I am assuming 2 inches of insulation on the sides of the FB, so external dimensions will be 24 inches - same as the diameter of the CC. I will also make two air intakes. I am assuming that these are the vents used to allow air into the FB?
Yes
Does that sound like it could Work? Some of the comments I have read in other threads, say that 107% FB size is the sweet spot - how much does it matter that you go a little above or below that number?
~105% is the sweet spot. Stay within 10%.
How do you calculate the distance from the end of the CC to the beginning of the baffle plate (the baffle plate gap)?
Maximum is the size of the throat area. Some go 25% less.
Also, I want to include a ball valve to drain grease from the baffle plate. Do you just scrape out the smoker after you are done or does the baffle plate actually slope towards the drain so that it drains through the valve during the cook?
There is usually a grease dam on the end of the BP in a RF. Doesn't really need to slope towards the drain tho. Some just use a scraper after cooking.
Pete Mazz wrote:
Does that sound like it could Work? Some of the comments I have read in other threads, say that 107% FB size is the sweet spot - how much does it matter that you go a little above or below that number?
~105% is the sweet spot. Stay within 10%.
If I understand you correctly, that means that I should be in the span of 105% +/- 10%, which means 94,5% - 115,5% of the recommended FB size. Is that correct? In that case, my size looks really good
How do you calculate the distance from the end of the CC to the beginning of the baffle plate (the baffle plate gap)?
Maximum is the size of the throat area. Some go 25% less.
Should I aim for max, minimum or an average (=throat area - 12,5%)?
Also, I want to include a ball valve to drain grease from the baffle plate. Do you just scrape out the smoker after you are done or does the baffle plate actually slope towards the drain so that it drains through the valve during the cook?
There is usually a grease dam on the end of the BP in a RF. Doesn't really need to slope towards the drain tho. Some just use a scraper after cooking.
Thanks Pete
The total of the inside of the FB is the number you are working with.fcs wrote:Another quick question: When calculating the size of the firebox, should I look at the complete internal size of the box or only the space above the fire grate?