First Project

[Big T]

Your overall design looks great. I can't make out the dimensions on your drawing, how tall is the FB on the left side ?

[Blutick]

All the dimensions for the FB's are the same just the length is changed - both are 20" h x OD - I guess I have a bit OCD that makes me want things to look equal as possible - so heights and widths are the same but the lengths get me my volume - I have changed the separate smoker sizes like 5-6 times because it just didn't look pleasing to the eye - I know "what a freak" huh? Sorry I get it from my old man...

[Blutick]

http://feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator. ... 5.43,93.52

http://feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator. ... .04,142.31

Please have a look at these and let me know...

[Big T]

I understand on the OCD, I just finished a smoker and I cut off and redesigned everything 2 or 3 times. All of your numbers look great. I would make both stacks the same length, whatever the longest was should be fine.

[Gizmo]

I too am CDO.

But my letters are in alphabetical order as they should be…. just sayin'

My only defense is that when you work in steel you're building something your great grandkids could use so it better have a reasonably good appearance - it's going to be staring back at you a very long time from it's corner of the garage…..

[Blutick]

Gizmo - your spot on. This thing might be around for my kids kids kids to use (except they might have to modify it a bit if there "ain't no" trees left ) - I like everything in its place and uniformed (should have been a military guy I guess - ) but, on. The flip side I like things to stand out in a crowd, so basic black "ain't a gonna get it" in this rig - won't tell you guys what color yet cause it's a bit early in the game!

[Gizmo]

Never hurts to shop - especially when it comes to paint.

I personally like the ease of aerosol cans so I would check out manifold paint at your favorite car parts place for the FB - roughly 1200 to 2000F rating. The CC can go with engine enamel at a lower heat rating (500F typical) and a lot wider selection of colors are available in that stuff. If you don't mind the price there are also specialty paints on the net designed for stoves….

Here's a link …. I've used their Thermolux Clear coat and Andover white finishes so far - works great.

http://www.net4sale.com/Shop/pc/viewPrd ... roduct=145

fwiw

[Blutick]

Thank you! For the info I will check them out - my thoughts are after investing the amount of time and creative energy into a well made smoker it seems a waste to not finish the job and make it a head turn as well with a great paint scheme

[Gizmo]

I agree. Unfortunately the higher the temp rating - the fewer the color choices and the closer to black it gets ….. it is not logical - but it is often true.

[Smokeone]

The good thing is no matter what color you use, if it won't take the heat, it will turn a pretty shade of black.

[Blutick]

Here's a group of colors that are rated to 615 deg. that might make things interesting -

http://www.superior-industries.com/colo ... e_310.html

[Rodcrafter]

That paint will work for the CC, but FB will smoke it right away unless everything gets insulated.


jm2cw

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

It's also worth pointing out that it may not work well on the CC either at the point where the FB connects to the CC. Temps in this area tend to run close to FB temps.

[Blutick]

I had planned on painting everything from just below the door say 1or 2" with extreme high heat paint and everything above that with something that catches the ol' eye... or I may just do the stacks and doors and everything else extreme high heat, but we'll see.

[Blutick]

Cutting doors tonight! - next question "door sealing" - I will be getting the appropriate 1/8 flat bar in 1 1/2 width to trim out the doors, but should I go ahead and expect to need gasket material to seal them? and as far as compressing the gasket if I do need it what has everyone found works the best? I have seen toggle latches, just not sure if they are the best choice. I was thinking of fabing some sort of latches so that they looked like they belong and not something that has just been slapped on - (I know, I know OCD again ) - If anyone has pictures of ideas lets see'm... Please

[Gizmo]

I would recommend 1/2" fire rope (smokerplans.net) for the gasket high-temp siliconed to the underside of the 1/8 X 1-1/2 strap door frame.

When the silicone has cured (36 hours) place the door in place and give it a light squeeze with a cargo strap then install your hinges. Doin it this way guarantees even pressure on the gasket all the way around.

Then add your handle and gauge or whatever. Gravity should hold the door closed well enough on this size cooker.

[Blutick]

Awesome Gizmo! that's what I was hoping for except the lid on the smaller section aka. the 136 gallon side "will" be a bit smaller, so not sure if there will be enough weight there to compress the gasket...

[Gizmo]

THen decide after your test burn on that one. Those toggle clamps are hard to beat for easy but if you want a simple "homemade" look then check out Earl's FB latch under the RF department. That works great on smaller doors….

[Blutick]

Thanks Giz - still undecided on the latches, will have to keep looking and experimenting with designs that work (think'n now about so sort of cam style design)

Here a picture - time has been limited so its really slow going - doors will finish today - grinding and smoothing edges tonight!

ordered flat bar for the doors today as well 3/16 x 2" should look nice / ordering gasket material Monday / searching again for stacks (not rushing cause I need them to be just right!

[Blutick]

Doors cut - Holy ****! - might not need latches that's for sure! These things weight a ton...

[Hambone]

Holy cow that thing is huge! I'm sure that the livestock in your area is starting to get nervous! You can probably fit two or three dressed pigs in that thing! It's going to be nice when you're done.

[Gizmo]

YOU HAVE A FORKLIFT?!?!

[Gizmo]

JEALOUS!!

[Blutick]

Yes Sir - A crane too! Makes "smoker builder life" a lot easier for sure...

[Blutick]

will be installing the CC's divider plate this evening / tomorrow - the overhead hoist will help with that (it's 3/4 plate)