86 gal pressure tank build

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » June 16th, 2013, 9:22 pm

Yet another 1st time build here. So glad I found this site! Now onto the standard questions that for some reason I cant seem to wrap my head around.

My first question is about my tank. Its a 86 gal WellXTrol pressure tank. There was another recent build using what looks to be the same tank, but I'm a little concerned with the gauge. I havent cut yet and cant seem to find any info on the steel they use. With this size tank how thin can I be before I scrap it and keep looking? Or if you have experience with these will I be ok?

My next question is about the mysterious half moon throat opening. Feldon's Pit calc says 11.82 dia. but how deep or shallow to get the 54.87in2?

Link to BBQ Pit Calculator

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » June 16th, 2013, 9:26 pm

It's about 26x38

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Post by **Rodcrafter** » June 17th, 2013, 7:46 am

I would say that first make sure it is not galvanized. Then we can move on to the thickness, I've seen people build an RF with really thin steel. I wouldn't because it takes as much work to do it with thin steel as it does for thicker steel. And the FB will burn out pretty quick when it isn't thick enough. The CC can be thinner, but I wouldn't because the temp holds better with thicker steel. I prefer 1/4 steel at least on all of it, but that is just me. I know I make things heavier than a lot of folks, but I don't have to make it again. jmtcw

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » June 17th, 2013, 11:36 am

Its not galvanized. The FB and baffle will be 1/4".

Post by **Rodcrafter** » June 17th, 2013, 3:14 pm

Well those are the ones that get the hottest. Go for it.

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » June 17th, 2013, 4:31 pm

Ok I think I might have the throat figured out. The pit calc calls for 11.82" wide dia opening. If I read another thread right that would mean the apex of the arc would be 5.91".

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » June 18th, 2013, 8:47 pm

I would say its just tougher to use thin metal but not impossible.....Mike the Forester made one out of an air tank....hopefully somebody can post a link to it or maybe he can jump in on this....

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Miketheforester · Post by **Miketheforester** » June 18th, 2013, 10:33 pm

I would post a link to my cooker build but I am not that forum literate. My RF with a thinner air compressor tank works just fine, but like Rodcrafter said, it is at least a little more prone to quicker temp variations. My biggest advice is cut one piece at a time and spread out your tack welds like crazy, because that tank will warp every time it senses heat. This is not an issue unless you design for really tight tolerances and cut everything ahead of time. Also your door will spring, but at least being thin it is pretty easy to bend to a somewhat better shape. In short, your thin tank will be fine and perform just as well as any other smoker, but just roll with the flow of warpage as you build instead of fighting it like I did for a while.

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » June 20th, 2013, 9:12 pm

Buying materials tomorrow. Ouch!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » June 20th, 2013, 10:00 pm

Yeah materials can be costly, but think of the years of rewards you will get with the finished product.

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » June 22nd, 2013, 11:51 am

Any problem with using stainless steel for exhaust? My work has plenty of it for conduit.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » June 22nd, 2013, 4:00 pm

Nope. Do it to her!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » June 22nd, 2013, 7:10 pm

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » June 25th, 2013, 9:25 pm

Does the cook chamber opening at the end of the baffle plate matter?

Can I just end it before the bell end and be ok?

First cut photos soon if this cold ever clears up.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » June 26th, 2013, 6:02 am

The opening at the end of the baffle needs to be about the same size as fb to cc opening.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » June 26th, 2013, 6:13 am

S1 is correct.

The proper way to overdesign that particular feature is to make that gap adjustable.

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » August 14th, 2013, 7:43 pm

Finally back at it. Had to take it to a different buddies house for the build.

I was going to buy plans but couldn't wait another week for a custom set.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 14th, 2013, 8:17 pm

Since you aren't using plans, make sure you run everything through the pit calculator.

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » August 14th, 2013, 8:38 pm

I did. A few times. Hope I got it right.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » August 14th, 2013, 9:07 pm

The calculator doesn't lie!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » August 14th, 2013, 10:25 pm

Its not the calc its the operator I am concerned with.

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » August 14th, 2013, 10:29 pm

Finally cut the tank.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » August 15th, 2013, 6:39 am

Cool beans so far!

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » August 15th, 2013, 6:44 am

Nice cuts

brandenpro · Post by **brandenpro** » August 16th, 2013, 11:12 am

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SmokerBuilder.com