Another Mini Build Log

[Big T]

[KarateDoc]

I built a shelf on mine. As deep as your shelf is it might get really hot if you do not have enough insulation behind it.

[wbegg]

I know it's a bit premature, as I haven't completed my build yet, but is anyone using a heatermeter ATC with their mini build? Just curious as to the settings I can expect for future awesome BBQ!

[Squiggle]

I have no experience with the ATC cause I have a CyberQ, but I got mine up to about 250C(480F) when I seasoned it & I generally don't go higher than 135C(275F) while cooking. I've also had a run smoothly at as low as 70C(160F)

[Rodcrafter]

Mine isn't insulated and I run it at 157 making jerky all the time.


Making memories!

[Weldun]

In response to your bondo question, I used a little here and there but the area around the ash door gets pretty hot, I avoided using bondo in this area.

[wbegg]

Got a little more done. Almost skinned in and got the two small doors done. I'd say I'm almost done, but gauging the time it took to weld, grind, weld, grind, weld, grind just these two small doors, It's gonna be a beast when I get to the main carcus (I'm a bit anal).

OH, and by the way, being 95 degrees today in Montana, I decided to break out the T-Shirt. It's amazing how quickly those can go up in flames when using a cutting wheel on a grinder. Damn near fried the Twig-n-Berries! I had belly button lint go off like a Roman Candle!





I'm gonna miss my tool holder/bench when it's done!

[Weldun]

Patience,patience,patience! I know it's hard trust me, I have the patience of a gun fighter.

As I've mentioned before when all is said and done and you're sitting in a chair watching a smoker that you can't see inside of smoke ( those outside our circle don't get why we do this) you'll find every little flaw that was the result of being impatient, looks like you're on your way to having a really nice smoker. Stay the course, be patient and you'll have no regrets.

For what it's worth, when you weld around your stack where it penetrates the top of your smoker be cautious and weld a little at a time, if you weld continuously all the way around non stop it tends to warp the top skin.

[wbegg]

Thanks Weldum. Good advice taken in hand. Great forum, I couldn't have gotten this far without you guys. My 1st welding project!

[Big T]

[Squiggle]

Patience,patience,patience! I know it's hard trust me, I have the patience of a gun fighter.

As I've mentioned before when all is said and done and you're sitting in a chair watching a smoker that you can't see inside of smoke ( those outside our circle don't get why we do this) you'll find every little flaw that was the result of being impatient, looks like you're on your way to having a really nice smoker. Stay the course, be patient and you'll have no regrets.

For what it's worth, when you weld around your stack where it penetrates the top of your smoker be cautious and weld a little at a time, if you weld continuously all the way around non stop it tends to warp the top skin.

definitely patience is the key & welding round the stack is certainly best taken slowly.

[ajfoxy]

wbegg stated
I had belly button lint go off like a Roman Candle!

Now that's funny

Had the same thing many years ago when making an anvil from a railroad rail. Nearly cooked the twig and berries too.

[wbegg]

Outside skin is finally all tacked in, and ready for finish welding and GRINDING.

I guess I'll start on the front door next. Frame is built, just have to skin and insulate.

[Big T]

It won't be long until it's time for the Q-view

[Squiggle]

Looks awesome dude!

[Rodcrafter]

Sure does look [emoji102] good


Making memories!

[wbegg]

I'm having so much fun, I decided to buy the "double pan" plans with the 'dxf files. I saw where I can download the PDF for the plans, but no link to download the 'DXF cut sheets. Is that going to be shipped to me? Or am I missing something on the download page?

[Big T]

I'm not sure about that, you might have to call Frank in the morning.

[wbegg]

Frank sent the files within 5 minutes of my last post. Thanks Frank!!!

[Big T]

[Rodcrafter]

That Frank is alright isn't he? I wonder if DC told him. lol


Making memories!

[wbegg]

Not done, but thought I'd do a leak check. And while I was at it, I threw in a chicken. I have my Heatermeter monitoring temps, but not controlling the fire. I'm really impressed that I can tweak the position of the ball valve VERY little, and control almost straight line temps!

You can see my cook here ...http://bigbeggbbq.servebeer.com

[wbegg]

Held very impressive temperature control at 17 hours with 1 load of lump. Here's a graph of the last 13+ hours. Can't get any better than this! That VERY straight orange line is the pit Temp.

[BBQChris]

That's very impressive. Is that just with ball valve control?

[wbegg]

No, it's with my Heatermeter ATC with Fan/Damper control