First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Post by **Big T** » January 2nd, 2015, 10:53 pm

every small step gets you closer to the end.

Pennywise · Post by **Pennywise** » January 6th, 2015, 8:34 am

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.

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 6th, 2015, 10:39 am

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.

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 6th, 2015, 10:54 am

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.[im

g][/im

g]

Post by **Big T** » January 6th, 2015, 10:06 pm

Rev.Mike · Post by **Rev.Mike** » January 6th, 2015, 10:18 pm

Post by **Tom_Heath** » January 7th, 2015, 8:20 pm

I like it

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Gator Man · Post by **Gator Man** » January 8th, 2015, 12:19 am

Looking Good!!!

love2flymn · Post by **love2flymn** » January 9th, 2015, 1:18 pm

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.

Edit, nope...No picture worth sending.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » January 9th, 2015, 3:09 pm

No pics....never happened

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 11th, 2015, 9:29 pm

I will think that one over, might have to give it a try. Let me know if you come across those pics

Thanks!

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 11th, 2015, 9:41 pm

More weekend progress.

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.
[

][/

]

Post by **Big T** » January 11th, 2015, 9:44 pm

We all have a few do overs every now and then but it's coming together nicely.

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 11th, 2015, 9:58 pm

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.

Here are a couple pics

[

g][/]

Post by **Rodcrafter** » January 12th, 2015, 10:45 am

Yep, if I only got to have brisket every 3 years it would be a problem. lol

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 12th, 2015, 8:43 pm

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?

Anyone?

Pics if you have them please.

Post by **Tom_Heath** » January 12th, 2015, 10:49 pm

What do your latches look like that you are using now.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 15th, 2015, 9:30 pm

[

]

They work "ok". I think if I spend some more time on them I can improve them. Just curious what others have used.

Thanks!

Post by **Tom_Heath** » January 15th, 2015, 10:11 pm

I dont have any pics handy but take alook at what TQ uses on his builds.

Or

Look at the fire box door on a southern pride or an old hickory.
Thats what I have used in the past.

I also like the fancy double catch that Frank used on Mac. But its for a square front door, but could maybe be fitted to work on yours.

bluecatfish · Post by **bluecatfish** » January 16th, 2015, 10:38 am

For me simple is better if it works. I think they look good.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » January 16th, 2015, 12:40 pm

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

Abauer · Post by **Abauer** » January 16th, 2015, 8:52 pm

Thanks for the pics Rod!

Question: How come you make homemade washers. Did you have problems with them warping? Mine warped a bit.

Your latches look a bit like mine. Same principle for the most part. I think mine mainly need just some refinement.

Thanks Again!

Post by **Rodcrafter** » January 16th, 2015, 11:46 pm

I made the washers from 1/4" plate so they would never warp.

Post by **Tom_Heath** » January 17th, 2015, 2:23 am

Wow. Big oll washers.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Post by **Rodcrafter** » January 17th, 2015, 9:32 am

Lifetime type

SmokerBuilder.com

First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker

Re: First Build 85 gallon RF Smoker