My grill grates are 19”x21”, so the chamber is not much bigger. It could have been, but I did not want the smoker to be to big for my space.Dirtytires wrote:Nice design. I’m interested to see how the remote firebox works out. Definitely leaves a bit more room in the main chamber. Keep us posted.
I know eventually I will get a temp controller and fan setup, but one of the things I like right now is tending the fire. The stick burner requires more baby sitting and I enjoy it.mp4 wrote:Looks cool!
A couple thoughts...
1) consider swinging your cook chamber door opposite of how it is shown so it doesn't hit your valve.
2) consider skipping the ball valve and design it for a temp controller with a fan. I ran mine with the ball valve only for a while. It's ok if you keep a close eye on it (I suck at that) but if the temp drops recovery time can slow down your cook or shorten it up if the temp climbs too high. I recently removed the ball valve so the fan didn't hang out so far.
Dargo wrote:It didn't fluctuate so much as it just reacted slowly, so dialing it it wasn't a quick ordeal. Then factor in lump charcoal that doesn't always burn consistently so you have to mess with it some more.mp4 wrote: So I gather your gravity fed did fluctuate temp some with the ball valve. I would believe it would do better than my stick burner.
Speaking of charcoal, make sure your grate allows the ash to drop through and give it a tap from time to time to keep your fire burning clean.
Overall, it's a great design and will make awesome food, I think you'll really like it.
I am anticipating some extra heatloss vs the fully insulated ones. I am actually hoping I can get more smoke flavor this way as the fire should run a little hotter than other designs. Since we chose an odd size for the firebricks my dimensions may not save money due to the cost of the fire bricks. It would have been plenty cheaper with 1.25” bricks and most likely more than enough insulation.tinspark wrote:Will be watching this one with eager anticipation. Please be sure to post plenty of pics. Interesting build.
Also Curious if the uninsulated coal chute above the fire bricks will pose any heat loss issues, and if not why is there so much insulation in all of the other GF builds out there. If there is no difference then there is a lot of wasted time and material in all of the other GF's out there. No disrespect intended on adding or not adding, But if it is not needed, and works fine, then what a savings! please keep the posts coming!!
Parts were cut last week and pickup by the fabricator on Thursday:tinspark wrote:Lowe's has cheap ones for $3.28 each, so that's hard to beat!!
Theirs is 1" thicker than the overpriced cheapies..
9"x4"x2-1/4" rated at 3000 deg, F (manufactured by Oldcastle Precast)-
I'm liking your design.
When will you have the parts cut?
Here's a link to the referenced fire brick...not sure what thickness you are using..
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Oldcastle-Conc ... k/50037062
Casters are 400lbs rated.JKalchik wrote:What's the weight rating on those casters?
I'm sure you already know this..... even with the firebrick, I'd expect the firebox and especially the uninsulated charcoal chute to get very hot in operation. Make sure the kids know it's a burn hazard.