first smoker build thread

[slowboat76]

Hey guys I figured since this my first complete build ever for a smoker, i thought I would make my first ever smoker build.thread. And now go the outside diameter is 94.5". So i would take this measurement and divide by 4(94.5 inches in diameter /4= 23.625 inches( this yealds a cooker door that is approximately 23.625 by 36 inches wide) from flat bell to flat bell attachment. There was a small stand on the bottom and after making sure I had the door size figured correctly. I took a level and and made sure the measurement was right, and devided the numbers to find centerline of tank. Then used a souare to mark corners,then a bubble level to make sure it was level with the world. I then wanted to do my door cut with the Plasma cutter, but It
popped and I left it all in a pile by the shop lol I thought I had rinsed it out like a pro but woo I am gunshy now. Its been seeting for 15 years other than being used for a air compressor tank. I am filling it up with water and dish wasing liquid again and will flush one more time. So guys look it over and tell me if i am good on my assumptions. Thanks.

[Gizmo]

Since I'm reading this I am thinking you are okay?
I certainly hope so!

My tank also sat for 15 years - I flushed it with TSP and water and it cut with a plasma cutter just fine.
Any guesses what got into yours that would cause it to go boom?

[Smokeone]

WIth Rick here, any chance something else accumulated in the tank?
Maybe fill your tank with water and start your cuts with a grinder. Once you get a couple of notches made the water will slowly drain and you can go back to the plasma. Just remember to use GFI on your grinder cord.

[Frank_Cox]

If you filled the tank with water, there is no way that any vapor... of any kind could remain in the tank while it is full of water especially if it was level and the bung was at the top dead center....... after all that is why I tell people to fill the tank with water.... Was the bung you filled from the one with the "dip Tube" or the one the big valve came out of? also did you try cutting the tank with your plasma cutter while it had water in it?
I am going to assume you drained the tank so when you drained it maybe some other vapor was pulled in when the water drained? Define "Popped" if you dont mind so we can understand better what happened. Was there small flames, big explosion, fire coming out of the tank, little poof of flame, or just a lazy yellow lingering flame...

[The Czar]

....you said bung.... .....get it?

[Frank_Cox]

I said bung several times!

[slowboat76]

I actully think that Frank hit it right on. I was using the torch to cut off rings and other various things on the tank and I believe some unburned gasses actually went back into the void in the tank.(it was not completely full but was more like 3/4 full or so) When I heated up the first cut area I believe it sparked, or in hindsight it may have been rust popping. LOL I am going to break out the sawzall and fiddle with it for a bit to regain confidence. LOL

[Rodcrafter]

That sounds like a good idea.

i'm glad your alright, now you can finish this cooker. haha
Remember no pics, it never happened!