I see most of these smokers being old tanks. would it work if i rolled my own tank and both ends were flat, or does the rounded ends help with Flow? Im new to this, just thinking about making this 100% from scratch.
Thanks
Chris
Flat on each end?
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bodiedyota92
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Pete Mazz
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Re: Flat on each end?
Flat ends are fine. Folks use tanks because they can get them cheaper/used.
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Rodcrafter
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Re: Flat on each end?
Lots of folks cut the ends off of the tanks and weld flat plate on
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Fishless Mickey
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Re: Flat on each end?
If you do happen upon a tank and cut the ends off, they make great disco woks or grill bottoms.
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bodiedyota92
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BitBucket
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Re: Flat on each end?
I had trouble getting my hands on a tank with a 30" diameter vs. wall thickness I was looking for, so I had one of the big tank building shops in town roll a piece of 1/4" steel for me. It was not very cheap, but it got me going.
Depending on availability and what size you are going for, large diameter pipe is also a consideration. I think after about 24" dia. it goes up to 3/8 wall by default, which might be better or worse for a cook chamber (better heat retention, but longer to get up to stable temp and harder to cool off if you get too warm), if you can safely handle the extra mass of the pipe and are equipped to weld something that heavy. (my 0.02 anyway)
Depending on availability and what size you are going for, large diameter pipe is also a consideration. I think after about 24" dia. it goes up to 3/8 wall by default, which might be better or worse for a cook chamber (better heat retention, but longer to get up to stable temp and harder to cool off if you get too warm), if you can safely handle the extra mass of the pipe and are equipped to weld something that heavy. (my 0.02 anyway)
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bodiedyota92
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Re: Flat on each end?
If i had a piece rolled to around 30", Would 3/16" steel be fine to use? Or should i go with 1/4". This will live on my patio, but may occasionally go to mom and pops for family get together's. So weight is a small factor..
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Rodcrafter
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Re: Flat on each end?
You can get away 3/16" on everything but the FB. That is if it will be an offset. If it is a vertical you can go 1/8".
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bodiedyota92
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Rodcrafter
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Re: Flat on each end?
Yep
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bodiedyota92
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Re: Flat on each end?
I used to date a girl that was flat on both ends.... Don't get me wrong, she got the job done... But the curves are better flow! In all seriousness I don't see any difference between my pit (curved tank) and my buddy's flat. Go with 1/4" the cost difference isn't that big.
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