I’ve built four traditional offsets with tuning plates. Most guys here lean towards reverse, but I think tuning plates give you the best of both worlds.
Welcome aboard! I'm a fan of the RF but there's nothing wrong with a well built traditional offset. There are pros and cons to both imo but you can turn out great BBQ on either style.
Thanks guys! Cool site! Dacolson, live near Hayfield and work in Rochester. Used to buzz through Farmington a lot, my brother lived in Lakeville for a while.
Whatever you decide to build, follow the calculations and take your time to do it right. I own a traditional offset and a RF. All I will say is I haven’t fired up the traditional offset in several years and the first guy to knock on my door can have it.
Apparently, I'm in good company here. I'm halfway between Rochester & St. Paul.
Just to throw a monkey wrench in your works, I built a gravity fed charcoal smoker a couple of years, and I am quite happy with it. I fought a leaky cheap horizontal offset for a couple of years, and went in whole hog on the GF. If you're interested in seeing it, I'll have it fired up on Saturday this weekend (drop me a note.)
"Measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with fireaxe." Ted M., USCG (ret)
"Smoked pork. It belongs in me." Giles L
My son and daughter-in-law just moved to Rochester. I live between Eau Claire and Wausau a couple hours east from you guys. Maybe some time we can schedule a Midwest gathering? I'm working in Maine right now, but maybe sometime the stars might align...