400 gal RF TANK

[Wicky]

Hey everyone, got a start on my RF smoker. It's going to be a 500 gal LP tank cut down to 400 gal. The FB will be insulated with a WB on top. Looking to maybe use the WB as a smaller smoker, so want to install a shut off between the FB and CC. This thing is going to be a TANK with 1/4" steel walls and 2 1/2" of mineral wool insulation on all 6 sides. Take that Wisconsin.

[Big T]

That'll be a good size cooker. Be sure to post plenty pictures.

[Wicky]

Here are a few pics.

[Wicky]

More pics.

[Wicky]

Got the tank filled with water today.

[Wicky]

Questions I have, is there a benefit to have a opening between the CC and WB? Also, should I add a vent in the WB?

[Big T]

I just recently built one with openings from the CC to WC and FB to WC, I've only done 5 cooks on it but I really like it. I can run the CC and WC at the same temps or completely different temps with no problem. I'm not saying that you can't achieve the same results without the opening but it doesn't require a lot of extra work or materials so I feel it's worth it. If you have an opening from the FB to WC then you'll need a stack on top, if you just have a WC with no opening from the FB then you'll need a vent near the top of the WC so you can dump some heat if needed.

[Dirtytires]

I agree with big t—- I put in the extra dampers/openings and have had a lot of fun using it in different formats and at different temps.

[Wicky]

Yeah, makes sense. It will be easier to put it now then later. I didn't put the stack on yet, because it's much easier to move around with the eyelet. I'm planning on a round 6" exhaust on the WB and a 6" square inlet from the FB. Thanks for the input.

[Pete Mazz]

Nice!

[Dirtytires]

Eyelet is great....I cut my hole then tacked a scrap piece of heavy bar across the hole (on inside of the warmer) to allow me to pick up. Even with the chiminey attached, I could fish my chain down to the bar.

[Wicky]

Getting started on the doors for the FB and WB. First I had to get the warpage out of the 1/4 steel. What I couldn't beat out with a maul I use the forklift.

[Wicky]

Doors

[Wicky]

Adding the insulation for the FB door. The beer is just in case there's a fire.

[Wicky]

I'm going with a lip on the doors to help protect the seal from the weather.

[Big T]

[Dirtytires]

Looks pretty nice....I like it.

[Wicky]

Installing the door latches.

[Wicky]

Putting in a removable drip pan in the WC. Have a 1" pipe going into a 1 1/2" pipe that I will install a valve on. Not sure if it's the best idea, but I don't think it will hurt.

[Wicky]

Also got a start on the shelves in the WC. Looking to put 3 in.

[Big T]

[Dirtytires]

Making some good progress. Nice clean drain idea.

[Wicky]

Thanks, this is a solo build. The only thing helping me is a couple of beers.

[Wicky]

Got the shelves done. Also added some brackets to put dowels across the top. Never know if you want to hang some sausage or what not.

[MattJ]

NIce build so far