\\first build 60 gallon compressor tank//

[mbmopar]

I've been prepping a 60 gallon tank off of a Sanborn compressor for the past few weeks as time allows.
It's my first build and i'm looking forward to getting it going! I've been collecting parts all spring.

here is the tank fresh out of the van

I trimmed the motor plate off, then the legs

I used a cardboard template to lay out the door

I rolled out some 3/16" x 1 1/4" flat bar out for a door frame using a roller I built a few years ago to roll square tube, bar stock, etc.
I was building an ornamental steel gate for a new fence, I actually need to make another one this spring so I better get on it.

I trimmed the door tonight and tacked on the frame and some bullet hinges

I'm planning on mounting an aluminum truck box under it for storage, and I'm using a swivel wheel under the box and a
pneumatic tire axle assembly for the other end. The balance of the frame will be angle and /or tube.

I'm going to build a square firebox out of 1/4" plate, square in shape.

I'll be sealing the cooking chamber door with a gasket and latches. I'm hoping to utilize a stainless drip tray under the grill and baffles,
and using the factory tank 2" outlet as a drain if needed.

I think I'm going to use expanded metal for the grill.

Should I use a stainless expanded metal or mild steel for the grill?

mind all the mess in the garage, I have too much stuff and not enough time to put it all away and do anything useful with it.

Thanks !
Derek

[Big T]

I use mild steel and it holds up pretty well if you season it real good.

[Squiggle]

definitely mild inside the CC & it looks fantastic!

[ajfoxy]

Looking good so far.

[Rodcrafter]

Nice work, I like the set of rolls you made too.


Making memories!

[mbmopar]

Thanks everyone! Mild it is! I have a question about the calculators. If i enter my rough numbers, can i get a.fairly accurate assessment of how big to make the opening from the firebox into the cooking chamber? I was just mulling over where to place suppoets for the grill rack, drip tray and heat baffle plates and dont want to crowd the corner of the tank. Thanks

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[Squiggle]

Yep, it's very accurate for area of the throat & then you can use the other smoker calculators to get sizes for the different shaped throats.

[Big T]

[temurf]

That will be a sweet cooker when you are done.

[mbmopar]

So it's been quite a stretch since I've last posted. Some progress has been made.

I had some 1/4" mild plate cut and built the firebox. I added a coal basket and will also add a shelf for a water tray.

I still need to get a door on it and a vent fabricated.

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[mbmopar]

I also got the throat size figured out and tonight I cut the tank to accept the firebox. I still need to sand a bit and weld it up but it fits pretty good. I'm happy with it. I contacted a fellow who can access stainless steel offcuts and an having him see about setting me up with a SS drip tray. I need to source some door seal and thermometers. I may also consider setting up rotisserie mounts. Maybe.

I have alot of scrap plate to fab some baffles as well.

The fever has returned! I want ribs![emoji2]

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[mbmopar]

Hungry tank !

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[temurf]

That will be one sweet cooker when you get done.


You might want to consider raising the fire basket up a little higher. 3 or 4 inches between the fire basket and the bottom of the fire box will allow room for the ash to collect without restricting the airflow. Just trying to help.

[ajfoxy]

Looking good and coming along nicely.

[Big T]

[mbmopar]

That will be one sweet cooker when you get done.


You might want to consider raising the fire basket up a little higher. 3 or 4 inches between the fire basket and the bottom of the fire box will allow room for the ash to collect without restricting the airflow. Just trying to help.

I certainly will lift the box. Thanks for the tip!

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[Rodcrafter]

Yes it is a good idea. You are doing a great job!


Making memories!

[mbmopar]

I got the firebox tacked in its final position and will be mocking up the framework tomorrow.

The aluminum underbody box and axle were great deals and I couldn't pass on them. The box I'm thinking of storing charcoal , utensils etc. The axle was from a wood chipper and will easily support the heavy firebox.

I'm going to have a pneumatic swivel caster on the other end to aid in maneuvering.

I'm using a hydraulic lift table to support and level the firebox end. If anyone who builds anything is thinking about getting one, get one! They are slick... heavy but slick! [emoji3]

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[mbmopar]

I've got a question regarding the chimney and would like some opinions.

I initially thought I had a 4" diameter heavy wall (.25") pipe for the chimney. This diameter in the calc with all of my other measurements
suggested a height of 23.22". I was just looking at my pipe, it is a 3" dia. plugging this into the calc suggests a length of 41.27".

vast difference. I also have some square tube 2.5 " inside. wall thickness approx 1/8".

I dont have a budget to buy anything for the project save for some Hi temp paint,door gasket and a couple good thermometers. I have basically everything else I need to get it rocking and rolling.

Could I double up or "twin" two stacks together? at half of the 41.27"?

or ?

I'm all ears , Thank you BTW for the generous advice and support throughout, I enjoy this forum for that reason !

[Big T]

Yes you can use twin 3'' stacks that are half the recommended length (2) 20.5'' stacks.

[mbmopar]

Thanks Big T ! I was hoping for that. BTW, I see your signature "Measure twice, cut three times". That was me last night.

and stack placement is as high in the end of the cook chamber as possible, correct?

[Big T]

Thanks Big T ! I was hoping for that. BTW, I see your signature "Measure twice, cut three times". That was me last night.

and stack placement is as high in the end of the cook chamber as possible, correct?

That's how I roll!! I mount the stack as high as possible on the CC.

[Rodcrafter]

[mbmopar]

Well I hacked into the top of the tank at the opposite end from the firebox, made some sloppy plasma cutsdue to the radius of the tank cap and positioned the twin stacks. Welded up the gap then capped the fill. I'm not going to lie, I'm not happy with the outcome of the welding.

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[mbmopar]

I than finished the welding on the inside of the tank to the firebox, and ran a purely decorative bead along the top seam. Tomorrow I'll weld the bottom outside to finish it. Then I can move onto building the supports for the tuning plates, the heat baffle for the throat at the firebox and lay some supports in for the awesome stainless drip tray a family friend whipped up ( fits like an absolute glove BTW ).Then onto the grill supports.

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