Looking good. When u start the skinning go slow. Tak weld every 4 inches. Fit inside all together then weld sheets together. Same for outside. Warping of sheets was the worst issue I ran into.
Unexpected circumstances delayed progress. But was able to get back at it today.
After a little surface rust clean up I was able to get her on wheels and the fire box mounted in place. Hopefully tomorrow brings exterior skin and maybe some doors.
Learning generally boils down to "Repetition or the avoidance of pain", some people learn by doing, some by watching and some just have to pee on the electric fence.
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford
Need some pictures of y’all hinges. I watched franks video on installing them, I feel like I understand it, but I can’t seem to get it right. I hate to admit but these things are whooping my @$$.
Make sure the zerk fittings face the right way.
Get them spaced out right.
Make sure the flanges face the right side.
You need a flat surface to mount the hinges on, and use a straight edge to align them. You want to keep the shafts as coaxial as possible so they don't bind.
As far as welding them on, they're awfully healthy, especially on the pin side. Burn 'em on hot. You really don't want the cook chamber door to move, it's only supported by the hinges, the latch provides no support at all. I was pleasantly surprised to find (viewtopic.php?f=149&t=6480&start=100#p100742)) that I managed to get my cook chamber door set up so well.
"Measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with fireaxe." Ted M., USCG (ret)
"Smoked pork. It belongs in me." Giles L
The door on top....as I typed this I had one of those ah ha moments. I was trying to weld it on with the smoker upright. I bet if I laid it on its side it would be a whole lot easier.....[emoji848]
I would think a welding magnet would be your best friend here. I have also used painters masking tape to hold small things in position till I can tack them.
2nd the painters tape... used lots of times. And if it burns up, no biggie, by that time you have it securely tacked. I've also used Stronghand MagTab for holding small bits on. Works well.
Learning generally boils down to "Repetition or the avoidance of pain", some people learn by doing, some by watching and some just have to pee on the electric fence.
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford