reverse flow baffle plate cracking

[morgansdad]

I built a reverse flow about 2 years ago and it has been in near constant use. I just had to do some warranty repairs because the baffle plate had cracked where the heat is really concentrated right at the firebox.I found that 7018 worked better than e70s6 wire because you cant get all the grease out.

I am now building a 22 foot center feed and aside from making the firebox out of 3/8 as well as the baffleplate I am running into a problem where the baffleplate is lower than the top of the firebox because of the throat size from the f.b. into the c.c. I had the same problem with the original cooker I built. I know this will be burning pretty much around the clock and repairs will be a p.i.a. when this rig is in its final resting spot.

so after all that the question is what are you guys doing to prevent the cracking? I know that it shouldnt crack if the fire is properly maintained but... I also know that the fire will get over built and it will be over heated. I also plan on lining the firebox internally with brick and I considered that when I did the firebox calc. plus building something inside the firebox that will force the operator to keep the fire in the middle of the box I believe that because the first one was trailer mounted plus the door was on the rear the fire would naturally gravitate toward the front of the box and intensify the heat near the throat.

I will see if I can figure out how to get some pictures on her for your amusement ( I keep thinking the football is going to pop)

Thanks Fellow Smoker Builders!

[forty_creek]

Sounds like too big of a fire, as you stated. During seasoning and tinkering my build, I added to much wood and she got HOT!!! One of the corners of FB/VC cracked. It sounded like a bomb. We looked all over for what made the sound later found the hairline crack.
If I am understanding you correctly your BP is lower than the top of the throat...I'm not able to explain how but that could be the problem. Choking down the heat flow in return heating the metal more than if it was at the top of the throat.
jm2cw... I'm just trolling the forum and being lazy enjoying the AC


Drankin, Smokin and Dreamin

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[Big T]

I think some pictures would really help. I'm having a hard time understanding how the BP is below the top of the FB. Did you cut the throat at the top of the FB, is your FB and CC round and you're using a rectangular throat ? If you're using a round FB and round CC, I think you should look at Pete's throat calculator and cut a football shaped throat. I could be misunderstanding what you're describing and that wouldn't be the first time.

[Rodcrafter]

I agree that pics will help a lot.


Making memories.

[dportz87]

sounds like no room for expansion also, pictures please

[morgansdad]

I willtry to get some pictures on today