20x36 Reverse Flow - First Time Build

[Kcd2016]

I've finally gotten some materials in and am getting ready to start building this thing.

I've gotten hold of a rusty 20" OD x 36" x 3/8" pipe and have designed the rest of the smoker around that. Per suggestions in another thread I am not even going to use my second piece of pipe for a firebox and have instead opted to build a square firebox from 1/4" plate.

First thing's first: the plans





And it begins:



I'll hopefully start cutting on the plate this weekend, hope it goes alright I haven't really used an o/a torch in several years.

Should I have my pieces sandblasted before or after the build?

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My initial design questions thread for this smoker: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5398

[Squiggle]

Nice dude, can't wait to see your progress!

[temurf]

[JohnBFryJr]

What software did you design that in? Sketchup? Its purdy. Don't worry about sand blasting until your done.

[Big T]

That should make a good one and wait until you're finished to get it blasted or it'll get rusty again.

[Kcd2016]

What software did you design that in? Sketchup? Its purdy. Don't worry about sand blasting until your done.

Thank you. Yup, that's just Sketchup. It has a "Styles Pallet" that lets you make all kinds of neat effects on the drawing.

[Kcd2016]

I got all the big pieces cut out today, the fb, bp and the round ends for the cc. I'm praying they will all fit right!


My o/a cutting wasn't too pretty:


But my cuts got a little better as I went along - kind of starting to come back to me:


The fab shop next door has an ironworker but it can only sheer plate up to ~14 1/2" wide, I was able to get at least a few clean edges.

[Big T]

A little work with a chipping hammer and a grinder and you'll be set.

[KarateDoc]

Nice drawing and looks like you are on your way to nice rig.

[Squiggle]

[Rodcrafter]

Oh yeah you are making progress that is the main thing


Making memories!

[Dirtytires]

I like to cut....I just hate the next week spent grinding on all the edges.

[Kcd2016]

I've got a recommended chimney length of 14 3/4" for a 4" pipe, I'm planing on starting my stack in the center of the cooker rather than the top. From which point do I start the 14 3/4" measurement?

[Rodcrafter]

From the top, even if you come out the side. One thing to consider when a stack is short, the smoke may be in your eyes more than it has to be. Don't let me discourage you I just want to point it out. It will work just fine. I made my back yard stack removable so I could use store bought grill covers.


Making memories!

[Kcd2016]

From the top, even if you come out the side. One thing to consider when a stack is short, the smoke may be in your eyes more than it has to be. Don't let me discourage you I just want to point it out. It will work just fine. I made my back yard stack removable so I could use store bought grill covers.


Making memories!

A removable stack is an interesting idea, does the joint need a gasket?

[Kcd2016]

What do you guys think about using these wagon wheels to build my smokers cart on?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... gQod9YoLjg

It says rated to 800 lb so good there. I was going to place the wheels at the firebox end under the firebox, see any issues with heat proximity to those rubber tires?

[Squiggle]

Yeah the radiant heat will be a problem, you'll have a fair bit of heat coming off the FB & pneumatic tyres don't like heat that much.

[Kcd2016]

Got some work done when I could find the time.

Got the fb/bp tacked up and ready to slide in to place:



Then we beat the fb walls square, tacked the "back" piece of the fb in place, then welded it out. The chain fall came in really handy:



I also got the holes cut for the 2" grease drain.


When y'all recommended a 2" valve I didn't realize at the time just how HUGE this thing is in hand:

I kind of want to just see what it'll take to clog it on purpose. The valve alone has raised the cost of this little project 50%.

I cut all my radius before I even started building, it's been a relief that everything has fit together well:

[temurf]

[Squiggle]

[Kcd2016]

Yeah the radiant heat will be a problem, you'll have a fair bit of heat coming off the FB & pneumatic tyres don't like heat that much.

I was thinking they would be about this proximity from jwsimpleville's build:


You still think that's too close to the fb? The thing is I was thinking casters wouldn't be great for going off roadin with this bad boy in the back yard.

[Rodcrafter]

That is plenty of space. I find that the bottom half of the FB is much cooler than the top half


Making memories!

[Big T]

I think you'll be fine with that much distance.

[Squiggle]

Yeah, that's much more distance than I was expecting for the size of smoker you're building, should be ok.

[Kcd2016]

Yeah, that's much more distance than I was expecting for the size of smoker you're building, should be ok.

I think that is more distance then mine would have, if you look at the drawing from my first post that can give you a better idea of distance.