Fire grate...

[Doug Crann]

Have a home built RF. 60 gallon air compressor tank for the CC. Insulated FB. Lot of things I don't like about it. Have most of the stuff to build its replacement, would like to avoid making the same mistakes. Anyhow, haven't had much luck in the way of keeping a healthy coal bed. Got bored few days back and decided to do some experimenting. But that is another thread...
I used some sort of floor grating I found in the recycling center. Covered it with 2 criss crossed layers of expanded metal. Noticed that I end up with a better coal bed in the ash pan...or so it seems. Thinking about adding another piece of expanded metal in order to tighten the holes up some...any thoughts?

[bluecatfish]

What are you burning in that thing? That might be your problem.

[Big T]

I wouldn't get the fire basket too tight or the ash may clog it up and choke the fire. A few of the guys have started building a V shaped fire basket that keeps the coals centered as they burn.

[p3ripperfw]

I am going to use bar grate like you have under that expanded metal for my fire basket bottom. Ill use expanded metal for the sides. That's the plan atleast. The most I will use is a piece of expanded metal over the bar grate to prevent clogging by the ash like mentioned above.

[Doug Crann]

What are you burning in that thing? That might be your problem.

Cherry splits....occasionally a few red Maple splits.

[Rodcrafter]

I agree with Big T I wouldn't make the opening any smaller or it won't let ash fall through without bumping the rack.


Making memories!

[Doug Crann]

I agree with Big T I wouldn't make the opening any smaller or it won't let ash fall through without bumping the rack.


Making memories!

When I first built it the initial grate I made the openings were much smaller....and it was having a hard time with the ash. Being new to stick burning I had no concept 9f how dry the splits needed to be...and struggled with green wood.
With the guidance of a member on another forum...and the wood seasoning....I now understand how to burn a reasonable fire. Sadly, I still am cooking more with fire than heat as I don't develop much of a coal bed. Next chance I get it will light a fire in it and snap some pictures of it while it is lit.
What I am really trying to figure out is why the temperature is varying at different heights in the cook chamber...but that is for another thread...
Thanks for your thoughts...

[Rodcrafter]

All that comes to mind for me is heat rises, so the top tends to be hotter unless the radiant heat from the baffle plate makes them pretty even. The thing about the fire is very important as the smaller the fire can be to supply the temperature you need is helpful to even things out.


Making memories!

[BurnBern]

I know this is an old post but I’m looking to build a v shaped fire basket but looking for some pics to get ideas on how to do this effectively. Thanks

[Smokinnewby]

RC has a good design for one. He has even improved upon it for his second smoker.


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[Big T]

[The Czar]

RC is the man and will probably show ya pics if you feed him some good Q!!!


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[Squiggle]

[BurnBern]

Thanks guys. Trying to find his post about his v shape fire basket but can’t find it. If you know where the post is can you point me to it. Thanks all

[Big T]

. This is RC’s FB , if I ever get around to rebuilding mine,I’m going to do something similar.


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[BurnBern]

Thank you much appreciated. Just what I was looking for and will give it a go when I can get some more steel to build it.

[Rodcrafter]

RC is the man and will probably show ya pics if you feed him some good Q!!!


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You know me well DC


Making memories!

[mp4]

Here is my first try and then my modified version.

My first version was too low to the floor of the fire box which didn't leave enough room for ash to pile up or for an ash pan. And it was HEAVY.

My modified version leaves plenty of room for ash, places the fire above the intakes, is lighter and allows room under the fire basket to preheat the splits. It's still HEAVY but not near as bad.

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[Rodcrafter]

Nice work there MP4.


Making memories!

[Big T]

[Squiggle]

Double

[The Czar]

Or MP4 will hook you up for free....


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[mp4]

Or MP4 will hook you up for free....


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Free is better than cheap, right?

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[mp4]

Here is my first try and then my modified version.

I forgot to mention that the grate is removable too which I've found is handy.

[Big T]

Nice!!