CC to FB overlap

[Gizmo]

So I'm working out the design on an insulated RF build with a 20 by 40 inch grate - not too big….

How much should the CC overlap the FB? - From just bolted on the end (0%) to completely under the CC (100%)

Seems like nobody has defined this in the past years I've been reading on here…..

[The Czar]

I don't know.....I just wanted to be the first to respond....

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[SoloQue]

I don't have an outright answer for ya but I do know what I experienced. When I went to TQ to have Pops built we talked about tucking in the firebox because I had read that the more tucked it was the more efficient the heat transfer would be. Man o man that tucked FB generates a hot spot. I ended up putting in a false ledge on the FB end to build an air pocket heat sink to compensate. Of course I can still effectively cook in varied temp zones when I want to.

Just something to ponder, efficiency vs consistency.

[Gizmo]

I put a "top hat" roof in the firebox roof in Edgar since he was a center-feed - no hot spot.

So if I'm understanding you right - it's a good thing I did.

So if I tuck it all the way under one end then I had better do that again?

[SoloQue]

Dang I wish I had thought that far ahead and did that myself but my dead space shelf is pretty darn good as an add on.

[Gizmo]

I can't take credit for it - I sort of asked for it so Frank concocted it. I'm was used to designing pellet drive firebox/cabinets where there is always a two-step set of plates separating the fire from the cook chamber. ANYWAY - it worked.

I started this thread because I started this %#$^@& ing hobby with a CharGriller with a firebox just bolted on the end of the cook chamber and I burned the fireproof paint off the firebox trying to get the CC up to temp…..

I don't want to go there again…:D

[Frank_Cox]

If you can just weld it at 0% tucked. If you use a track with an endbell then tuck it the minimum you can.

[Smokeone]

I don't know the answer, but I don't think you can compare anything you build to that chargriller. You have way to much experience and knowledge to burn the paint off one you built, unless you started early on the tea.

[SoloQue]

a CharGriller with a firebox just bolted on the end of the cook chamber and I burned the fireproof paint off the firebox trying to get the CC up to temp…..

True story, probably 3 yrs ago I get a frantic call from my VERY frustrated little brother. His wife had bought him the add on FB for his Chargriller and he was hell bent to knock out some ribs better than his big bro. According to him he had burnt through a whole bag of Kingsford and even though the new FB was glowing cherry red with all the paint curling and falling off ... his ribs were still basically raw after 3 hours. I pulled my car over and we started working through the smoker checklist for heat transfer and air flow. HELL YES the vent was wide open he screamed at me when I asked question number 1. Question number 2 ... how big is the opening between the FB and the CC. ....... crickets ...... total silence ... followed finally by "call ya back". Big ole dummy had never knocked out the punch out section when he attached the FB, he was basically radiant smoking with zero air flow from the FB.

Love my lil bro ... I might make it to a hundred but never gonna let him live that down.

[Gizmo]

BTW - I wouldn't tell him about this thread …. just sayin'

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Holy crap Solo. A friend of mine did the same exact thing last summer. Ever since that time he's had to nickname "knockout".

[Rodcrafter]

That is a very funny story Solo. Rick I put one of these numbers under my BP so I didn't have the hot spot, it works great!

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Nice RC

[Gizmo]

Wow RC that's fancy
….been thinking of that too - on the next one - if I tuck it under ….