Here we go, our first big build!

ifallswelder · Post by **ifallswelder** » March 2nd, 2013, 11:30 pm

First of all I want to thank Frank and Ben for their help in getting us going in the right direction! We are building a 24x 48 smoker on a 4x8 trailer for our local fire dept. They are putting up the cash so that my students can build a "big" project for the school year. I hope we haven't bit off more than we can chew! Here are a few pics of the initial stages. I will keep posting as we go.

Post by **Tom_Heath** » March 3rd, 2013, 12:53 am

Simply Awesome.!!!

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » March 3rd, 2013, 7:06 am

Good lookin' work there ifalls!

When it's done how about a break-in/seasoning gathering of just the students in that class, their folks and a fire department representative.

Ask the parents to contribute chicken wings the day before and the class starts cooking them mid afternoon to serve right after school - just the class and their folks so the crowd isn't too big.

Also starts a little seasoning on the cooker before you deliver it and gives everybody a taste of what they built - great photo opp ... and of course there's the pics you could post to smokerbuilder too!

Just a thought....

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » March 3rd, 2013, 8:03 am

That's gonna be a nice cooker, Ifalls! The kids appear to take real pride in their work. The fire dept will have a nice well built cooker when you are done.
As usual Rick has a great idea there.

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » March 3rd, 2013, 8:45 am

Nice build. I wish the shop classes in my kids school would take on projects like this. I'm sure some of the students will someday try to build one one on their own.

:LG:

alleyrat58 · Post by **alleyrat58** » March 3rd, 2013, 10:41 am

Great progress! Those kids are lucky to have such a great opportunity!

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DUAYNE B · Post by **DUAYNE B** » March 3rd, 2013, 2:24 pm

, nice looking build and a nice lookin roomy shop

ifallswelder · Post by **ifallswelder** » March 7th, 2013, 5:42 pm

Here are a few update pics from todays classes. We got the door cut out Monday and wrapped yesterday, hinges designed cut and installed today!

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » March 7th, 2013, 6:07 pm

You have some cool toys there, but even so, I can tell the kids take pride in their work!

KenV · Post by **KenV** » March 7th, 2013, 6:30 pm

Lookin great, love the logo!

TuscaloosaQ · Post by **TuscaloosaQ** » March 7th, 2013, 7:43 pm

Very nice work indeed

Smurf · Post by **Smurf** » March 7th, 2013, 9:22 pm

Nice work. Those hinges are really cool. Bet the students are having a ball.

SmokinFF · Post by **SmokinFF** » March 8th, 2013, 7:30 am

Can I come back to school?

SOILhunter · Post by **SOILhunter** » March 8th, 2013, 8:00 am

That's awesome...I can remember building one back in high school as well....after finding this place and knowing what I know now, I have a feeling that ours wouldn't cook worth a darn! We just partially finished it and I'm almost positive the guy never took it the rest of the way....that's been 8 or so years ago.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » March 8th, 2013, 8:18 am

.....amazing......

ifallswelder · Post by **ifallswelder** » March 14th, 2013, 9:28 pm

Here are a few update pics. We started the trailer out of 3/16 x 2 x 2 angle with a 3500 lb axle and 15" tires. We have to figure out how to get the 600+ lb smoker hoisted in place next week. Othe than that it is going pretty smooth.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » March 15th, 2013, 6:02 am

It looks like you are teaching some good stuff. I always make things on the heavy side, so I would have made the trailer a bit heavier. But that is just me, your doing great.

TuscaloosaQ · Post by **TuscaloosaQ** » March 15th, 2013, 7:16 am

I am with Rodcrafter on the trailer material to light for me!!!! Not being critical just saying 2x2x3/16 angel iron makes me cringe a little bit!!!! But ...... That being said Yall are doing good work... no excellent work!!!!!!!!

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » March 15th, 2013, 7:41 pm

Looking great!!!
:LG:

ifallswelder · Post by **ifallswelder** » March 21st, 2013, 9:44 pm

The initial fitting is done and we found that the frame was strong enough being made out of angle. That being said, you guys put an inkling of doubt in my mind and we boxed in the 2x2x3/16 side rails today.
Here are a few pics of the initial fitup. We have taken it all backa part after taking measurements so we can add all of the bracing we need.
More pics next week.

KenV · Post by **KenV** » March 21st, 2013, 9:55 pm

Lookin good!!!

Post by **Tom_Heath** » March 21st, 2013, 10:28 pm

Looking Great. I bet the class is really getting excited about now. Its all coming together.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » March 22nd, 2013, 5:52 am

I bet you will be glad you did even though it was more work.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » March 22nd, 2013, 11:58 am

Man that is a awesome shop!!

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ifallswelder · Post by **ifallswelder** » March 28th, 2013, 10:24 pm

So we made a few more changes to the trailer, it turns out it was a little to tall at the cooking surface so we had to flip the axle inside the springs. The axle was then to close to the middle supports we had put in for the fire wood box on the opposite side of the trailer. Had to take the smoker back off the trailer and cut the supports out and add a new cross brace. We also got the cooking grates and thermometer hole drilled and tapped.
We are working on the door latch and the wood/charcoal holder for the firebox. Any thoughts on the Minion Method of cooking fire? I saw some pics and posts and am intersted in it.
Here are a few pics of progress.

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