First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » September 3rd, 2014, 5:15 pm

This website is great, I have learned so many things already. I enjoy everyones pics! I am approximately half way through my build as of today. I can't seem to find enough time to work on it since that is all I want to do lately, but loving every minute of it. Thought I would post some pics of my progress.

What I started with.

Progress! I'll use the smaller half for the firebox.

Starting on cart

Its coming along. I just bolted it to the cart in case I ever want to turn it into a trailer smoker. It is heavy to push around!

Rev.Mike · Post by **Rev.Mike** » September 3rd, 2014, 5:43 pm

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » September 3rd, 2014, 6:54 pm

Looks like a great build. Glad you have found this site helpful.

Post by **Big T** » September 3rd, 2014, 8:17 pm

That'll make a nice size cooker

Puff · Post by **Puff** » September 3rd, 2014, 8:37 pm

It's heavy now and you're still adding to it. Is it too late to add steerable caster to the front. Might help to save your back. I'm sitting here typing instead of working on my smoker for that reason alone.

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » September 3rd, 2014, 8:42 pm

I am thinking that the fire box will balance it a little bit. I don't plan on moving it too far at a time. If I need to I have a skid loader available. Mostly just gonna wheel it in and out of the garage.

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » September 4th, 2014, 9:21 pm

Had some trouble with the door and the flaps not fitting good. It initially fit well. But I got a few pointers from a few guys on the site and I think I got it figured out. The hinges that I used were a little weak and were bending causing the door to not fit right. So I got some hinges that are more stout and got those welded on. I think they will work out well.

Picked these up yesterday.

I cut them down to make them less visible since I didn't like the first ones I put on. I would have ordered some from the supply store but I wanted to get them on soon. I think these will work well. They are industrial style. I am now in the process of cutting the flaps off. I am going to take another stab at that. I didn't like the fit of the first ones and think I can do a much better job this time around.

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » September 7th, 2014, 12:22 am

I'm gonna redo the flaps on the lid. I have removed the old ones already. They were 3" wide, 1/8th" flat stock. They were a little hard to manipulate. What has everyone else had good luck with as far as flap size?

Post by **Rodcrafter** » September 7th, 2014, 5:57 am

I use 1.5x3/16 but lots of others use 1.5x 1/8. The 1.5 gives you 3/4" to clamp to the door while welding it and the other 3/4" to place a 1/2" rope gasket. Which seals her up nice.

bluecatfish · Post by **bluecatfish** » September 7th, 2014, 2:40 pm

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » September 7th, 2014, 6:33 pm

I use 3/16 x 2". It takes a little time, but take your time clamping and welding and they will turn out fine.

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » September 11th, 2014, 10:47 pm

Is it possible to get a good seal without using gasket? Also how does the gasket attach to metal? Does it cause any problems with the lid closing? Does anyone have any pics of their gasket on their lid?

Thanks in advance,

Austin

Post by **Big T** » September 11th, 2014, 11:20 pm

You'll definitely need a gasket to get a good seal. There are a lot of different styles, some are self adhesive and others have to be glued on with high temp rtv from the auto parts store. Here is a link to all the gaskets you could possibly need http://www.bbqsmokersupply.com/. I use Gizmo's method of installing the door and gasket, install the gasket to the door flange and let the glue dry, set the door in place and gently secure it to the tank with a couple of ratchet straps and weld the hinges in place and the door will have a good fit with no dragging issues. If there's a little gap here and there on your door flange, I'd recommend the rope style gasket 3/8'' or 1/2'' depending on the door gap. jm2cw

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » September 12th, 2014, 6:01 am

Yes. It is possible to get a good seal without a gasket. You would need to grind the 2 surfaces to mate to each other to get a good steel-steel contact - which, by the way, will change when they get hot. I think this process sucks all the fun out of smoker building.

I tried this method many years ago when I didn't know any better - a few trips into therapy snapped me back from the edge…..

I'M FEELING MUCH BETTER NOW!

onesquin · Post by **onesquin** » September 14th, 2014, 4:08 am

I highly recommend gaskets AND door latches that clamp or can draw tighter as the smoker heats up.

At my comp this weekend I was the ONLY smoker that had clean, clear smoke coming out of my smoker AND I was the only smoker with smoke only coming out of the stack. Most commercial smokers look like a car broke down on the side of the road with radiator problems.

onesquin · Post by **onesquin** » September 14th, 2014, 4:15 am

TIP: I put a thin strip of RTV and then I cut a 1 inch piece of hair comb and use it like a tile trowel to create ridges and even out the RTV working across the RTV, not along the strip. Don't use too much or it will come through the gasket when clamped to dry.

Don't forget to use gasket when setting your door hinges. If you do forget you might be resetting hinges.

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » September 14th, 2014, 7:50 am

Onesquin that comb idea is a keeper - THANKS!

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » September 14th, 2014, 7:55 pm

Awesome tip.

onesquin · Post by **onesquin** » September 15th, 2014, 6:28 pm

After building 4 smokers you are bound to stumble across a couple keepers!!!

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » September 15th, 2014, 7:06 pm

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » September 17th, 2014, 9:48 pm

Thanks a lot for the tips guys! I'll give er hell!

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » September 19th, 2014, 6:43 am

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 2nd, 2015, 9:05 pm

Finally got to work on the smoker a little on New Year's Day. Put some expanded metal on the bottom shelf. And some plate steel on the cart to make it look a little better. Did a lot of grinding! Preparing to get the door put on. Gluing some gasket around the edge prior to putting it on. Hoping to get a good seal.[link

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Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » January 2nd, 2015, 9:08 pm

Post by **Rodcrafter** » January 2nd, 2015, 9:25 pm

Nice work

Making memories.

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First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

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