Still kicking things around on the cabinets. I have 2 of them, also free, and im considering using one as a main cook chamber for a horizontal reverse flow and carving the 2nd one up for parts. I need to get them gutted and moved into my garage this spring. Im considering pros n cons of door on top so it opens like a freezer chest vs door on side. I plan on using propane for heat source and insulating as well as putting frame on wheels so it could be taken to events if desired. I think i will try the punched plate and can always change it out later.
Be very careful with propane in a smoker. Most of us will not advise on it since it can be very dangerous in a tightly sealed smoker. And, for what it’s worth, a “smoker” on propane is just a gas grill in my opinion.