Hello from the Sunshine State

[Kawickrice]

This is my first post and look forward to posting some more. I am in the middle of converting an old fridge into a smoker with a side box. My goal is for it to cost $0 by using scrap I have had for quite awhile. I ran out of wire for my welder so my cost will jump to $25.00. I made the fire box out of 18 gauge sheet metal. It might not be heavy enough but since I have 3 sheets of 5' x 8' metal thats what I am using. I have stripped all the plastic from the inside and now I am doing the dirty work of removing the foam insulation. I will get some pics posted as I make some headway on it. This may be a redneck build to some but my main objective is to build it for 0 cost or as close to zero I can get. Stay tuned

[Pandemonium]

Welcome to the boards from another Floridian!!!

[Meat Hunter]

to the site. Great to have you hear with us. A few here have converted fridges so if you have any questions, don't be shy about asking. We love to help out where we can. I too am in the process of converting a fridge. Make sure you post pics of it as you go. Can't wait to see it.

[Uncle-Honky]

Welcome to the forum! Yeah buddy, drag up your 'fridge, let's take a look at it. Pull up a cooler, pop a brew, kick your feet up and let's talk some thin 'n blue!

[Fishawn]

Welcome!... Great to see other folks from Washington joining... Good luck on your smoker!!!!!

[DennyD]

Greetings from Indiana! Sounds like an interesting build. Gotta see that when you get it done.

[WALLE]

Kawick,
Good to have ya. I wouldn't include the cost of the wire. Supplies and beer should be considered house costs...

Yeah, will be interesting to see how the 18 gauge responds to a load of coals for both your door and your exchange to your fridge. If you're like me, when you are finished fab'en, you're really just getting started!

Good to have another Coloradoan on board...

As you can see, humor is free around here!

[Texas-Hunter]

This is my first post and look forward to posting some more. I am in the middle of converting an old fridge into a smoker with a side box. My goal is for it to cost $0 by using scrap I have had for quite awhile. I ran out of wire for my welder so my cost will jump to $25.00. I made the fire box out of 18 gauge sheet metal. It might not be heavy enough but since I have 3 sheets of 5' x 8' metal thats what I am using. I have stripped all the plastic from the inside and now I am doing the dirty work of removing the foam insulation. I will get some pics posted as I make some headway on it. This may be a redneck build to some but my main objective is to build it for 0 cost or as close to zero I can get. Stay tuned

Welcome aboard, glad to have you here at Smoked-Meat...

I would say that your purchase was a necessary expenditure due to other projects that you will be building... Not added cost to the new smoker..

Looking forward to seeing your new smoker...

Once again....

[Richtee]

Welcome to Smoked-Meat Kaw... nice to have ya. Hmmm I'm gonna set up a pool for bets on whether that firebox does the "Macarana" or the "Twist" on fire-up... Yes, the humor is free around here... ;{)

[Slanted88]

Man...Jump on in here & get on it! Great ta have ya here...Oh...i'm up here in the Panhandle...

[minnbill]

Welcome ,glad ya found us .now lets see some pics

[Bassman]

Welcome to the best smoking forum on the web. Glad to have you aboard.

[smokemania]

[Whisky Fish]

Hey! Another Californian! cool !
And don't worry about what you're smoking on, these folks can show ya how to make a shoe box work. It's a blast.

[Kawickrice]

I foresee the firebox warping and doing the Macarana too. I will use my oxy/act torches and shrink the metal on the firebox with the hopes that after the high heat shrinking the fuel heat will not be as hot and therefore no twisting or moving much. These are my hopes, who knows it just might work, keeping my fingers crossed. I agree the wire and the beer are just expenses and should not be included. LOL I plan on using two temp gauges so I will be spending some money on it anyways. I am not really a cheap SOB, this came about as a challenge by a friend to see if I can do it, then when its complete my friend will want to borrow it. I can already see it coming.

Pics soon I promise, I will start anothe rthread in the appropriate catagory