First Offset Smoker build

[andysmoked]

Hey Andy, you know how water drains in the opposite direction in Australia? Maybe welding polarity is opposite there too

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] I have actually checked the polarity against the manual, so that is the one thing I know is correct. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


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[andysmoked]

Today was not a good day on the project.

First of all I cut the air intake in the wrong place, so then had to patch it.

Then I welded the angle iron around the FB opening, I think I just have to accept the fact that I’m a crap welder.





Then I cut the FB door insert & the piece I cut it from is badly warped, so now I need some more 6mm plate.


So I’ve cracked the sh#%s & called it Beer O’clock. At least I make good beer (it’s what I’ve done for a living for the last 30 years)


So cheers everyone!! I’m working for the rest of the week so there will be no more progress until the weekend. That is if I don’t go fishing instead. [emoji481][emoji481][emoji482]


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[dacolson]

Sounds like your head is in the right spot. Not sure I’d get anything done if I made my own beer!
Don’t let the welding get to you. Just keep doing it. Practice and keep taking notes of what’s work and what’s not. You’ll be eager to get back at it this weekend.

[towtruck]

Don't get discouraged and try to find a bigger piece of plate to cover your door opening more.

[Big T]

Don't beat yourself up over the look of the welds, their strength is what really matters.

[andysmoked]

I picked up a piece of 5mm plate from the recycling yard near my work for $20. It’s big enough to make 3 doors with some left over.
I’m planning on cutting the inlets into the door. Is there any problem with that?

Also do I need to brace/frame the door on the outside?, or can I have it just one flat piece of steel just with braces on the inside?


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[dacolson]

Braces on the inside are fine. So are the inlets in the door. I did mine that way. Only regret is the inlet vents and the braces got in the way of each other. I ended up compromising on both. I’m doing the vents on the side next time or building a larger door. So ... if you have room for both on the door, go for it.

[andysmoked]

Because it’s a small FB, I’m thinking of also cutting a door into the top to give easy access to tip the charcoal chimney in.


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[Dirtytires]

My preference is to put 75% of the required cubic inch space on each side of the firebox. Yes, that means it will total 150% but it gives you the option of using both sides for a more even fire or just one side if the wind starts to blow in.

You can put a brace anywhere you want just keep in mind that putting it on the inside take up length in the firebox and could bump into a log as you try to close the door.

[andysmoked]

Don't get discouraged and try to find a bigger piece of plate to cover your door opening more.

Thanks Towtruck,
My plan with the door was for the main panel to fit just inside the opening, & then flange it, much like on the CC door. I now have a piece of plate big enough to completely cover the face but am struggling with the structural design. ie: how to brace it. Any ideas?

My preference is to put 75% of the required cubic inch space on each side of the firebox. Yes, that means it will total 150% but it gives you the option of using both sides for a more even fire or just one side if the wind starts to blow in.

You can put a brace anywhere you want just keep in mind that putting it on the inside take up length in the firebox and could bump into a log as you try to close the door.

Good point DT. I’ll put one each side & in the right place this time. [emoji3]
I’m keen to hear your ideas re door design as well.

Cheers


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[towtruck]

Don't get discouraged and try to find a bigger piece of plate to cover your door opening more.

Thanks Towtruck,
My plan with the door was for the main panel to fit just inside the opening, & then flange it, much like on the CC door. I now have a piece of plate big enough to completely cover the face but am struggling with the structural design. ie: how to brace it. Any ideas?

My preference is to put 75% of the required cubic inch space on each side of the firebox. Yes, that means it will total 150% but it gives you the option of using both sides for a more even fire or just one side if the wind starts to blow in.

You can put a brace anywhere you want just keep in mind that putting it on the inside take up length in the firebox and could bump into a log as you try to close the door.

Good point DT. I’ll put one each side & in the right place this time. [emoji3]
I’m keen to hear your ideas re door design as well.

Cheers


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For your door bracing take some flat bar and bend it into a scroll...or....put your initials, or some other design to it and weld it to the outside of the door for a little support.....maybe four S shapes for the corners and something else in the center...just make your design cover the door in places that need the support.

[andysmoked]

For your door bracing take some flat bar and bend it into a scroll...or....put your initials, or some other design to it and weld it to the outside of the door for a little support.....maybe four S shapes for the corners and something else in the center...just make your design cover the door in places that need the support.

Good thinking. I already know what I’ll do. My home bar is called “the Rusty Anchor”, so a diagonal anchor on the door it is. Thanks mate, you’re a genius.


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[andysmoked]

I’ve only had time today to do quick mock-up of how the “anchor” bracing will go on my FB door. This is roughly how it will be, only steel and not as much chain.




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[dacolson]

I love it. That’s awesome. Great idea.

[andysmoked]

Today I did my FB door bracing & I have to say I’m very happy with it. I think I’ve pretty much got the welder dialled in. Now I’ve got to work on my technique.



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[dacolson]

Wow!! That looks awesome! Nicely done Andy. Well done my man.

[andysmoked]

Thanks mate, I’m stoked with it.


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[Big T]

This is one of the benifits of building your own smoker, no one will ever have one just like yours.

[andysmoked]

Absolutely correct BigT.

I made a start on the vents this arvo

Ironically, the best weld on this build so far, is on the underside of the FB where it won’t be seen.



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[towtruck]

That door looks great. Glad it worked out for you!!!!

[Dirtytires]

Cool job on the door....turned out really nice.

[andysmoked]

Cool job on the door....turned out really nice.

That door looks great. Glad it worked out for you!!!!

Thanks guys. [emoji106][emoji482]


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[andysmoked]

The FB is almost finished. I made the hinges today & welded half onto the door. The other pieces will go on the FB once my gasket material turns up. I was going to shim the door & finish the hinges but I’m unsure of gasket thickness (the ad on eBay said ABOUT 2mm).

The inlets are done all bar the handles for the slides.



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[dacolson]

Interested in seeing those hinges. That’s a new design to me.

[andysmoked]

Interested in seeing those hinges. That’s a new design to me.

The other halves are just 5mm plate, 1” x 1.5”. They get welded to the FB body & the two come together with a nut & bolt on each hinge. My own design, it should work.


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