Starting Design - Horizontal - Mini GF

[rvalente74]

Well guys, first time posting in here. Sorry if I have a bad english, Im brazilian and I dont usually use english every day.

Im starting a design for a GF smoker, using Stump's Horizontal The Monster as ideal... Im using Google's SketchUp as design tool.

My idea is to build something light that I can carry around, about 100 kilograms (220 pounds). Here is the first look:



Im here to ask if its all right to go with it? Any opinions about the design?

The cooking chamber is 23'' wide, 20'' depth and 15'' height.

[Big T]

Welcome aboard!! I'm not sure of the dimensions of the fire box so it's hard to say if it's the right size or not. I haven't personally built a GF but from what I've heard about them they're pretty heavy, even the small ones so I don't know if 220 lbs is a realistic number or not. I'm sure some of the guys will come along and give you better info than I have.

[ajfoxy]

Welcome to the crew. I'm not sure you are going to get away with 220 lbs (100 kg). Apart from the thicker metal needed for the firebox and charcoal chute, there is insulation between the skins as well. As that's what makes the GF work is the fact that the whole unit is insulated and heat can't escape through the steel. Well most of it is prevented from escaping. Your best bet to make it somewhat portable is to put large wheels on the thing. That way you can wheel it around. Put lifting lugs on the top so you can lift it onto a trailer or truck etc.

[Rodcrafter]

Welcome to the crew!

The smoker you are trying to copy weighs 800#Pounds you have changed the dimensions a lot so you probably will get near the weight you are looking for. Since yours is so short you will be able to reduce the required size of the material that makes the GF burner. With the ash box about 6" and FB 6" then you only have another 8" of chute. I would say that would weigh about 65# vs 200# normally.



Making memories!

[temurf]

[wbegg]

Welcome to Mahem!

I really like the design. If you can get the air circulation and FB/CC ratio correct, I'd love to see the results.I'm building a Mini GF from plans, and very slowly, but it is quite a hoot every time I put the welder to metal (very bad welds, I'm more of a grinderist). Good luck on the build and keep us informed.

Oh, and there's no such thing as a LIGHT mini GF smoker. Too much metal is required for the FB and 2 walls of sheet metal.

[rvalente74]

Thank you guys, very happy getting those ideas from you!

My thought is to use a thinner metal sheet, like 1/16". I know it will reduce heat preservation, but my plan is to use a good insulating material.

Another idea I have is to make it as 3 separated parts: cooking chamber, air circulation(the part below the CC) and firebox+chute. If I need to carry it around, just unmount here and remount there. Of course I will need to think hard on how to make it practical and heat escaping proof.

[Frank_Cox]

Welcome aboard!
I'll be watching this one, a break apart design sounds cool!


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[Squiggle]

[rvalente74]

Here the separated parts, hope you can see the measures...

[ajfoxy]

You are obviously working in metric and converting to inches, hence the many digits after the comma. Or else you you need to round out to whole numbers..
The concept looks good though and I look forward to the build. All in all a very clever idea.

[Squiggle]

[temurf]

I really like the concept of a cooker that can be separated into sections for transporting.

I used 1/8 inch metal on my firebox because I wanted to save some money. I figured that since it was insulated, it would not matter. The problem that I had was the thinner metal was harder to weld and it warps easily. Next time I will not use anything less that 1/4 inch.

You might run into some issues with warping if you use 1/16 inch metal.

Of course, that is only my opinion and I am not trying to discourage you.

[rvalente74]

temurf, thanks for your reply.

For the firebox I thought using 1/4 inch, and for ashbox 1/8. Everything else would be 1/16.

Estimated weight of parts:
Cooking Chamber (top) = 27,5kg (60.6lbs)
Cooking Chamber (bottom) = 25,1kg (55,3lbs)
Right side (FB+ASH+Chute) = 69,2kg (152,5lbs)

Weight without the doors, insulation and trays...

[Squiggle]

I used 10mm(3/8") for the FB & 6mm(1/4") charcoal chute & ashbox of my mini.

[rvalente74]

With aprox. 6900 cubic inches in the CC, how much room do I need in the Firebox? Would 5'' x 5'' x 5'' be enough?

[Squiggle]

Ummmmm........Frank or one of the SB boys will be along any minute to btu that one for ya.

[Rodcrafter]

I would say that if you are going to use a fan and temperature controller that size will work. Insulation is a big part of the heating. I would use at least 1/8" on the chute above the FB as that area gets very hot and doesn't get a break.


Making memories!

[rvalente74]

Temperature control yes, but no fan...

[rvalente74]

New design for Right part (Chute + FB + AB). A lot less weight!

Estimated weights now:
Top of CC: 25kg (55.4lbs)
Bottom of CC: 27.5kg (60.8lbs)
Right part: 31kg (68.3lbs)

I made some calculations of BTU, the 5''x5''x5'' will be more than sufficient. I should need less than 0.4lbs of burning charcoal to make temperature go to 752F!

I think its gonna work!!!

[Rodcrafter]

You know EVERYONE is watching this build and hoping for the best.

[ajfoxy]

Absolutely

[Squiggle]

Another thing I've noticed is a lack of a transfer tube, this will even out the temp & prevent getting a hotspot just above the opening from the FB. Other than this, it looks like a wicked unit & I can't wait to see it up & running.

[rvalente74]

Transfer tube and other details will be added soon.
I had a good meeting last Saturday with a friend who build pits and grills, he is very excited to make this project, and maybe a partnership for another versions of it.

[ajfoxy]

There you go, a business in the offing before you have cooked any Q on it. Nice...