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

I took a look at the link and in theory you could make something like this work BUT, I would not recommend it for a could of different reasons. 1st being safety. You would be very surprised how expensive it would be for you to install a burner like this and and all the safety mechanisms. 2nd I would recommend either making a smoker or a BBQ grill but don't try to incorporate them both into a single build unless the grill chamber and smoke chamber are completely separate. Some guys have built things like this but it takes a pretty large tank. I wouldn't even try it on anything smaller than a 250 gallon.

I know this is not what your were hoping to hear, but you will notice people on this site are going to be very honest and promote safety.

[mag1]

No problem, that is why I asked. Thanks for the input. Looks like the Webber grill gets to stay awhile longer.

[mag1]

Quick? What size pipe for draining? 1" or 1.5" dia.? Just ordered 8" dia. Casters off ebay. Going to print out the flat patterns for the tank cut Friday, and send to my buddi. He's itching to get started.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

I would go with the 1.5"

[mag1]

Prints sent to buddy, flat sheet sent to another buddy to see what his cost is for laser cutting, and casters came in yesterday.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Let the fun begin

[mag1]

I have another question, Expanded metal, do you use flattened, or the raised?
thanks

[Rodcrafter]

#9 x 3/4" flat expanded, for cooking grates

[mag1]

Perfect, thanks for the info. Here's a screen shot of the final version. Just waiting on quotes for laser cutting metal. was on vac. last week, so hopefully will find out info. next week. No door handles shown yet, but those will be added as we go.

[Gizmo]

THat looks like a good solid design so far…..

[mag1]

Thanks to the help of you and others. With a little guidance, I can draw up anything.

[Gizmo]

Then draw us up a transporter like they had on Star Trek.
I got places to go and no time to get there.

Besides, it would help the attendance to our gatherin's …..

[mag1]

I have another question for you masters out there. Door handles, I'm thinking of using the coiled spring like handles that you can buy, stainless or reg. steel. If you use stainless, how do you protect them if you use reg. steel 1/2" rod for the rest of it? Or, do just buy reg. steel ones, weld them all up, then paint them when you paint the whole smoker? (hopefully that all made sence.)
Thanks

[Rodcrafter]

I buy the "regular steel" ones, the heavy duty ones then paint them when I'm done. I paint the handles red and the rest black. This gives it some contrast, seems to be pleasing.

jm2cw

[mag1]

For some reason, I didn't get notification from the last post, in the mean time, I allready ordered my spring handles in stainless, not to much price difference. Thanks

So, I have almost all my stuff ordered, just have to stop at one guys to pick up the misc. steel tubing/angle iron tonight. I'll probably be ordering the flat metal from the laser cutter tommorrow, If I had more time, I might be able to borrow a plasma cutter, but since time is short this year, the price wasn't to bad. Finished pricing on the smoker looks to come in around 400-450 maybe a little more in the end. I just have not worked with metal enough to know all the ins/outs of finding the best prices on scrap metal, ect.... I did get 5 quotes on laser cutting, ranged from 410 - 755, that includes 1/4"x48"x96" sheet, 16 ga x 48" x 53.5" sheet. Not sure if that is good or not. Anyways, once we get building, I'll try and get picks as we go.

Thanks again for all the questions answered.

[Rodcrafter]

Go for it, things tend to cost more than I expect when doing something new. But it will be worth it at twice the price.