Michael303's Modified Mini Build

[Michael303]

Just picked up my square tube, angle, mesh and CNCd fire box parts from a local shop today. Figured I'd start a build thread since I had something tangible now.

I started with the mini plans but tweaked it quite a bit. The cook chamber is a little bigger in all dimensions since I wanted 2 racks that would hold 2 briskets per rack. I flipped the drip pan and transfer tube too similar to an Assassin. It's more of an Assassin clone than anything else. I'll have the air inlet come out the side next to the ash door too.

I also decided to try the entire burn assembly out of 0.25 steel. I'll assemble it and run some charcoal through it and see what happens. If it fails we can all have a good laugh.



I had no idea the mesh I was getting was so thick. Might find something thinner.

Here's my CNCd parts.

[Michael303]

My 3D model.


Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Squiggle]

Awesome dude, I always get excited bringing home steel.

[Michael303]

I've got a little over $500 into project materials and parts so far. Just have the 16ga sheet metal left to be made. Hopefully I'll be under $800 by the end.

I'll be putting my Webber Smokey Mountain on Craigs List soon so I should recoup some from that.

[Rodcrafter]

After you use that GF you will be so happy you might give the other one away


Making memories.

[Michael303]

Awesome dude, I always get excited bringing home steel.

Yes. I was excited to see the details I fussed over the last couple weeks in real life.

After you use that GF you will be so happy you might give the other one away

I hope so. I got the WSM last fall and used it through the winter. It was a struggle to maintain an even temp on an overnight cook when it was cold out, even with my HeaterMeter. I hope the insulation and tight seal will solve that. I almost never used the lower rack on the WSM because it was a pain to access so having slide out shelves will be a game changer for me.

[Michael303]

How should I clean the shop oil off all the parts before I use it to cook?

[Rodcrafter]

I just wiped that stuff down with Xylene, then I just run the cooker good and hot for a few hours. Then go ahead and wipe it down with paper towels. And coat it with either spray cooking oil or Pam then run it for a few hours good and hot. Then the next time put some meat in it.


Making memories.

[Pete Mazz]

[Squiggle]

I just wiped that stuff down with Xylene, then I just run the cooker good and hot for a few hours. Then go ahead and wipe it down with paper towels. And coat it with either spray cooking oil or Pam then run it for a few hours good and hot. Then the next time put some meat in it.


Making memories.

good solid advice from THE LEGEND!

[Michael303]

A few pics of my first day welding. Brother in law has been a big help teaching me.

[Big T]

It looks like you're off to a good start

[Squiggle]

Very cool dude, looks awesome!

[Pete Mazz]

Looks like you've got the hang of it. Nice to have personal instruction.

[Rodcrafter]

Looks great, I hope the 1/4" works out.


Making memories.

[Michael303]

A few more pics from this weekend. Got all the frame assembled and started on the skin.

Also ran some coal through the fire box out of curiosity. Got really hot and it handled it like a champ.



Also managed to knick my thumb with a new flap disc.

[Pete Mazz]

Ouch!

Build is looking good!

[Squiggle]

Wicked stuff dude, looks fantastic!

[Michael303]

Got all the outside panels tracked on today. Need to get this thing on casters soon. It's heavy!

[Big T]

It's really starting to come together

[Rodcrafter]

Yep nice


Making memories.

[Squiggle]

definitely got it on wheels soon, I'm just about to do the same as I almost blow a valve every time I try to flip it over!

[Michael303]

We're pretty much done with fab. Maybe some minor tweaks. Welding and grinding all the outer skin seams sucked and took way longer than I expected. If I do another one, and I hope to, I'll find a pan brake and bend tabs on the outer skin and use self drilling screws. Something similar for the cook chamber too.

I'm going to do a couple cooks so I can temp gun the outside and make a decision about body filler before I paint it.

Still grinding the drip tray so no pictures of it.

[Squiggle]

well done! I know what you mean about grinding the outer skin, I've been going through a disc for every panel & a half, major PIA! The finish looks awesome too, nice & shiny.

[Big T]

Are you going to put a drip ledge on the inside of the door to direct the grease back into your drain pan?