So if I read what you're typing correct you currently do not have any air inlets into your firebox? If that is the case… You should be able to run the dimensions through the pit calculator and it should tell you what your intake air inlets should be…
Here is the deal my firebox measures 21.5 inches tall x17.5 long or deep it is a round chamber my cook chamber is 33inches long x 22 inches deep I have a chimney 18 in he's long with a 3 inch inner diameter I have no vents cut so the calculator is asking me how big my holes are . That's what I want to know how many and what size should they be??? Lol maybe I am just a dumb arse ... Probably lol
Yeah just type that in....I'm not near a comp either and see what it says...but you didn't mention how tall your cook chamber is or the exhaust diameter was ....
Okay I plugged it all in and this is what I came up with, I have a few questions for you all
Cook chamber vol. = 7937.43
Rec Fb size. = 5171.36
Fb size% diff =195.45%
Rec chimney vol. = 258.57
Chimney length =36
Firebox intake area. = 15.5
Intake count of 2.5 inches = 3.16
Recommended throat size 41.37
Okay now my questions
What's a throat size ?
My firebox is too big by nearly twice as much is that bad??
My chimney is only 18 inches long do I really need to add 18 to it?
I put mine in the door of the fire box, toward the bottom. You want the air to go under the grate and above. It seems more natural to be inline with fb, cc and stack, when the fire is going, you create a vacuum in the unit, heat is rising going out the stack, which is pulling air in the intake,
The FB being too big is better than too small. As for the intakes, I agree withDB, but I do like them on all sides also. The FB opening is the size of the hole between the FB and cook chamber. As far as the stack goes I would add to it. The extra length will make it draw better and be more efficient, especially with the oversized FB.
Clear as mud A. Just my .02. I'm sure you'll get a better answer from some of the more experienced guys.
BBQ is just smoke and beers!
Usually more beers than smoke.
I prefer to have my intakes on each side of the FB vs in the door. The reason for this is I create an X on the inside of my door to strengthen and prevent warping. I would strongly recommend extending the length of your stack. You really need to make sure you have enough draw so the cooker works properly.
so, if you have a 2.5" hole saw then enter that into the calc and it will tell you how many you need. it will be several. my guess is 5 or 6 without running the numbers. if you drill a 2.5" hole and use a 3" vent. the size is still 2.5"
Gotcha frank I understand , my vent is truly 3inches I used a torch for that hole. I will do the stack addition today and the vents and do a test burn. That should take care of it
Okay well ,, tonite I did another burn with my new firebox vents and the added chimney length ... Seemed to do well but I think I have some crappy wood, have to go visit my brother in law and get some good wood, then try again. I will keep ya posted.
One other question for you all . Should I build a. Fire basket or just a grate to put into my burn chamber??? What would be my best bet for my setup in your experienced opinions?? I am open to all suggestions.
For those of you who don't know what my setup is , here is a pic.