Nice build - looks like you got a great start on this one.
If you're nervous then just add another piece of square tube in the middle.
Egor uses 3/4 - 9 flat exp. steel for the grates at a 40 inch span rail to rail. I just added an intermediate cross member of square tubing in the middle of the grate halfway between the front and back edge of the grate for added support - I've had over 50# of PB on those grates with no sag.
And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
Current smokers: Egor (trailered RF) and Easybake (tabletop pellet drive)
Baffle Plate snug fit, needs some notches cutout. Had to make it 2 pieces to fit it...just barely.
Firebox pieces cut and starting to weld my firebox up.
Throat cutout and setting up for the tedious cut with the cutoff wheel on the front panel of the firebox and the door. Door size is going to be 16" Wide by 12" High,. hopefully this is large enough to put a slideout charcoal basket.
Took the new smoker to my first KCBS comp. Rhythm and Ribs in Cottonwood AZ. Didn't get paid in anything but the smoker cooked like a champ. Did two pork butts and a brisket on the bottom shelf, didn't use the top self.