Joined last night

[Puff]

Hello all,

I'm finally getting to do some of the things in my life I should have done 30 years ago. It's not due to retirement as I don't think that will ever be a reality. I just got to that stage where you see life is changing and those around you show it. In that case, how far away from it can I REALLY be?

My wife and I were watching those pit bar b que shows on TV. You know the ones that just make those meats look so darn good that your ready to jump off the couch and take a 3 day ride to taste it? We lived near the border by Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine 35 years ago and cob smoked meats and cheeses were a regular event. After living in suburbs you lose those values or at least lose sight of them. Maybe they never leave you but you really don't act on them. What's worse is that we don't live in a developed area. We have acres of trees and a good ole dirt road so those manicured communities can't be the excuse. You know, a homemade wood splitter, cords of wood and a big smoker sitting in the yard just doesn't have the appeal in some places...but again, that's not our situation.

I started looking for sauce recipes and just kept clicking.... You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw this ...Wow, I can build it.....never thought and I can't wait....I m going to check with the local propane company for a used tank and then stand back!

Any thoughts or suggestions, feel free !

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Welcome to the site Puff. This site can make all your smoking dreams come true.

[Smokeone]

Puff
Glad you joined us.

[DUAYNE B]

, so how come we dont do all the things we want to do when we are young and full of vigor, ok not you Frank, us old guys, we should play till we are old, then go to work

[The Czar]

Welcome aboard!!

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[Puff]

Thanks for the warm ( no pun intended ) welcome... I have already discovered in the last 10 hours reading the site that I have a few different decisions to make. I have a tendency to go bigger than needed to be prepared for those bigger gatherings but the reality is that I will be smoking for about 4 people most of the time. A 200 gallon tank smoker will look great and I have more than enough oak here to fire it for years and years. ( hurricane sandy). The practical side seems to dictate something smaller but trailerable. I would like to incorporate some of the options found in the larger units. Any suggestions appreciated. I decided I am buying a set of plans...the guess work is complete and done by someone smarter than I on this topic.

I know this much, steel ain't cheap any more. The few pieces I bought for the log splitter cost way more than I thought. Nice part is the log lifter and the tray tables, no more bending to load or pick up splits.

And I used to trip over steel stock laying around for years. My wife asked me to clean it up....hmmmmm figures

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Glad to see you got hooked in just 10 hours of reading. Steel isn't, but don't skimp on the size and thickness of your metal. It will bite you later. What types of accessories are you looking for? On mine I have a flat top that works great for many things. Keep looking at the pics on the site and start to lay out your build in your head. You've made the right decision to purchase the plans. As a past user of the plans, I can tell you they are top notch with all the details spelled out.

[Frank_Cox]

Thanks for the kind words on the plans Clover Ridge!
Welcome to the madness Puff! sounds like you are addicted already!!!

[Gizmo]

Welcome Puff!

Building a smoker is more of a lifestyle choice than a "project"
As you proceed just remember - If you aren't having fun building it then you aren't doing it right - refer back to this site.

Take a tape measure to the meat department at your favorite grocery (or local butcher shop is better if you have one) and measure a packer's cut brisket - make your cooker big enough to hold 2 of those - perfect size for cooking for 4.

Since it's a lifestyle choice - you can always build another one later….

[Rodcrafter]

Glad to have you in the mix, sounds like you will fit right in.

Rick, 2 packer briskets for 4 people? I thought I liked brisket. hehe

[Puff]

Gotta get familiar with some new terms, most of the ones I know are not usually printed. Packer brisket is a new one. As for extras, I like the idea of the warming cabinet. I would also add a small burner for boiling water or pots. Nothing to elaborate but if we trailered it somewhere, having self contained equipment helps with the travel load and convenience.

I am looking forward to this so much. In fact, looking for a new mig last night and used my neighbors up the road to check it out...he has a Miller...maybe a 172. Has a good duty cycle, good sized gas bottle and wire roll without costing over $750.00

Ordering plans tomorrow

[TuscaloosaQ]

You are hooked brother!!!!! Might as well buy the welder and start the build!!!!!!

[Gizmo]

Sorry Puff - not even sure if "packer" is in our slang listing. It's just an earlier cut of the animal where the point and the flat are still attached to each other as one piece. Often when you buy a corned beef at the grocery you're just getting a flat or point - in that case you're buying just half the "packer" - which is sad because I LOVE corned beef, pastrami … wait, what? … did I get off the topic?

Did I say I like brisket?

Anyway, if you can cram 2 packers into a cook chamber then it's big enough to cook for 4 people AND some leftovers for next week's lunches - you've already taken the time and paid for the heat….

[Puff]

Question for the pros: welding will not be an issue for me and my Hobart MIG is ready to go but I no longer have any gas cutting tools due to expiration of the O2 and acetylene tanks and a few bad parts. Hoping to change this soon but I want to order a tank and plans from the site. Will my 3" cut off work or should it be best to have the tank arrive with the fire box cut already done.

I'm hoping most of the other cuts will be chop-saw compatible

[The Czar]

It's going to get pricey using a cut off wheel on the tank but it is possible to due....are you saying you have a plasma cutter but equipment problems?

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[Puff]

Thank you for the reply...actually, a plasma cutter would be real nice but I don't have one. I would be limited to the grinder, cut-off or sawzall

I know all of them would be a pita by comparison, so I am just trying to weigh the options before making a huge mistake. Done that way too many times before ... ;)

[Rodcrafter]

It will be a lot of work for a small grinder with a cut off wheel, but it can be done. It may burnout your grinder, but use it really good wheels and don't rush it.

I like having a warmer box that can double as a smaller CC, so if I just want to cook a little I don't have to heat the whole thing. But I like bigger and heavier than a lot of people.

[The Czar]

Yeah… What he said....

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[Puff]

Even with limited knowledge, I have to agree. Bigger...heavier....I can smell it already

[Rodcrafter]

Yep, you fit right in. I hear myself when you speak.