Nice build so far. And it must be really nice having all that space around when building... I am envious of the space and equipment...
Learning generally boils down to "Repetition or the avoidance of pain", some people learn by doing, some by watching and some just have to pee on the electric fence.
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford
So Heres todays progress. Raincap roofs. Butterfly flappers and linkage/stoppers. Tomorrow finish linkage for short people. Start cutting out firebox and warming cabinet doors, air intakes etc.
Ok, so we had a lil change of plans today. Fabbed up the CC rack assemblies. Went smooth, made sure the racks were as square as possible. Golly gee is that expanded stuff razor sharp. Seems awful dangerous if your not careful. Be leaving DNA quick like. Anyhow, Just need to weld out the rack uprights and the inside of the cook chamber is DONE. Adding gasket mtl on cc door also manana. Progress!
So I have a question. As per drawings I have my exhaust stack cut flush to top of CC. Someone suggested to have it midish way down the chamber to retain heat and smoke.....Whats the professional concensus?
I don't think there is one. Most have been built flush but there is a growing group of builders that extend them down. You can always experiment with adding a piece to the inside of the stack and take temp readings before and after.
If it's tourist season, how come I can't shoot 'em?
I would say if you do some testing with it maybe use a rolled up piece of thin sheet metal in the sack so you can adjust it by sliding it up and down. But to me the most important part of the test is how does it effect the smoke content in the meat. So using the biscuit test you may be able to see the difference on the biscuits when done at the different levels. I personally would say this is more important than just the even temps.
jm2cw
Oh and can you show us the build of your racks? I'm thinking racks that long must need 4 square tube rails long wise to keep from bending under the weight. What did you do?
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
Rodcrafter, good point. Those are some lengthy racks. Ill add additional tubes lengthwise to help hold the load. It did flex a lil more than I liked. Maybe even crown the middle ones slightly upward.
I /we have a whole bunch of things to learn about operating this thing.. Or else its going to end up a 4000 lb counterweight for one of our ski lifts.
I am thinking her name will be Betsy...Shes a really nice gal who can cook like a mofo...But shes a HEAVY smoker...
Peace
Ill look into the biscuit test for sure.. Thanks for the tip.
I was thinking, I know this could be a mistake.... lol
I think a good alternative for the additional tubes would be use 2 on the front and back side with a bunch of 2 inch vertical pieces separating them to create a bridge. This would serve as a handle and be stronger than tubes laying flat.
Do you get what I'm saying?
It would be great to use as handles for lift whole hogs too.
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
Howdy guys...Made some progress the last couple days.. Stiffened up racks w 1" squaretube, I can stand on them now... I'm 245lbs.... Sealed CC Did a smoke test with the machine we have...No leakey......Made counterweight assy n welded out. Prolly has 125 lbs of scrap in it....Stays open, and moves effortlessly. Stole some hood latches from an old Army truck we have out in the weeds on the CC door (shhhh don't tell my boss ) It will never go fast enuf to lift the hood again anyways......Works good keeps it nice and snug....NOW we can move on the the boxes...I think...
Great build....looks like your meat order will need to be placed soon.
Just a note on the larches. First, I never thought of using them but great idea. Second, if anyone is interested, they are readily available from any off road/jeep parts store/mail order. Ask for hood catches for a 55-95 cy/yj jeep. Black will run you about $25 and stainless is available in stainless as well.