counterweight how to

[Frank_Cox]

This is a quick thread about how to balance your counter weight. I normally have the counter weight on about a 60 degree angle from the top of the cook chamber. Once I get the counterweight built on the door I leave the end caps off of the tube at the top. I usually use a 2 pound hammer or whatever I have laying around and stick it inside the end of the tube to test how much weight I will need to keep the door open. Once I get the weight where I want it using the hammers I take the Hammers out and weigh them on a scale. This tells me the total combined weight that I need to fill the inside of the tube with. Then I use different chunks of scrap rebar or angle or whatever I have laying around and cut them two inches shorter than the length of the counter weight. Then once I have enough that is equal to or greater than the combined weight needed I weld all the pieces together and shove them inside the counterweight tube then I use a couple of stitch welds to hold the weight in place inside the tube to prevent it from rolling around.

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[Jethro1]

Very cool idea.

[Grabber70Mach]

[Frank_Cox]

Thanks Jethro! Thanks Grabber!

[TuscaloosaQ]

[SmokinFF]

What size tank is that? I've got one about the same size, thinking a RF patio model.

[Frank_Cox]

It is called a 460 pound bottle. It is about 30" diameter and around 43" long

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[Frank_Cox]

Thanks TQ!

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[maccas66]

Ah Ha!, thats where I went wrong!, weld them together!, Oh well as some one said it`s an alarm just in case someone is taking a look or dinner is ready!!!!. Good info thread Frank!

[Frank_Cox]

Thanks Mac! haha, never thought about the open door alarm Mac! Great idea!

[alesmoker]

I realize this is a super old post but thanks for the info!! Im just about to this part in my build and this was very useful!

[Tom_Heath]

Glad the past threads can help.

Man oh man, I went to the beginning and boy did it bring back memories. Tons of memories in that building.


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[jadstar]

Question may sound like trying to reinvent wheel but... Has anyone ever used pneumatic door closers in a counterbalance door opening configuration? I joined site a few weeks back and have been lurking ..... I am currently working on a 250 offset and just really enjoying the creation process. I realize no pics it did not happen I plan to start thread of my progress on offset builds soon . Thanks in advance for any and all input ! This site is incredibly informative! [emoji482][emoji491][emoji490]

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[Big T]

I believe it was Gizmo that used some type of cylinders to help with his door. There's a thread on here that the guy uses hood hinges off of a Chevy S-10 I believe it was. I use the counter weight system just like this thread, if it's weighted right it works great.

[Rodcrafter]

Yeah what BigT said


Making memories!

[jadstar]

Thanks Big T / Rodcrafter ! Im actually using commercial walk behind casters / spindles for cook box hinges. I love to repurpose stuff. Really appreciate the experience that is available here! My plan is to start a thread of my progress in offset when my real job gives me the opportunity. Look forward to sharing my tranformation from scrap to awesome "Q"[emoji482]

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[bigbook]

Just noticed that Frank was using a freon scale to weigh the steel .. should have known...
I'm going to be doing the same kind of counterweight but my door is not cut that far up on the barrel. ,might have to get a little creative

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