1st build from compressor tank questions

[Tjam9]

My plan is to add some rails with angle iron (obviously still need to cut) to the opening of my fb so I can slide a charcoal basket in and out and so it will sit level vs sitting on the concave bottom. Would there be any reason not to do this or any better ideas? Thanks.

Going to make one similar to this.

[Big T]

That'll work fine.

[Tjam9]

So the fire pit calculator says my chimney needs to be 14.68 inches. I have to make an elbow and put my chimney out the back of the smoker.

Do I count the elbow as part of that measurement?

Do I calculate only what is outside the cc or what is inside as well?

How much pipe do u recommend putting inside the cc? Thanks.

[Pete Mazz]

Don't include the elbow. It only needs to be inserted into the CC enough to weld.

[Rodcrafter]

[Tjam9]

Thanks guys. Does it matter how far above my cooking grate that I mount the chimney?

[Rodcrafter]

I go as high as I can


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[Tjam9]

OK thanks. The problem I have is I cut my door further back so I can't just go straight out the top. I was thinking about doing the pipe with a 90° angle out the back but that is going to set it close to the top of the cooking grate. I'm now thinking I could put the pipe higher up and cut at a different angle. Just having a hard time figuring that angle out. I'm going to try and cut some 2x4 to get he angle and use as my template.

[Big T]

[temurf]

Looking good so far.

[Rodcrafter]

I wouldn't worry about the opening being at the grate level. It will be the bottom of the 90 and the top of that opening will still be at the top of the CC. and when you get it back far enough the length of the stack is only what is going straight up.

[Tjam9]

Thanks for the input. It's Been a big help so far. I finished the stack and The air intake today. Both were a challenge. I ended up cutting my hole for the stack bigger so I could stick it straight in higher up in the cc and make a 90 degree angle. Then I cut the inside to match the angle of the cc. I made my air intake out of 2" square, cut a 1" channel in the front and opened up the back and welded into the side of my fb. The only bad part is my cc door warped a little. I have to figure out how to fix it.

[ajfoxy]

Looking good

[Squiggle]

Looks awesome dude, well done!

[Rodcrafter]

Oh yeah


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[temurf]

You are making great progress.

[Tjam9]

Thanks guys. Feels good to make it this far with the build.

Any recommendations on how to fix the warped door. It's just a little off on the bottom left. The door hits the top of the lip.

Also any tips on welding the flanges on the door without it warping?

[Big T]

They can be tough to fix when you have them off and darn near impossible when they're on. I would open the door and put a small piece of pipe near the top left corner and close the door over the pipe. Be sure to go easy at first until you see if it's working or you might make it worse. You can use small stitch welds to strap the door and it shouldn't warp too bad. It looks real good so far!

[Tjam9]

Thanks Big T. Much appreciated.

[Tjam9]

A few other questions. Would you keep the baffle plate level or angled towards the drain?

Would you make it removable or welded in? Thanks.

[Rodcrafter]

No it doesn't need that at all. Most of the dripping will never even move.

[Big T]

I make them level with a dam on the end and I've never had any issues.

[Tjam9]

Ok. Thanks again. That makes things a whole lot easier.

[Tjam9]

What's the easiest way to get my flanges on the door. I'm having a hard time with the curve. Is there a trick to make bending them easier. Thx.

[Rodcrafter]

I used to make them out of 3/16" x 1-1/2" flat bar. But I now use 1/8" it is much easier to bend. I topically bend the flat bar around a piece of pipe to make the shape then move it over to the door and tack in place


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