what do ya think?

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » July 31st, 2011, 8:45 pm

EK mentioned an annual contest of an entire build. I like this idea.
I would like to run a couple of them for this category. say the annual one and maybe another one for accessories for a smoker build judged by technique, originality, and difficulty

MattS · Post by **MattS** » August 1st, 2011, 8:05 am

I like the build idea, but it would be hard to judge a small patio smoker to a big comp trailer rig to a UDS.

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » August 1st, 2011, 10:03 am

So categories?

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MattS · Post by **MattS** » August 1st, 2011, 12:44 pm

categories would be best but would have to keep a small number of them. Maybe UDS, SFB/RF and Box style smokers. Must post buildalong with some sort of proof of date to show it is a current build.

k.a.m. · Post by **k.a.m.** » August 1st, 2011, 6:31 pm

I like the challenge because it will allow members ideas for hinges, handles, latches and what ever for future builds.

Post by **Tom_Heath** » August 2nd, 2011, 11:30 pm

Sorry guys I was the one that liked the weld specific choice. LOL

I agree that this type of contest will open up ideas for many.

k.a.m. · Post by **k.a.m.** » August 3rd, 2011, 5:44 pm

Tom, if we do a weld specific sign me up for stick or O/A. No Tig or wire feed set up to work with.

Post by **Tom_Heath** » August 3rd, 2011, 9:55 pm

Will do....

I have a cheep little hobart ac/dc box, it does the job just not as nice as some. One day I will afford a big boy welder mounted behind my cab with a blue hood on it.

Got a little baby miller wire box just cause its fast and easy for some stuff.

And then a low budget tig, DC only.

The more I weld the more I like the stick, its way easier to drag leed then it is to drag the whole welder.

Your probably gonna way way show me up on stick from the sounds of it tho.

k.a.m. · Post by **k.a.m.** » August 4th, 2011, 7:15 am

Tom, I am running a thunderbolt 225 AC/DC at home and I love it. The Hobart you have if it is the one I am thinking of is the millers twin just different colors and a good machine. I would love to have a nice bobcat for field jobs they are sweet machines.

Stick is pretty much all I do, I was taught on stick and have been using it for 30+ years. I know every process has its place in the fabrication world but I am an old dog and new tricks are hard to come by.

01fordgazguzler · Post by **01fordgazguzler** » October 3rd, 2011, 3:55 am

The reasons for my voting choices:

Knowing that the skill levels from members ranges from beginners to advanced metal workers its difficult for some of us to do an annual build or fications: ocus that much time/effort into one.

Mod: Every person that smokes has some idea as to what could make their smoker work better or be more efficient. This would help encourage them to pursue that idea. It would also provide others with ways that we could improve our rigs off their ideas.

Challenge: It will help build smoker creativity. You know when people stop at an event and start asking questions about the way something is set up ect? This could also be broke down into skill levels to make it more competitive.

Just my .02

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » October 3rd, 2011, 9:00 pm

Sorry I'm behind on getting this going!
I like the Idea of the skill levels. what do you think about maybe doing both the mod type challenge and also the weld type of challenge?
for the weld type challenge, maybe set up a situation with say a certain type of joint with specified material and have it used several times on the members choice of project. score based on appearance, originality of application of the project, and consistency of the weld when used on several places on the project or mod. The project can be anything useable for smokers and smoking. from trailers to smokers including things used on their smokers and trailers.

PoPs54 · Post by **PoPs54** » October 3rd, 2011, 9:56 pm

How would the skill levels be set up? For example, about to start my first ever build and I have zero experience, but my friend who will be assisting me is probably fairly advanced?

PoPs54 · Post by **PoPs54** » October 3rd, 2011, 10:04 pm

Also, how would the judging take place with the great distance between us?

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » October 3rd, 2011, 10:25 pm

I almost think that there needs to be 3 levels, say rookie, perty good, and showoff.
I think that each entry should decide which category they want to enter and submit pics of the project and welds etc. it would be helpful to have pics of the process step by step.

Post by **Tom_Heath** » October 4th, 2011, 7:10 pm

I think 3 categories could work.

And as to how the judging would work out Pops.
I am thinking it would have to be kind of an honor system kinda thing. Cause for sure I could win hands down if I was to have my buddy weld up some stainless. Its all he does all day every day. But that would just not be right. And anyone that has looked at any of my welds would be able to tell for sure that it was not mine.

Just sayin!!!!

But I guess if it was something we are really concerned about, we could always do the weld in a short vid. It seems like most of the phones these days take vid.

I honestly think we could make it work fine with the honor system tho.

01fordgazguzler · Post by **01fordgazguzler** » October 25th, 2011, 1:47 am

It would have to be "honor system" based. I would say you have each competitor rate the task at their difficulty level. Then ask them why they chose what they did and why. It would also be important to list the tools/equipment used and the time it took. Granted I dont want it to be a massively time consuming task but it will help people understand the experience level and dedication.

Noa_James · Post by **Noa_James** » October 20th, 2012, 9:24 am

Definately like the idea of an annual build. possibly have a deadline in april for submission and voting. That way we will have all season to enjoy the fruits of our labor. will there be a date to not start before? I completely understand not having time to just focus on one project, but 11 or 12 months is plenty of weekends to spend a couple hours in the garage.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » October 20th, 2012, 9:45 am

I have seen people sharing experience, help all skill levels the advanced can learn something from the novice, if we can keep it from being known who does what, until the contest is over. Sort of like a comp so the judges don't know who did it until it's over. If we just put our pojects into the contest then sort them out by what catagory they belong to, then judge them, then find out who entered them, it will workout. The novice and the old school can both compete and learn.

I'll play!

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » October 20th, 2012, 10:19 am

I thought about it for a while now. Never thought of the anonymous pic thing. Pics could be submitted by email and a thread created by a judge

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Post by **Rodcrafter** » October 20th, 2012, 10:24 am

It would keep the personality out of it.. Sounds like a win win to me. Too many rules, might make it not so much fun. It isn't for a large sum of money it is a game right?

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » October 20th, 2012, 10:42 am

I think a very large portion of us build alone.
Maybe have a "team" category so some people could get their "friends" help.
Only teams compete against teams or something like that...?

I use a machine shop for things I don't own tools for so I would have to be in the team category even though I build alone nearly 100% of the time in my own shop. If you get help - you go team. fwiw ...

AR_Senior · Post by **AR_Senior** » October 20th, 2012, 3:06 pm

I grew up on stick, The first time I tried wire it was difficult to strike an arc with it. Once I learned to pull the trigger I dont think I will go back to arc after I got my Hobart 187. Still have my arc though.

AR_Senior · Post by **AR_Senior** » October 20th, 2012, 3:08 pm

I do like the MOd category cause I am always doing something to Alleyrats.

YouTube · Post by **Frank_Cox** » October 20th, 2012, 3:35 pm

AR_Senior... That is the greatest Avatar DCman has come up wit yet.....

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » October 20th, 2012, 8:57 pm

Now that you mention it Frank - I DO see the resemblance ...

SmokerBuilder.com

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