First build

[stonefly53]

Hey guys, still working on my first build. It is a RF and I would like to build the full length drain out of angle iron as I have seen several of you do. I'm wondering do you keep the BP and drain level or do you angle it slightly towards the drain downspout. If you do angle just a little should it slope toward or away from the FB? It seems all the drains are on the FB side which would put the higher side on the far end. Does that make the heat and smoke move too quickly if it is angled? If the drain was on the opposite end as the FB would it hamper the flow since it would be lower than the FB side? I am only thinking of about an inch difference in height to make the slope. The CC is 43" long. Am I over thinking it?

[Big T]

I build my BP out of flat plate and install them level from front to back and left to right. I put a 2'' grease dam on the end at the BP gap and a 2'' drain on the same end. I have never had any issues with this design. I've found that the majority of grease and drippings burn off while cooking. I use a scraper in between uses to scrape out any left over pieces that fall through the racks. I don't feel that it's worth all the work that goes into building a trough down the middle. jm2cw

[stonefly53]

Thanks Big T. That will save a ton of work!

[stonefly53]

So I changed the name of the topic because I know I will have a ton of questions before I'm done. I'll also try to get some pics on here.

[stonefly53]

Here's a few pics. I received this "smoker" and thought I could rebuild it into a decent cooker. Cut off the legs and hinges and had to weld the whole tank back together. It was cut completely in half which was not the door type I wanted.

[stonefly53]

Here is where I'm at now. I have the WC frame built, cut the end for the FB and WC, have the stand built, and I got the hinges on and door cut.

[Squiggle]

Looks very cool dude!

[stonefly53]

Ok, so I might have scared myself out of it last night. The tank I received has been used as a direct heat charcoal grill for years. The inside is coated in black soot or seasoning. The outside is a dull gray and rusty color. I thought it was paint. No issues or funny smells as I have been welding and grinding on it. Should I be worried about a zinc coating or do you all think I'm alright using it? Can I just grind it all to clean metal and not worry?

[Big T]

I can't tell from the picture but if you've been welding on it and have noticed it bubbling up and leaving a yellow powder near the weld or smelled any nasty fumes, it probably isn't galvanized. It can be removed with a grinder or flap wheel but that's a lot of work. I've heard of guys using muriatic acid to remove the coating but I've never tried it. I would try to figure out if it is before you go any further. I don't use galvanized metal on any smoker that I build, some guys may say different but this is how I do it.

[stonefly53]

Thanks for the info! No strange fumes or bubbling so it is probably paint. I may still grind it clean and do a big burn out after. Spent the spare time today cutting and putting the outside on the WC.

[Rodcrafter]

I would agree with Big T


Making memories.

[stonefly53]

So today I spent a little more time on the WC and I tried to make a wheel to see if it would work. For my first try I'm pretty happy, now just 3 more to go! I built it out of a piece of 8" pipe and 8 little spokes from 1/2" rebar.

[Squiggle]

Very cool dude, nice work on the wheel.

[Rodcrafter]

I will bet you never get it too hot!!!!!

[stonefly53]

Update on the last few days. I wanted to ease my mind on the tank coating. Never had the white or yellow funkiness when welding but I just wanted to be certain, so 2 days later and a ton of grinding, and a quick acid dip, I now have no worries about any off gassing from the tank. Also got the other 3 wheels built and all are now mounted on the base. Kinda rustic looking but when I saw the prices of any wheels that I liked I was blown away. So I'm pretty pleased with these, and it even rolls pretty good. Started on the FB door today but will have to finish that tomorrow night.

[mp4]

Nice!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[Rodcrafter]

No worry about the FB now.

[bluecatfish]

Those wheels look great!

[Big T]

[Squiggle]

awesome work dude!

[SmokinHawgBBQ]

Lookin Good!!!!!!
Mike

[stonefly53]

So had a pretty fun day. Started teaching my 14 year old a little about welding.(all I know is a little!) we got the CC and FB on the stand and got the trim on the CC door. So question, do you guys recommend double welding stuff like the 1/4 plate on the FB. Like on the inside as well as the out?

[Pete Mazz]

Coming together nicely!

[Big T]

I completely weld the outside and usually put a few small welds on the inside, normally in the corners if building square. I have built quite a few of them that were only welded on the outside and haven't had any issues to date but they were good solid welds.

[stonefly53]

Awesome, thanks Big T!