Question about grate rails

teamluhnacy · Post by **teamluhnacy** » August 13th, 2013, 10:51 pm

Building a offset from a 250 gallon propane tank. Almost ready to install rails for slide out racks. My question is what does everyone prefer for rack frame material. I've seen most use the number nine 3/4 expanded metal for the cooking surface but what do you like for the frame. I'm thinking 1in square tubing. Next question would be if using this size tubing what size angle would you use for rails.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » August 13th, 2013, 11:10 pm

3/4" angle ....I will try to get pics tomorrow for ya....unless somebody beats me to it

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Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 14th, 2013, 6:51 am

I personally use 1" angle for my rails. 3/4 will work also as DC stated.

teamluhnacy · Post by **teamluhnacy** » August 14th, 2013, 9:06 am

Clover Ridge Smokers wrote:I personally use 1" angle for my rails. 3/4 will work also as DC stated.

What do you use for your frame. I'm guessing the idea is to have the finished expanded metal rack slightly higher that the rail?

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » August 14th, 2013, 9:27 am

Try these

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teamluhnacy · Post by **teamluhnacy** » August 14th, 2013, 9:30 am

dcman (The Czar) wrote:Try these

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Is that channel iron for the rails and square tubing for the frame?

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » August 14th, 2013, 10:24 am

Maybe ;)

If I remember the railing for the expanded metal it flat strap just bended to 90 degrees....

The railing in the cooker is flat strap bended around into a c channel....

This is just a different way of doing it....

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Post by **Rodcrafter** » August 14th, 2013, 3:16 pm

I use #9 x 3/4 as you said, with 1" angle on some and on others 1" square tube. The tube is bit over kill unless it is in a very hot environment, or a very large grate frame. As for the rails I use 2 pieces one looking up and the other looking down. I then adjust them so there is 1/8" to 3/16" larger than my grate and weld them together. If I'm using angle the expanded metal is welded on the inside so my grate is 1" thick but of course using tubing it would be a little larger depending on how well the welding/grinding goes. There are some pics here that might be helpful.

jm2cw

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 14th, 2013, 6:44 pm

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » August 14th, 2013, 9:09 pm

Dang Terry your an overachiever!!!

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Post by **Rodcrafter** » August 16th, 2013, 5:58 pm

Your thinking of someone else DC.

TuscaloosaQ · Post by **TuscaloosaQ** » August 16th, 2013, 6:40 pm

I personally use 1x1x1/4" for my grate frames, then I use 1/1/4" x 3/16 for my rails this throws everything flush with one another. All of the previous comments are great for a grate. It is all about preference and I am anal!!!!

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » August 16th, 2013, 8:15 pm

TWSS!!!!!!!!

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Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 17th, 2013, 4:42 pm

Puff · Post by **Puff** » October 10th, 2013, 8:06 pm

If you notice in the picture Rodcrafter has posted, the track that holds the sliding racks have only a portion of the top installed. My first observation is that this MUST limit the binding that can occur in an expansion from heating. I. Might actually cut mine out and redo it this way. As I slide mine in and out of the cook chamber, i can see how it can bind up and be off kilter easily and then be stuck trying to free it....even though they appear to move well enough

Does the grease from any cooking help this area as a lubricant ?

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » October 10th, 2013, 8:20 pm

Yes the grease helps.

I can't speak for RC and I can't tell for sure, but I bet his grates have an extension limiter on them (so they don't come out unintentionally). Usually the top of the slide is cut out so the tab can slide up to a certain point then you lift the grate to come all the way out.

Rev.Mike · Post by **Rev.Mike** » October 10th, 2013, 8:54 pm

Puff · Post by **Puff** » October 10th, 2013, 9:13 pm

Oh...That a better Idea than the chain to the back wall idea I was thinking of....

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