Welcome aboard!! I would cut the door completely out first and make sure it doesn't warp. That way you can straighten it up if it does. I use 1/8''x1 1/2 or 2'', I have used 1/4''x2'' but it's a little harder to bend it.
If it does warp. Some chain, a jack and have at it.
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
I like to cut mine out first, then flange it, then weld the hinges to either the flange using bullet hinges or make my own and weld them to the door.
I have to ask "3 inch" is that the total length? or is that each piece of the hinge? I asked the question because this is a very heavy door you're making, and if you put an counterweight on it that would even be more weight. Those hinges are much stronger vertically than laying flat. I just want you to like what you wind up with when you're done.
Some folks around here think I make stuff too heavy so you can totally disregard my question if you want.
jm2cw
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
Thanks for the welcoming! Rodcrafter, I bought some plans from smoker builder and these are what were spec'd. There are 3 of them though. Is there any tricks to forming the strap metal around the door? Ajfoxy thanks for tip!
You can use the tank as a mold of sorts tack the end of the strap to the tank and just pull down on it as if your going all the way around it cut the tack and lay it on you lid and weld it.
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........