Only question I have is on the expanded metal. Why did you put it on the bottom instead of the top? Was it for dividers? I would think it would catch a heck of a lot of leaves like that.
I love your handles BTW, look really good and I can't wait to see the rig painted.
Thanks Pennywise! I just put it on the bottom to hide some of the welds since I didn't like the way they look. Kind of hard to make the welds on expanded metal and make it look nice(for me anyways). Probably just need to turn the heat down. You are probably right that it will catch some leaves but I will be storing it inside when not in use. I thought I could use the shelf for some wood or charcoal storage.
Got the door mounted on with the gasket in place and new flaps on the door. Looks much better this time around! Started working on the handle and got it mostly done. I will just need to go back and put a rounded edge onto the wood and stain it. But that can wait until I am ready to paint or after. Just wanted it on for now so I could use it. Also started on some latches. They need some tweaking but I think they will work good and will help me get a good seal.[img][/img]
For my wood on my smoker, I hit it with a torch to "char" it up some....Then rub it in and make it look like it's been used some. I'll see if I can find a picture.
Did a lot of grinding and cleaned up some do-overs and took of some oily rust from the inside also. Did more tweaking on the lid and latches. Added wood to the latch handle so they are functional for the rest of the build. Will make them look nice down the road. Also put a door stop/rest on.
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I guess this is actually my second smoker that I have built. A couple of years ago I made one that would fit over my fire pit in my back yard at my old house. It only took me a day to build and really didn't work well. I only used it a couple of times. It was a charcoal hog since it was so leaky. The steal was too thin also. I really had no idea what I was doing. I am still no expert, but have learned a great deal about all kinds of smokers since then, mainly from this site and watching lots of youtube videos. I cooked a brisket for my sons 1st birthday. It turned out great but had to finish it in the oven wrapped in tin foil since I ran out of charcoal. He turns 3 now in March and hoping to have this new one done so I can do another brisket.
Need to get some input. I have made some latches from scratch. They are working out ok, but not as well as I had hoped. I have taken a look at the toggle clamps and I would rather just make my own. It's just how I am. What have you done in the past as far as making latches?
I make sure and clamp the home made washers when welding in place, so it has a very tight fit. The bottom two pics are after years of service. I still use all of them all the time they work great. If they are loose I would think you could heat them with a torch and hit them with a hammer.
jm2cw
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........