I couldn't resist mate...

[z1_gravedigger]

Hello from Ohio

We're nearing the end of a 4-year project at work that involved removing cabinets like this from 20 distribution substations. After seeing so many lost to the scrap bin, I couldn't resist saving one. I hope to give it new purpose as a gravity feed insulated smoker:

That's 1/8" aluminum. I'm not seeing any practical use for the door they provided...

Inside partially gutted:

This 8.5x27x.5" slab of aluminum previously served as a heat sink. It may again as a deflector plate (I'm envisioning it bolted to a steel transfer tube):

Interior dimensions are 15.75x29.75x52". I'm considering dropping 1" of insulation and a 16GA steel liner inside, with an offset charcoal chute and firebox. Which leads me to my first question:

None of the stumps-clones I've seen follow the pit calculator's suggestions - they're all significantly smaller fireboxes (with room below for ash) and a 2" ball valve. Are there any rules of thumb to follow when building an insulated cabinet or gravity feed smoker?

[Big T]

Welcome aboard!! The pit calculator is designed for an offset cooker. A vertical doesn't require a large fire box because all of the heat goes straight up so there's very little heat wasted, especially on an insulated cabinet. I haven't built a GF yet so I can't really help you on FB dimensions but I'm sure some of the guys that have will be along to help you out.

[Bricklayer2]

That will be an interesting build, I will be watching .

[Rodcrafter]

The GF FB on an insulated cabinet is like 8”wide,4”tall 6”deep. Those are rough numbers, but they are plenty for something like you’re planning. You might send Frank Cox a pm and ask his thoughts since he designs plans and makes them available on a sister site to keep the lights on here. But the was the GF works is more like a charcoal burner putting out plenty of BTUs to heat an insulated space.


Making memories!

[z1_gravedigger]

The GF FB on an insulated cabinet is like 8”wide,4”tall 6”deep

Thanks Rodcrafter! Great sanity check. I'm planning a round, 6" diameter chute with approximately 6x6x4 burn basket. I'll be able to make the basket deeper if I need more BTU's.

I'll make a build thread when I have progress to show. So far I've picked up the steel and made space for the project... that took much longer than expected