FB Door modification for smoker #2

[SheffSmoker]

I was never happy with the bell end FB door on the second smoker, so just ordered some plate to sort it out. I have been having to run with the door cracked open a bit like Hogaboomer too, so a bigger low door vent should cure that.

I had a few options, but as my log basket sort of follows the circular shape of the FB - and I really don't fancy making it again - I'm going to end up with a toilet seat shaped FB door.

Plan is cut out a circle that matches the end dimension of the FB, then cut out the section in green which will be the inner door.

Parts separated.

Finally how it will look with the larger outer door overlaid. Obviously the butterfly vent area will be cut out on the inner door too!

I may have to chop a tiny pair of "ears" out of the frame so the rails of the log basket clear, and also may chop a small section from the very bottom for sweeping out the ash after a cook.

[dacolson]

Very cool. It's fun going back and updating after you've gotten to use it for a while. You know what works and what doesn't. Very satisfying when it's complete.

[Big T]

[Dirtytires]

Definitely time to fix it. I have had better luck with slide vents as the butterfly vents always seem to rust up or warp and don't want to operate smoothly. Just my opinion....

I like the idea of being able to push the ash out without a lip at the bottom but that lip will be nice to ensure a solid seal for your door. Maybe time for an ash pan that you can just pick up/out and dump?

[SheffSmoker]

I'll give the butterfly vent a try, I like how they look.

Ash pan on the circular FB will be fun, I'll have to use thin gauge steel like car body steel and panel beat one to shape. Just had a different idea of leaving the lip to seal as you say, but fitting a "ramp" inside to sweep out.

[Dirtytires]

I like the 'ramp' idea....never would have thought of that.

[SheffSmoker]

I like making life difficult for myself.

[dacolson]

But your life will be easier after, right?


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[SheffSmoker]

Hoping so, Dave!

[SheffSmoker]

Door fab'd up. It looks like a smiley face so gonna have to make some metal googly eyes for it!

[Big T]

[SheffSmoker]

I shall call him Percy.

[dacolson]

Is he causing disruption and delay?

[SheffSmoker]

Ha, he's the cheeky young engine.

[hogaboomer]

That's awesome!

[Big T]

Haha cool!

[SheffSmoker]

Percy is looking better after a coat of VHT, a firebox latch and a real fire.

[jeeperjkjeeper]

Percy is looking better after a coat of VHT, a firebox latch and a real fire.

IMG_20210417_201928.jpg

nice...I would have Coated with Linseed Oil personally

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[SheffSmoker]

Rest of the smoker is already black, but I am going to oil his eyes as I've taken them back to bare metal.

[Dirtytires]

Very nice....love the throwback to kids-land!

[SheffSmoker]

Thanks all, gives the kids something to smile at. Me included.

Ummed and ahhed for a while about a firebox latch. Came up with this which rotates inside the inner door.

Slide out shelf and throat baffle next on the list.

[SheffSmoker]

Oh yeah, forgot about the vent lock effort. As it's not a balanced butterfly vent it would always drop to the lowest point, so welded a bolt through the butterfly, then made a screw lock with a nut welded inside a bit of tubing blanked off each end, and holes drilled for a length of rod.

Half a turn and it slides free, half back and it's locked in any position you like / need.

[Chriz]

Looking awesome!

[SheffSmoker]

Thanks Chriz

[SheffSmoker]

Last few cooks me and the wife have been doing the two step shuffle... "You bring the meat, I'll get the door then lift it in!"

Decided it was time to make a slide out shelf so it can be a one person operation. Well volunteered, wife!

Had a full plank of oak left after making the lower storage shelf, so I made use of that, Danish oiled again.