My build

[mp4]

This is my project so far. I started last week with my son who was on leave between USAF basic training/tech school and shipping out to Okinawa Japan for a two year tour. He flew out Wednesday so I'll have to finish up on my own.

The tank is a 180 gallon water softener that came from the hospital I work at. I made a straight grill back then with a similar tank...before I discovered this site.

[mp4]

This is how my grill turned out a while back.

[Rev.Mike]

[Rodcrafter]

Cool, look forward to seeing your handy work.

[Smurf]

Gonna be a nice buid mp4. Great addition to your grill.

[Big T]

Off to a great start.

[bluecatfish]

[mp4]

Here's my question - how big should the fire basket be? The box is 29 wide x 23 x 23. Should the basket be as big as will fit or is that overkill?

[Rodcrafter]

This is what I did on my backyard RF the top of the basket is at the bottom of the throat opening, the bottom of it just clears an 1/2" ash pan. Works like a dream..

[Puff]

Also, try to keep your dampers so the draft air can enter below the fire

[mp4]

I LIKE it - thanks!

[mp4]

What is the general rule of thumb for stack diameter? I was thinking of using 5" square for my 180 gallon cooker. It would be the equivalent of a round pipe 5.64" which puts the stack around 54" tall. Does that sound about right?

[Big T]

You can use what ever diameter that you want as long as it meets the pit calculators volume spec, just adjust the diameter and length to achieve the recommended volume.. I like for my stack to be tall enough to keep the smoke out of my eyes but short enough that I can get it in the garage door. Some of the guys make their stacks removable.

[Rodcrafter]

Yep, Big T is right on. I like that size.

[mp4]

Next question - cc door flange on the inside or outside of the door? I like the look of it inside personally but I'm curious if one way seals better than the other.

[Frank_Cox]

Great build!!! Il like the grease dam on the throat opening and looks like your making a removeable plug to drain it while cleaning??
anyway, as far as the log rack goes I like what rodcrafter did but I usually just make a rack to hold the logs since I don't use a lot of charcoal.
the door flange, I like it on the inside!


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[mp4]

I put it there for cleaning but hadn't thought about plugging it...i probably should, huh?

How much overlap is best? I was thinking 3/4"...

[Big T]

3/4'' works fine.

[Rodcrafter]

It is a vacuum leak while cooking if it isn't sealed up.

[mp4]

Put the door on today - just bolted the hinge on with 1/4" bolts to be sure of the fit and it turned out good. Next step is to figure out how I want to latch it shut.

[mp4]

[Big T]

[Rodcrafter]

I have had some trouble out of that type hinge in the past on the FB. But if you oil it each time you use it they work much longer.

[mp4]

Point well taken. I used that style hinge on my Maple Syrup arch and figured if it holds up to that...well, it's substantially more heat than I'm thinking the smoker will be. Here's a picture of my arch in action this spring so you'll see what I mean...granted, it is insulated, but it's basically a forge. When the fire brick are glowing you know something's happening inside the firebox!

[Pennywise]

Thats hawt.