Welcome to the crew! There's a big difference in the offset vs the GF. As for the 800# I'm sure that is true. I don't have one but I have watched folks build smaller versions that weighs about 650#. But the moving of these rigs is made easier by what you put them on. If just on casters or on a small trailer. My little backyard offset weighs 800# but I tend to make things heavy.
Making memories.
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
g'day mate! Glad to see another Aussie on here & yeah US style BBQ is just taking off here in a big way, craft beer, hipster beards, man buns or top knots & BBQ smoking is the latest hot thing(I'm only into beer & BBQ, the rest is for all them big city folk). Where are you at? I'm in the land down under the land down under.
You've definitely come to the right place for BBQ knowledge, community & just a great bunch of guys. Either way you go with your smoker will be awesome, I'm just about to start a mini GF as I'm only planning on family & friends stuff, commercial stuff will definitely require something trailer mounted, RF is probably easiest(just require a bit more attention to the fire than a GF).
Before you weld on different thickness of steel just try it on a piece of scrap of the same. If you don't have any make a practice pie out of good stuff. It is better than practicing on the real deal every time.
Making memories.
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
and I would recommend starting with your wire speed pretty high and adjust down until you get the hang of it. It'll keep you from melting your tip. Nice machine