I would cut and join - less heat loss and more than likely more stable operating temp
And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
Current smokers: Egor (trailered RF) and Easybake (tabletop pellet drive)
Looking at the math the 8" pipe is too small anyway it is only 50.24 square inches you need 60.32 square inches in your throat opening. As for the rest of what these guys are saying, I would agree.
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
I connected them end to end thanks for the replys, another ? On my exhaust pipe , I'm goin to have 2 grates. Should I enter the cc above the top rack or in between the 2?