Thanks for all the welcomes, Pennywise, I just could not make a post about my smoker and not post pics! as you say it should be a requirement. As mentioned I am collecting parts for a new smoker, the most difficult in my opinion will be the propane tank. Have any of you tried getting a surplus tank from a propane dealer? I have never tried thinking they would not want the liability if the person that acquired the tank blew themselves up when cutting.
I got mine off of craigslist. I just checked back each day, and finally found the right deal. I think the guy had it posted for 250 and I haggled him down to like 200.
rschust- if your having a hard time finding a propane tank build a square pit like the MACK.
I got my propane tank from a guy that manages a gas company. If you can find who around Baton Rouge handles the propane you might could get an old tank they have taken out of service on the cheap.
Square is a lot easier to work with IMO.
jm2cw
I got a 500 gallon for my build by watching craigslist. Found a guy who was remodeling a home and converting it from propane to all electric. I think I paid $120 for it. He listed it for 220, I just beat him up when I got there.
If you're willing to travel ( and the tanks are heavy, so how your going to get it home has to come into that equation) rural area propane companies will have a wider selection. They do sell them though.