New reverse flow build

[Blondy_UK]

Hi all i am new to the site as i am looking for information regarding a new reverse flow build. Last year i built my first reverse flow from two different sized propane tanks, one for cook and the other for fire box. I used it for a couple of times with poor bitter results and realised this game is not going to be easy so did some research on fire managment and then had some better results but found i was tending the fire continuously to keep a steady heat ish. After more googling i found that one couldnt just build a smoker and that there were calculators that you must use to get somewhere near to what was needed. So this year i am building a new one using some calculations, i have most of the sums worked out but i have some conflicting info regarding offset and reverse flow offset. I read that some of the numbers had to be multiplied by 1.5 for reverse flow due to extra flow needed and the resistance to get back along the baffle plate to tje chimney. Can anyone confirm this and if so which measurments need multiplying. Thanks PJ

[ajfoxy]

Welcome aboard.

[Rodcrafter]

Welcome to the crew. I don’t know where you heard that information. But the calculator is designed for offset smokers so it’s the same for both. It’s all about the draft and the baffle plate on an RF makes up for any heat loss with radiant heat.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dirtytires]

There is a lot of information out on the web. Some good and some no so much so. I have been here a while and i promise, if you follow the calculators and guidence provided on this site you will turn out a well tuned pit. This site has the experience of hundreds of pits.

Bottom line, no, dont multiply anything by 1.5....lol

[Big T]

[Pete Mazz]

Welcome

[Blondy_UK]

Thanks for the welcome, before i found this site i was looking at Feldens calculator but i think that was designed for offsets so there was talk about multiplying some of the dimensions rf's. The calc on this site is for rf offsets, so i will take exact dimensions of my old compressor tank and put into this calculator and go from there.

I was thinking of putting a paving slab in the bottom of the firebox when its done will that help with heat retention or even protecting the bottom of the box?

[Big T]

The bottom is actually the coolest part of the FB. I would say that building an ash pan to catch everything from falling on the floor of the FB and cleaning it out after you cook is probably the best thing that you can do to prolong the life of the FB.

[Blondy_UK]

I intend to have a 4"-5" gap under the fire grate so plenty of room for an ash pan. Wish i had found this site last year.

[Dirtytires]

Ash is superdry and will actually pull moisture out of the air making it damp. Himid or rainy climates are worse. It not cleaned out quickly, this damp ash will promote rust.

Put in an ash pan and clean it out after every use....it will last forever.

[Blondy_UK]

Its been a while since posting and i have almost finished my build and wanted to know whats the best way to mount a chimney, i will try to add 2 sketches of ways to mount it but wondered whats good or bad aboit each one. Thanks

[Blondy_UK]

First idea

[Blondy_UK]

Second

[Chromeski]

Both will work. I think most recomend nude straight out of the highest part of the tank, but don't take my word for it I'm still learning.
Where are the pics of your build?

[Blondy_UK]

Yeh i like the cleaner look of the straight out of the top, i did it that way on my first build and just wanted some pros and cons on the two designs. I have taken a few pics on my phone but I am not sure how to post pics properly yet but will try to get some up.

[Blondy_UK]

It started with a 50gal air receiver.

[Blondy_UK]

[Blondy_UK]

[Blondy_UK]

[ajfoxy]

Looking good. Coming along nicely.

[Big T]

[Blondy_UK]

Slowly but surely.

[Rodcrafter]

Very nice


Making memories!

[Blondy_UK]

I wish i cauld have found a slightly larger CC. The wife asked yesterday why i was looking at compressor tanks on ebay and i couldnt lie, i said i was already thinking about the next build. She said "you still havent finished this one yet, and what are you going to do with the first one"?

[Blondy_UK]