Hi guys!
I've finally started my first smoker build and decided to go with a reverse flow insulated cabinet design. I'm a bit further along in the build than this post so I'll recap what I was able to get done in about 3/4 days time in the first few posts.
I struggled at first with whether I wanted a trailer or just a smaller unit for the house. In the end I compromised with unit for my house that I should be able to load into the truck if I need to bring it to the beach for the weekend or elsewhere. I figured I'd learn my lessons on this one and go all out for the trailer unit later. The overall size is 22.5"w x 22.5"d x 43"H and the cooking chamber will be roughly 18"w x 31"h x 18"d.
I'm a construction superintendent so I come across extra material all the time and this time was no different. The iron workers on my site gave me bunch of stair pans left over from the project, they look to be 14ga or thicker. These have a nice bend on the ends forming a natural channel 1" deep which is perfect for holding insulation and makes a sound structural corner. They also gave me a 2'x2' piece of 1/4" plate I'm going to use for the firebox/ cooking chamber separation.
From there I went out and bought a new welder... I haven't welded in about 16 years so don't expect miracles. I stopped by the iron yard and pulled a bunch of angle, channel, 1/8" plate, tube, 9ga. expanded metal and 14ga. sheet steel from the bargain barn.
The concept was simple but it took me a while to visualize exactly how to build it. After a bunch of research and combing the internet I came up with a design I think will work. The idea is to have the firebox down low as usual and the right and left sides have a 1" chamber running up to the top with the exhaust down low in the cooking chamber.
For insulation I'm using mineral wool at 1" thick on the sides, doors and bottom, 3" thick on the back and 2" or more on the roof. More on why I did that later... I assure you it's not scientific!
Because I'm using the metal pans this smoker will be built more like a uni-body than the typical steel frame and shell. This caused me a lot of difficulties during the build and a ton of extra welding. I'm definitely going the traditional route next time.
I do have a question for the smoker gurus out there. Since I'm bringing the smoke up both sides on the interior should I install the firebox intake on the door or can it be installed on one side? I had planned on a 2" ball valve down low and a 1" valve slightly higher, but the more I thought about it the more I keep thinking that will cause one side of the smoker to get hotter than the other. If it's better to put the intake on the door then I will most likely build a slide type intake with a brass set screw or knob that can tighten down to prevent accidental movement.
I've finally started my first smoker build and decided to go with a reverse flow insulated cabinet design. I'm a bit further along in the build than this post so I'll recap what I was able to get done in about 3/4 days time in the first few posts.
I struggled at first with whether I wanted a trailer or just a smaller unit for the house. In the end I compromised with unit for my house that I should be able to load into the truck if I need to bring it to the beach for the weekend or elsewhere. I figured I'd learn my lessons on this one and go all out for the trailer unit later. The overall size is 22.5"w x 22.5"d x 43"H and the cooking chamber will be roughly 18"w x 31"h x 18"d.
I'm a construction superintendent so I come across extra material all the time and this time was no different. The iron workers on my site gave me bunch of stair pans left over from the project, they look to be 14ga or thicker. These have a nice bend on the ends forming a natural channel 1" deep which is perfect for holding insulation and makes a sound structural corner. They also gave me a 2'x2' piece of 1/4" plate I'm going to use for the firebox/ cooking chamber separation.
From there I went out and bought a new welder... I haven't welded in about 16 years so don't expect miracles. I stopped by the iron yard and pulled a bunch of angle, channel, 1/8" plate, tube, 9ga. expanded metal and 14ga. sheet steel from the bargain barn.
The concept was simple but it took me a while to visualize exactly how to build it. After a bunch of research and combing the internet I came up with a design I think will work. The idea is to have the firebox down low as usual and the right and left sides have a 1" chamber running up to the top with the exhaust down low in the cooking chamber.
For insulation I'm using mineral wool at 1" thick on the sides, doors and bottom, 3" thick on the back and 2" or more on the roof. More on why I did that later... I assure you it's not scientific!
Because I'm using the metal pans this smoker will be built more like a uni-body than the typical steel frame and shell. This caused me a lot of difficulties during the build and a ton of extra welding. I'm definitely going the traditional route next time.
I do have a question for the smoker gurus out there. Since I'm bringing the smoke up both sides on the interior should I install the firebox intake on the door or can it be installed on one side? I had planned on a 2" ball valve down low and a 1" valve slightly higher, but the more I thought about it the more I keep thinking that will cause one side of the smoker to get hotter than the other. If it's better to put the intake on the door then I will most likely build a slide type intake with a brass set screw or knob that can tighten down to prevent accidental movement.
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