Centerfeed Reverse Flow - Build #1

[inkslinger]

Okay Folks, here I go. Ive sourced some parts and am ready to start tinkering with this.

48 Gallon (200lb) propane tank

16.5" x 32" wood stove

Note: Shortly, I will post some pics of the design. As well as some of the numbers ive run on the setup so far.

[Weldun]

I'm looking forward to your build, have you ever wondered how cluttered the world would be if there weren't any smoker builders? I think some of the coolest builds are born from treasure hunting and seeing overlooked potential.

[inkslinger]

I'm looking forward to your build, have you ever wondered how cluttered the world would be if there weren't any smoker builders? I think some of the coolest builds are born from treasure hunting and seeing overlooked potential.

I agree Weldun. I have been patient and just kept my eyes open. Now i have much of what I need to get started and havent spent a single penny yet.

Well... actually I spent 15$ for some high heat gasket and high heat adhesive for the doors on this build.

[inkslinger]

Ran the base numbers on these tanks.

48gallon CC

16" ID x 20" FB

And I think ill go with a 4"ID x 16" stack

Everything seems on point. Just need to start cutting some metal. The propane tank has been soaking this week.

[Big T]

The pit calculator is designed for an offset pit, depending on your design and how the FB is connected you may not need a large FB. Are you going to have the FB directly below the CC or is it going to be set back some? Is the FB and CC going to be one piece or will you have some type of tubing connecting them ? All of these things need to be worked out before you start cutting or you could mess up some of your material. I'm not trying to be negative I just want to help you end up with the best cooker that you can build.

[inkslinger]

Here is what I am thinking for the smoker design.

The FB and CC are connected with a 5"x5" square collar. FB feeds up into the CC dead center on the bottom. There will be a small heat shield just above the throat to take the brunt of the heat and to begin directing it towards the sides. The drip pan will run almost the full with of the CC, a few inches above the heat shield, and will end where the propane tank bell shaped ends begin on both sides. the smoke will then travel back towards the center where the smokestack exits the CC, dead center on the top. Smokestack will be 4" ID pipe at about 16" tall.

Hit me with questions and feedback... I won't start slicing up any metal until I have run everything by you fine folks.

[texasmedic1]

Your design certainly looks like a compact design width wise, it will save some space on the back porch or deck.


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[Big T]

Everything sounds good to me except for the 5''x5'' throat, seems a little small to me. I built one similar to this about 5 years ago and I used 10'' pipe for the throat, the guy I built it for hasn't used it enough to know how good or bad it works . Maybe some of the guys that build this style cooker will come along and can help you out a little more than I can.

[Squiggle]

Looks like a cool design, I like the stack as a door stop.

[Rodcrafter]

I like it!
I agree with BigT don't go any smaller with the throat opening. It would be great if you made it adjustable. Take 2-5x5 collars which would in turn become 5x10 full open then you could close her down to the sweet spot when you learn where that is.

Jm2cw


Making memories!

[inkslinger]

Everything sounds good to me except for the 5''x5'' throat, seems a little small to me. ...

Okay. I will make sure to look into that before I proceed.

The calcs called for something around 6x6. I thought going a little smaller would be within reason, but as we know, the calcs are for offset and not the center feed I want to do.

Hopefully someone with experience with this type of center feed with an augmented flow can step in and lend a hand.

[inkslinger]

I like it!
I agree with BigT don't go any smaller with the throat opening. It would be great if you made it adjustable. ...

Ah ha! There is an idea. Thats easy enough with the square shape too. Adding baffles should be fairly simple. I am going to investigate this idea further for sure. I wanted this to be compact and simple. Adding additional controls departs from that idea a little, but when faced with an unknown like this, I think it really is the safest solution.

Any suggestion on maximum throat size? Do you think 5x10 should do it?

[Rodcrafter]

It is plenty


Making memories!

[inkslinger]

It is plenty

I think the best way to achieve a baffle on the throat in this case is to make the heat shield adjustable vertically, so that I can raise and lower it directly on top of the throat. Any ideas on a simple mechanism to achieve this?

[inkslinger]

Here is an updated design in 3D. The shape and scale should be pretty close to the actual dims now. The bell ends are approx. There is also a section view so you can see the throat and heat shield (red) with the drip pan above.

[Rodcrafter]

Very nice


Making memories!

[inkslinger]

Put in some more work on this build finally. Life happens occasionally and delays our plans. Regardless... it felt good to make progress. Prob one more weekend of fabrication and I am ready for paint.




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[Big T]

We've all been there at some point or another but at least it's waiting for you when ever you have time.

[ajfoxy]

Now I don't feel so bad about my stalled... going very slow... might one day finish them... mini GF's I started some considerable time ago.

But your project is looking good. Look forward to your first cook as I am sure you are too.

[Cole]

Looks good, I like the design

[inkslinger]

Ive got my expanded steel on the way. Ive also found a guy who used to race lawnmowers that is providing me with wheels. They are studded ATV style wheels. Gonna make my smoker look like a monster truck.

Any thoughts on using these wheels?






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[ajfoxy]

Cool factor of 10...
With those wheels your rig shouldn't get bogged down in the back yard...

[Big T]

I'm not sure where you plan to mount them but just make sure that they aren't too close to the FB or that you have a heat shield.

[inkslinger]

I'm not sure where you plan to mount them but just make sure that they aren't too close to the FB or that you have a heat shield.

What is a safe distance you think? I hadn’t actually given that much thought. I figured i would get them out a little wider than the rig anyway, but now I’m not sure. I may also make one end pivot for steering purposes.


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[Big T]

There's not really a written rule on the spacing but it looks like they will probably be ok if you mount them low on the outside of your framework. This isn't a huge pit so the FB shouldn't be extremely hot. If you do realize that they are getting too warm, you could add a simple heat shield.