Welcome trekinaway! Thanks for posting your build pics here for us to see!
Both the Smokin' Johnny (theme builds department) and Earl (RF - just posted last month) were this type tank only shorter. i.e. 14 - 15 inch diameter and 1/8" nom. wall thickness. They work fine - just stay away from 20 pound turkeys….
At first glance I think 15 X 50 is a high enough ratio (3.33:1) that you will likely be happier with the more even grate temps building it as a center-fed if you decide to use it's full length …… imho
And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
Current smokers: Egor (trailered RF) and Easybake (tabletop pellet drive)
Thanks for the advice Gizmo. I am working off plans from smoker plans.net which show the fb on the right hand end. How would I modify this to produce a centre fed unit. I am guessing the fire box would be central with a pipe connecting it to the cc and some form of baffle to control heat? Would the bp have a gap on both ends? Would the smoke stack be relocated centrally?
Just did some googling on centre fed smokers and I see what you are talking about. My main question is do I have to make the opening between the fb and cc any certain size?
A center-fed is a re-design - not a mod to what you have.
I've hired Frank on more than one occasion for design help - he does premium work on his plans so stick with them - they'll work great - or I'm sure he would make you a good deal on a set of custom plans for a center-fed version too. Then you can pick.
And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
Current smokers: Egor (trailered RF) and Easybake (tabletop pellet drive)
Trekinaway the size of the opening should be set, and on the plans, if not call the number on the plans. Frank will get you rollin. Gizmo is right, if you want a CF, I'm sure frank will work with you.
BBQ is just smoke and beers!
Usually more beers than smoke.
Thanks for the advice guys I think I will drop him an email since it might be a bit difficult with the different times australia vs us to time a phone call.
Just got off the phone to Frank and he suggests this smoker will work best with an end feed fb so it's full steam ahead to get the rest of the materials and make me a smoker!!!
Got a chance to do a bit more today. Marked out and cut the cc door and the cutout for the fb. Next step will be to patch up all the holes left from all the hot water redundant parts then start the fb.
Hi everyone, sorry for the long delay but my mother-in-law fell ill and past away and my son had a dirt bike accident, broke his collar bone, shoulder blade and five ribs. So as you can imagine my time has been needed elsewhere.
Well now back in the saddle and picked up some material for the smoke box and will post more pics at the weekend. Does anyone know where I can get some spring handles from in Australia? I looked on eBay from the US but the postage is twice what the handle cost is.
drop maccas66 a PM and ask him…..
he's in new south wales….
tell him I said HI!
And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
Current smokers: Egor (trailered RF) and Easybake (tabletop pellet drive)