First build underway.

[jafo28]

I started working on my smoker build last week, but i'm just getting around to starting my build thread.
This is going to be a vertical smoker with offset firebox. It's not going to be huge, like some of the ones i've seen on here. The CC will be 30x18x16.

So as required, here are some pics of my progress.

I started with the base since I had a bit of leftover 1x1 square tubing. Here it is cut to size.



All nice and shiny after cleaning off the mill scale.



One side tacked up.



Ground down the welds on the outside for a nice finished look.



Coming together.




Went and got a load of steel today, and some wheels and a couple of hinges.

[Smurf]

Great start Jafo

[Big T]

that's going to be a nice size cooker.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Looks great. For a minute there I thought I was looking at Smoker Tom's garage.

[SmokinFF]

You'll be smoking in no time.

[jafo28]

Spent today cutting up my two 4'x4' plates into all the panels for the cooking chamber and firebox. I also cut and drilled four pieces to attach my casters to the base. I'll update with more pics a little later.

[jafo28]

Ok time for pics.

[vizion]

looks like you got a good start on it.. keep it up looking forward to seeing it progress..

[jafo28]

Base completed and on wheels.

[jafo28]

Had a chance to get a little work done before work. Firebox partially tacked up.

[Smokeone]

Looking good, man. You'll be burnin in no time.

[jafo28]

Thanks.

My wife has actually trying to get me out into the garage to get it finished.

[jafo28]

Just had a thought here, and would like some opinions. I was thinking of adding a lid to the firebox with a grill grate below it for grilling.

Pros/cons?

[Gizmo]

I wish you would so I can see how it works…..

Been thinkin' about that one for a while now ….

[jafo28]

Moving along, I got the firebox welded and the weld ground to a nice smooth edge. I also have the cooking chamber tacked together.

I tacked a hinge on the firebox just to see how everything would line up.



Placed it on the stand just for a pic.



Cleaned up welds.



Cooking chamber coming together.

[Big T]

I had a store bought smoker that had a lid and grate on the FB, it worked fine for steaks and burgers. The only drawbacks were (1) you couldn't grill and smoke at the same time because of heat loss in the CC (2) the lid wasn't sealed very well and I'm sure it was sucking cold air around it. You could seal the door with some fire rope and eliminate the 2nd problem.

[SmokinFF]

Wish my wife would send me to the garage.

[jafo28]

Thanks guys.

BigT, i'm just going to leave it strictly as a firebox, if I want to grill i'll pull the weber kettle out.

SmokinFF, the wife loves BBQ as much as I do so that's her motivation. I haven't told her that they'll be a learning curve and the first couple of times it might not be the best she's had.

[Gizmo]

I've used that same line on MY wife several times … and she STILL prefers to eat at home ….

MIRACLES! …. go figure …

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

[Rodcrafter]

I did that on the last one I made. I use the top door for loading too. It works great, I take the grate out when not grilling so I don't burn it out. Then I just use the basket for the smoker.










I hope this helps.

[jafo28]

Thanks for the advice, but I think i'm going to leave it alone. I can always cut a hole in the top at a later date, if I really want to.

[jafo28]

Quick update, I got within 6 inches of having the entire CC welded, and I ran out of c25. Cleaned up some of the welds and called it a day. Working the morning shift this week so I should be able to get some work done in the afternoons.

[Gizmo]

Ha! me too! …. missed it by THAT much!

[jafo28]

Six inches short is the story of my life.