Stainless Steel Center Feed Reverse flow, any advice?

ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » May 21st, 2018, 7:27 pm

Hi every body, I'm starting my first build tomorrow...
I want to submit my project for analyze by more skilled builders in order to correct if needed.

My project :
From Stainless Steel solar heater tanks :
17.71 diameter and 76 long
17.71 diameter and 44 long.
I plan to use the 44" long for CC. I'll cut the other tank for the firebox and lid.
The lid will be cut from the larger tank so that it overlaps the opening of the cooking chamber.
The chimney is 3" diameter I hesitate about lenght as I had to different results from FELDON's ((34.87) and Pitcalculator (29.64).

If you see something wrong, please make suggestions. Thanks a lot.

Chris

Post by **Big T** » May 21st, 2018, 9:14 pm

The pit calculator is designed for an offset smoker. A design like yours where the FB is directly below the CC doesn't require a very big FB. If you want to burn wood, it only needs to be big enough for your fire basket and ash pan because it will need a small fire to maintain lower cooking temps. The throat will not have to be very big either and it'll have to have a shadow plate above the throat and below the BP. The chimney doesn't have to be very long either because the air flow is in a vertical direction. I would make it tall enough to keep the smoke out of my eyes .If you search the RF forum you can find a few of these style cookers and some pictures of their designs. It will work great if it's built right but it can be a nightmare if it's built incorrectly. I'm not trying to discourage you from going this route but you'll need to iron out all of the details before you start.

ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » May 21st, 2018, 10:00 pm

Thanks BIG T,

Should I rather go for 70-80 % of recommended size for the firebox?

Post by **Rodcrafter** » May 22nd, 2018, 5:32 am

That would be fine, the smaller you make it limits what you use for fuel. Like sticks take more height and charcoal can burn fine in 10” of height. Charcoal has 3x the BTUs of wood until the wood has become a coal bed.

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ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » May 22nd, 2018, 9:15 am

Ok, I went for 14" height, that's 72.92% of recommended, I hope it will be fuel efficient.

ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » May 22nd, 2018, 6:49 pm

Just a new pic as I have done the most difficult task today, cutting the tanks to match them together, now I can say it is good start.
I'll keep on posting pics as I progress on my build.

BillyR52 · Post by **BillyR52** » May 22nd, 2018, 6:56 pm

Looks good man.

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ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » May 22nd, 2018, 7:27 pm

Thanks Billy, it turned better than what I was hoping for.
Next step is CC and Firebox door cutting.

BillyR52 · Post by **BillyR52** » May 22nd, 2018, 7:31 pm

I’ve cut my 1/2 in firebox with an angle grinder and cutting disk. Until I get something better I couldn’t imagine cutting something to fit that tight.

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ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » May 22nd, 2018, 8:46 pm

I have done mine with a grinder also, the most important thing is making the template first, after that it is not so difficult, just requires some attention and patience.

BillyR52 · Post by **BillyR52** » May 22nd, 2018, 8:50 pm

ChrisFWI wrote: it is not so difficult, just requires some attention and patience.

Two things I have to admit I struggle with.

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Post by **Big T** » May 22nd, 2018, 10:14 pm

Dirtytires · Post by **Dirtytires** » May 22nd, 2018, 10:57 pm

Your heat transfer is going to be close to 100%.....think small fire, very small.

Looks like a great start tho.

ajfoxy · Post by **ajfoxy** » May 23rd, 2018, 2:50 am

Looking good.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » May 23rd, 2018, 5:33 am

This is a similar build by my buddy FishlessMickey, he made this one for his Mom.

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4769

McBroom · Post by **McBroom** » May 23rd, 2018, 9:02 am

ChrisFWI wrote:Hi every body, I'm starting my first build tomorrow...
I want to submit my project for analyze by more skilled builders in order to correct if needed.

My project :
From Stainless Steel solar heater tanks :
17.71 diameter and 76 long
17.71 diameter and 44 long.
I plan to use the 44" long for CC. I'll cut the other tank for the firebox and lid.
The lid will be cut from the larger tank so that it overlaps the opening of the cooking chamber.
The chimney is 3" diameter I hesitate about lenght as I had to different results from FELDON's ((34.87) and Pitcalculator (29.64).
Center feed.JPG

SS tanks 17 x 44 and 17 x 76.JPG
If you see something wrong, please make suggestions. Thanks a lot.

Chris

If it were me I’d have used the 76” for the cook chamber the 44” shortened up some for the firebox. JMHO

I Love My 2018 RAM 2500HD 4x4 6.4L. USMC (ret)

ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » May 23rd, 2018, 11:57 am

;) I thought about it but decided to go for the 44 inch cause 76 is too long... may be I will add a warming box later.

ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » June 27th, 2018, 9:20 am

Hi!!!
Work in progress!!!
Next step, the frame, and then the doors. I have added a warming cabinet, it will have a baffle to get heat from the CC. If not sufficent for cooking or if it disturbs heat circulation, I will take the heat directly from the firebox with a pipe and close the baffle between the CC and the WC.
Feel free to comment and give a piece of advice.

Post by **Big T** » June 27th, 2018, 7:38 pm

That's something that you don't see every day. I have seen a lot of CF RF but never one with a WC like this. How do you envision the route of airflow with this style set up ?

ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » June 27th, 2018, 7:58 pm

Hi BIG T

Well, my main problem was to maximize cooking surface without having to tend 2 smokers.
I will add an adjustable baffle between CC and WC plus a sliding plate opposite to the warming chamber in order to totally close the gap when using the warming cabinet, this way it will have a single way heat circulation from the throat of the firebox to the warming cabinet. I will try to balance the air circulation using dampers on the main CC chimney and the WC top.
After all, if it is not working, I'll put a pipe between the firebox and the bottom of the WC to take the heat directly into it, this way the bottom feed reverse flow will not be affected (apart from the little heat stolen from the firebox). I know you will prefer the second option.
May be I am crazy...maybe not..

Dirtytires · Post by **Dirtytires** » June 27th, 2018, 8:19 pm

I’m interested in how this works out...looks intriguing.

Post by **Big T** » June 27th, 2018, 8:34 pm

I wouldn't dare call you crazy, just because I've never seen done doesn't mean it won't work.

ChrisFWI · Post by **ChrisFWI** » June 27th, 2018, 8:46 pm

Dirtytires wrote: ↑
June 27th, 2018, 8:19 pm
I’m interested in how this works out...looks intriguing.

The seasoning process and first cook will tell. I cross fingers, but I am confident.

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