Just a couple of questions.

[Squiggle]

Hi all, I have just started a fridge smoker project & I have a few questions about the build & products used to do it.

I have an old 50's Silent Knight kero powdered fridge, it's mostly metal inside. I have removed any plastic & will replace it with SS. I have a few pics below to help.

*Can use adhesive heat shield material(like in cars) inside the smoker?

*I want to use a rope seal for the door & want to know the best way to adhere it to the door, is there a high temp silicone or similar I can use?

*Can I use galvanized down pipe as the flu/chimney, if not then what should I use?

*I know they make stills out of copper, can I use it inside a smoker? I'm thinking of using chrome plated copper pipe screwed into the side for the rack supports

Hopefully you guys can help guide me in the right direction.

[Pete Mazz]

*Can use adhesive heat shield material(like in cars) inside the smoker?

*I want to use a rope seal for the door & want to know the best way to adhere it to the door, is there a high temp silicone or similar I can use?

*Can I use galvanized down pipe as the flu/chimney, if not then what should I use?

*I know they make stills out of copper, can I use it inside a smoker? I'm thinking of using chrome plated copper pipe screwed into the side for the rack supports

I wouldn't introduce any adhesive in the CC unless I was sure it would be inert.

RTV high temp silicone is used for the rope gasket.

Galvanized should be OK for that but I'd make sure nothing can drip off from it onto the food.

Copper is fine as long as there's no contact with food. Be careful with anything plated that it doesn't flake.

In addition: Be careful of any kind of foam insulation. It may not be suitable for heat.

[Puff]

Pete covered the point well. However, that galvanized thing pops up on occasion and I've learned from motorcycling, Anything you may deviate from in the standards ...falls into a risk management category.

Your decision to deviate depends on the gamble you wish to make.... By going with the 100% sure methods, you manage all risk associated within limits.

Sounds screwy I know but think about it for a few minutes

[Squiggle]

Thanks for the info & the head scratch, I've got some RTV on its way.

f I can find something better than the gal for the chimney then I'll use that, hopefully SS, & same with the rack supports.

I think I'll also give the copper a miss & look for some SS tube.

The adhesive insulation is basically sticky foil but I've also had a rethink about that & I'll go with SS & spun glass to reduce any worries.

[Frank_Cox]

I built one of these out for a buddy one time and we installed a smoke-daddy pellet drive into it. the insulation that was used back then turned out to be highly flammable lol.....
Chane out as much insulation as you can....

[Squiggle]

Wow, good to know, I'll give it a flame test this arvo.

Another question, is there any reason not to use aluminium inside the cook chamber? It will only be as the rack slides & the food will not come in contact with them. Same with galvanised screws?

[Frank_Cox]

even tho the risk is low to have a problem with galvanized hardware, it is still best to not take a chance with it. as far as aluminum goes, it would prolly be ok but I would stick with steel

[Squiggle]

Oh ok, the only reason I ask is because the bakery down the road has aluminium baking trays.

[Squiggle]

Just did a flame test & it seem to be all good!



This one was build in the 50's, there's a signature & date inside near the model number plate.

[Pete Mazz]

Just about everyone uses aluminum foil or trays so I don't see any problem. The only possible problem with hardware of different metals is electrolysis but that would take many years.

[Puff]

....time flies

This seemed like yesterday

[Squiggle]

Here's the latest, just got some chrome supermarket shelves for $5 each & cut them to size. Also, ended up using ally angle strips for the shelf supports.

[Squiggle]

My next question is about chimney placement. I've been reading other threads & one mentioned not putting the chimney too high to reduce condensation, is this correct? I have the space where the freezer was to mount the chimney, should I put it as low as possible?

[Pete Mazz]

In a vertical you don't even need a chimney per se. All it takes is a slot cut in the back of the cooker near the top. Keeps the rain out and is easy to create. I've used a simple piano hinge in the past to make the adjustable damper.

[Squiggle]

Thanks Pete, that definitely makes it easier, but I guess I just want to see the smoke bellowing out from under the old cone shaped hat, I guess I could knock something up so just the last little piece looks like that.

[Pete Mazz]

That's cool, just throwing ideas your way.

[Squiggle]

Definitely greatful for the ideas, you guys are the ones who have done it all before & all ideas are good ideas for a noob.

[Squiggle]

So it's been a while since I've been able to do some work on my fridge, been waiting to get some steel & other bits & pieces.

I got a Plasma/TIG/Arc unit for my birthday & I had to get all the extra bits to be able to use it, argon reg, argon bottle, tips, rods, etc. I got everything sorted I started to weld & my old faithful auto shield stopped working, I had to go back to using my old archaic hand held shield, not the most fun I've had welding that's for sure.

On the plus side, I had a lot of fun with the plasma cutter, I really love using it & I highly recommend getting one as they are sooooo good. I got a piece of 40x8 as a guide & it makes the cuts so clean & simple, just clamp it 11mm off the line & it cuts perfect every time.

This is the finished chute



Here is a pic of it almost fitted(just have to fix the bottom)



& of course, a pic of my worst(uuuuuum, my best, lol) weld.

[Pete Mazz]

Nice! Congrats on the new toys!

[mp4]

Very nice! What model did you get?

[Rodcrafter]

Good work I think I smell smoke


Making memories.

[Squiggle]

Hahaha, yeah not long now, I think I can smell it too!

It's a Rossi CT312, it's definitely not a professional or commercial model & it was only $300AUD(about $50USD at the moment with the stoopid exchange rate, lol) but it can cut up to 9mm & weld up to 120amps, perfect for anything I need to do at home & I can always upgrade if I start doing any more serious stuff.

[Squiggle]

I got a bit of work done today, I siliconed the rope seal in.



I also soliconed the chute in.



I finished welding the bottom funnel part.



Now all I have to do is the chimney & the pan for the wood chips.

[Pete Mazz]

That bottom chute is going to get pretty hot I think. Keep an eye (and a thermo) on it when you do your test burn.

[Squiggle]

Yeah I thought the same thing, I'm going to stuff the area around it with some spun glass insulation & then weld in some retaining plates to keep it all in place.