First smoker - thanks to the forum

[Martok]

Hi,

This is my first welding project.
I wanted to learn welding, because its a practical skill. Hobby course was very expensive, so instead of taking a course and buying a cheap stick welder, I decided to buy a good MIG welder, and learn welding by practicing.
First project is the RF smoker that I wanted for a long time, little did I know that it will consume so much time.
I searched the web for plans and got to this wonderful forum.
Thanks for all the knowledge.

The main smoking chamber is made from an old solar heater that started to leak. Fire box was made from sheet metal.
Everything was done with simple tools like jigsaw and angle grinder, no fancy plasma cutters or CNC.
So here are the pictures:

Smoking chamber with legs

Fire box

Fire box attached to main chamber

Stack damper

Done

Fire basket

Air intake damper

[bluecatfish]

Keep practicing your welding on the next one! Have you tried it out yet? That is the acid test!

[Martok]

I did a burn test for 3 hours, Temperature was very stable and controllable. I left it at 225F and it was stable at this temperature for 1.5 hour until I needed to add wood.

The welds got better gradually, you can certainly see the difference between the first weld and the latest.

[Pennywise]

Nice work man.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Very nice project. Welcome to the art of pit building.

[Rev.Mike]

looks like your ready for the next one!

[Rodcrafter]

Yes, welcome to the crew. Nice work


Making memories.

[Puff]

Yep! Nice looking smoker. Welcome. You know you've made progress when the acid test works.

[Smokeone]

Nice! I agree it is a great way to learn how to weld.

[Big T]

I haven't found a hobby that isn't expensive.

[Martok]

Thanks guys
I tried it today and it worth's every minute of work I had put into it. The best meat I ever had.
I cooked spare ribs, assado and turkey breast, all were just fantastic.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

That is good to hear Martok. We will now consider you "HOOKED"

[bluecatfish]

I say it passed the acid test with flying colors! Are you scrounging material for the next one yet?

[Martok]

One is enough, at least for the near future.
Next project is a welding cart with bicycle wheels and handlebar that I took apart from my son old bicycle.

[The Czar]

So now you need to sell and build bigger....don't deny your feelings

[Rodcrafter]

One is enough, at least for the near future.

I don't know how that works?????? I mean how can one be enough?????

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

I was thinking the same thing RC.

[DUAYNE B]

Good size and very nice looking

[DUAYNE B]

He will build another, and another, cant help it. Kind of like Lays............