Fresh air intake

[Fordf100]

Hello again, it's me asking ???,s again. Here is one for ya. I have not installed any vents into my firebox yet and was wondering if instead of doing that what if I ran a 3 inch pipe into the side of the firebox and put a adjustable lid on it to controll the draw into the box, would that work or is that a stupid thing to ask. Actually I was thinking about doing in on both sides of the firebox. What do ya think ? Open to all suggestions

[The Czar]

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…

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Fordf100]

Where is the pit calculator found and how do I use it

[Fordf100]

Yes u were correct no vents as of yet other than leaving the door cracked

[The Czar]

Okay so here is the link to the pit calculator....

http://www.smokerbuilder.com/pitcalc/

just basically put in the dimensions and on the right side will be the numbers suggested for FB intakes...

[Fordf100]

Thanks

[The Czar]

Let me know what you come up with...now I'm all curious....

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Fordf100]

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

[Smokeone]

Put in 3", and see how many you should have. I'm not at my computer or I would run it fer ya.

[Fordf100]

All I have is up to a 2.5 inch hole saw

[Fordf100]

I will plug it in here in a sec

[The Czar]

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 ....

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Fordf100]

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?

What is the firebox intake area????

[Fordf100]

Also where would be the best places to put the intake holes at? The door or on the sides ?

[Fordf100]

I cooked in it yesterday and it didn't do too bad just had to babysit it a lot up and down temps . I knew I needed vents but didn't wanna overkill it.

[The Czar]

Yeah.....I don't know....I usually ask OB1....

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Fordf100]

OB1 help !!!!!

[The Czar]

May need to PM him....but somebody else should pop on soon and help I hope...

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[DUAYNE B]

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,

[Smokeone]

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.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

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.

[Frank_Cox]

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"


Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

[Fordf100]

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

[Fordf100]

I added to the chimney and finished my vents tonite . Test fire tomorrow eve. Hope it works

[Fordf100]

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.