Insulated firebox vs. 1/2 inch plate firebox

[Mettle]

So we are finishing up our 30 inch by 48 inch offset trailer smoker. The insulated firebox took TOO much time. I now understand the up charge for them.

Has any one built a firebox out of 1/2 inch? Has any one had a chance to compare these two types of builds?

Thanks.

[The Czar]

Wow.....I don't know if anybody has built one out of 1/2" just on the weight factor alone!!!

[TuscaloosaQ]

in my opinion I say insulated all the way the 1/2 will take a while to get hot and at some point is going to give up heat to the atmosphere. Prolly is better than 1/4 but it will be heavey and last longer. Post pics of your insulated box I am going to build a couple, they are highly favored by a lot of people. 1/2 plate is very expensive!!!!!!

[Mettle]

I appreciate your thoughts. My thought WAS that my time is worth more than the difference in steel price. I'll post up some pics when completed.

[Mettle]

Also should say that the challenge for me was how I wanted to attach the box. The way I "frenched" it in led me to insulate and skin after it was attached to the chamber. It would have been much easier to attach it jambo style.

I really wanted a backwoods and an offset, so I built a nice compromise.

[Blutick]

Digging this post back up - Im currently building my smoker FB and BP out of 3/4" plate - I know, I know but it's "free" - I will let you know how it comes out - Its pretty time consuming actually (but it does free up the mind after a long day) - only getting about three or four pieces cut a night after work, but at least its moving forward -

[Smokeone]

Snikeees! That's gonna be a beast! But it's hard to beat free!

[Blutick]

Here the link to the post
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3466
If you're interested