My First Build...so far with pics

[TheallBBQ]

Hello to all by BBQ loving brothers...My name is Bob I LOVE to BBQ and well I am a newbie on here. I like to come to this site to get some ideas and wisdom from some of you to help me on my project. I am in the Army and have been having some problems with PTSD for a number of years now so I try to stay busy on projects like this to keep my mind off things, anyway, I just wanted to share my project: and tell me what you think, maybe you have some suggestions.

This is a sketchUp I made of what I am planning to build:


I have a kickstarter site that has a bit more details on the build and the story behind it.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bb ... bq-trailer

The following is progress so far:

[Fishless Mickey]

Very nice trailer! Have you already mounted a completed smoker on it to determine how the weight is distributed and if it is what you really want? I learned a painful lesson (I was warned, didn't listen and proceeded to learn it the hard way before it sunk in) that it is better to get most of the core pieces of the puzzle tacked together before finishing welds and cosmetics. Maybe you are like some of the folks here who have done it enough times that you have it down pat:

[TheallBBQ]

Good Point. I appreciate your feedback. I have not mounted the smoker chamber yet. I've kind of thought about what you said about getting all the core pieces etc, when I was planning this build, but for now I don't have the money to continue so I'm kind of on standby. My plan is for a 27" diameter x 70" reverse flow cook chamber, and 24 x 24 firebox. I may add the warmer above the firebox later on down the road.
My design is based from a cross between a Lang and a Meadowcreek reverse flow smoker on a trailer, I looked at them both pretty close,
I just figured I needed to start with a trailer first, as a good solid foundation. I spent a lot of time measuring, made some cardboard cutouts, to check on size, fit, etc, as you can see the round piece of cardboard in the picture. The SketchUp model I made is to scale, so I know everything will fit, at least in theory.. Measure twice cut once. Hopefully everything will go as planned, so I don't, like you said, learn the hard way.. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

My main concern, once I'm able to get started again, is how I'm gonna cut the 1/4" steel of my firebox and cooking chamber etc. I don't have a plasma cutter or torch. The trailer is made from 2x3x3/16 steel tubing and I have already seen, with this being my first project working with steel, that cutting takes some time especially if you don't have the right equipment, like me. I used a standard, 5400 rpm Dewalt miter saw, instead of a chop saw made to cut metal....which I knew wasn't the right way, but it all came down to what tools I already had and the money to buy more tools. I spent 500 bucks on the welder as it is..

[TheallBBQ]

I'll continue to update this as the build continues.

[Rodcrafter]

Good work so far. We have seen some guys do just what you are doing. They get tired of cutting with an angle grinder but it will work.

[Fishless Mickey]

I've used abrasive cutting wheels on a circular saw, a 4" grinder, and a 7" grinder for awhile making smokers. My go-to is the circular saw for straight cuts and the 4" for curves angles and small stuff. I just got a torch set for x-mas. What a world of difference. I will complete a smoker that I started on Jan 2nd this week. Previously it took an average of 3 months. Maybe you could find a decent used torch set on C-list or e-bay. Nice wheels too by the way.

[Tom_Heath]

Welcome. Your trailer like fantastic.


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[SmokinFF]

Thanks for your service!!! You're on the right track. You may wanna think about saving up and doin the WC now. Or down the road, it may not get done.

[Puff]

Well... my first impression is that you have done this before...GREAT work... Great miters. Great paint.... I love this project. Congratulations and THANK YOU for your service. !

This clearly will run some fantastic Que

[Big T]

Thank you for your service, you are doing a fine job !!

[Smokeone]

Thank you for your service!
That is a good looking trailer. Can't wait to see this come together.

[motoridr09]

I went and bought a Dewalt 7" angle grinder for cutting my stuff. I think it was $120 but it actually works pretty well. I cut the bell off of 1 end of the 500 gallon propane tank with only 2 blades but it took about 30 minutes to do.

[TheallBBQ]

Thanks for everyones input. After the cost of the tools, i.e. Welder, saw blades etc. I realize I'm not saving much if any money by doing this myself, But I'm one who hates to pay the price of labor for anything I can do myslef, plus I wanted the challenge, and the satisfaction of the completed project . I've done a lot working with a lot of wood, but never steel before. My welds weren't much to be proud of when I first started, but I'm getting the hang of it now. I'm sure the ribs will be much tastier knowing they were cooked on something I built myself.

[Tom_Heath]

Heck ya. And the tools stay around after the cook.


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[TheallBBQ]

Good News. A guy from the water treatment plant said he would give me a good deal on a section of pipe that I could use for the cook chamber. All I got to do is hose it out a little, and VUALA!!.. Smoke chamber done. It should give a nice organic taste to the meat. just kidding of course..But for the real story, I should be getting a section of steal rolled into a pipe when my tax return gets here. I havn't been able to do to much on the project for awhile, I'm getting anxious to get more welding smoke in my lungs.

[Rodcrafter]

Real builder into self mutilation. Lol

[forty_creek]

Thank You for Your Service!

Good Luck with the build!

[Puff]

Rodcrafter is right about self mutilation. Cuts, bumps, sprains, burns...that's how you know you're on the right track

[Rodcrafter]

You made me laugh again Puff, but does seem to correlate.

[TheallBBQ]

Here is an update on my build. The paint is finally done. I wired, added lights, ran a gas line to the back that will be for a burner that will go in my firebox. I received my data plate from the county, now I just need to have it inspected and I think it should be ready to be registered. here are the pics.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bb ... er#updates



















https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bb ... er#updates

[dnoneck]

When you pick your steel up why not give then a cut list and have them shear it for you. or take it to a sheelmetal shop and have it sheared for a couple of slabs of ribs

[TheallBBQ]

Good Point. for the most part, that is exactly what I have done, I ordered my pieces for the trailer cut to length, minus the angle cuts, I did those myself. The place I get my steel from, will not sell in small pieces, i.e. if I want a 24" x 24" x1/4" thick steel plate, I have to buy a 4'x8' sheet. They will cut what I need and then put the rest in the back of the truck as well. I will need to really plan out the pieces I need cut wisey to get the most bang for my buck. They are rolling me a 27"o.d. x 67" long pipe out of 1/4" plate steel and two round end plates, for my cook chamber, I will pick it up later this week.

[Rodcrafter]

Sweet

[TheallBBQ]

I just picked up my pipe. It turned out to be 27 and 7/16" o.d. by 70" long. That should be plenty big enough to cook a hog!!
I built a hoist to get the cook chamber out of the back of the truck, and to be able to lift it up onto the trailer when I'm ready to weld it into place. The steel place cut the end pieces too small, so I have to go back tomorrow to get the right ones. The bonus is, I get to keep the ones they cut wrong. Extra steel!!

[Pete Mazz]

Nice!!