Firebox started for RF 100 gallon build

thinwater · Post by **thinwater** » February 26th, 2015, 5:45 pm

I made the panels for my firebox last night. This is the front with the door. It is 24" x 24" x 1/4" thick. I made the vent to match, it overlaps the holes by .100" on each side when closed. It is .125" thick. The door is 16" square.

I purged my 100 gallon tank with water and will cut it this weekend and weld in the firebox. I am going to weld on the hinges before I pop the the door loose so it stays centered.

The vent opening covers take about 30 seconds each to burn out in the CNC plasma cutter, the door and the vent holes took under two minutes, after about ten minutes of drawing it.

Any advice before I get in to deep and cant fix something?

SmokinFF · Post by **SmokinFF** » February 26th, 2015, 5:48 pm

I'll bring my parts over when it's time to cut my parts.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » February 26th, 2015, 9:19 pm

I'm sure vents are lots easier on that table rig. I would put one of those on the two side panels down a little lower so if the breeze is contrary you can still get the intake.

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » February 26th, 2015, 9:20 pm

Miketheforester · Post by **Miketheforester** » February 28th, 2015, 7:50 am

I agree with rodcrafter's lower statement. When you imagine your air flowing in the intake and to the throat opening, make sure is almost has to pass through the fire. Otherwise, especially on a day with a lot of contrary wind, you will have air come in your firebox, virtually bypass your fire and go straight into your cook chamber causing all sorts of havoc.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

thinwater · Post by **thinwater** » March 1st, 2015, 11:12 am

I fought the tank and I won. I got the firebox all welded up yesterday and just cut off the end of the tank with all of the fittings. It started raining so I had to go back inside for a while.

If it clears up I want to get the door cut out this afternoon.

Thanks for the tips on lowering the air vents. I will just use these to get the fire lit then use the new ones I will make lower for cooking on.

thinwater · Post by **thinwater** » March 1st, 2015, 11:14 am

Here is the picture of the tank

Post by **Rodcrafter** » March 1st, 2015, 11:17 am

That's going to be a nice one

thinwater · Post by **thinwater** » April 18th, 2015, 5:33 pm

I welded it all together a few days after my original post about building it. The problem is I have not figured out how to get it onto the trailer. I have decided to weld lifting hooks on it and bring home the company Cat tractor and use the grapple and a chain to lift it onto the trailer.

I finally decided to throw a chunk of pork on it a few minutes ago and see how it comes out. I have about a 5lbs uncured picnic shoulder in it and will let it smoke for several hours and see how it comes out.

The picture was after the initial welding of the big parts and before grinding etc.. I still need to paint it.

Post by **Big T** » April 18th, 2015, 7:32 pm

thinwater · Post by **thinwater** » April 18th, 2015, 9:17 pm

I cooked the pork for almost 4 hours. It took me and my wife about fifteen minutes to eat most of it.

It was very easy to keep the temp between 225 and 240 degrees. I used logs from a small oak that I cut down last year. A couple of sticks every 45 minutes and it was good to go.

It was perfect for me but my wife likes it a little moister. I will work on that. Not bad for a first time use of a home built cooker, cooking a home raised hog.

Post by **Tom_Heath** » April 18th, 2015, 9:58 pm

Awesome on the cnc plasma. 2 minute to cut is cool. But would have taken me 2 hours to draw.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SmokerBuilder.com