Building a smoker

[Rookie]

Haven't gotten as much done as I've wanted, but pesky things like work keep getting in the way.

Anyway...

I welded the backside of the side of the smoker.

Then I drilled a hole in the side to run a piece of pipe. This will be to run a probe thermometer through the side without having to smash it in the door. When not being used, it can be plugged. Then I welded the pipe in place.



Next, I welded and cleaned up the inside so it will be ready for the next step.

Welded in the front...

And added a brace for tuning plates. Will it need tuning plates? I don't know, but it's a lot easier to do it now then to add it later.


I also added the fire box to cook chamber opening.

BTW, I added a new tool to my garage.

Where has this been all my life? It cuts through metal with ease and leaves a nice, burr free edge.

That's it for now...

 

[phylodog]

Looking really nice!

 

[USMC-FF]

Looks outstanding! Great idea on the tuning plate, are you going to be adding a spot/slot on the bottom for a slide in water pan? It looks like it'll be a nice smoker when finished.

 

[Rookie]

I hadn't thought about it until you said something. Owner wants one, so I'll build something for it.

Thank you.

 

[USMC-FF]

I hadn't thought about it until you said something. Owner wants one, so I'll build something for it.

Thank you.

No problem. Its a nice option to have. It really helps with cleaning up and keeping the meat moist.

 

[Hexlobular]

IMHO, any standard offset-smoker needs tuning plates. Looks great!

 

[Hexlobular]

No problem. Its a nice option to have. It really helps with cleaning up and keeping the meat moist.

I've never had a water pan keep meat moist. The only benefit I've found is stabilizing the cooking chamber temperature. Water pans do not equal meat moisture.

 

[Rookie]

Got a little more done. I welded in the rails for the racks and welded in the stops to keep the racks from tilting and falling out.

Yes, I marked out my welds so they would line up. Lol, what can I say, it would have driven me bonkers looking at them if they were uneven!



Flipped it over, and did the same to the other side. I also added the rail for the water pan and a piece of angle iron to help keep grease out of the fire box.

It has now gotten too heavy for me to safely pick up. Fortunately, I have a friend who loaned me his engine hoist. I'm going to leave the back off, for now, so I can run a strap through to hook to the lift.


Tonight, I'll start on the door.

 

[Rookie]

I got a little more accomplished yesterday. I decided to start on the fire box instead of the door. I built the frame,

And added supports for the fire box.

I can't say enough how much I love the Evolution Rage. It makes perfect cuts every time with virtually no clean up. I've got a Milwaukee chop saw that is going to the trash, I'll never use it again.




Then I added the bottom and the sides.


Before I set the bottom, I realized that my measurements were off and my fire box was going to be 25 inches wide. Instead of wasting metal, I adjusted my frame dimensions to allow me to make the fire box 24 inches. This is what I love about working with metal. A little hack, tack, and grind and no one would ever know. You can see below the bottom where I took metal out and re welded. After paint, it will be invisible.

 

[Rookie]

Been at it all day. Had a few set backs (due to rushing), and I'm too tired to post a bunch of pics and an update. So, I'll post a teaser...

 

[steveh_131]

Very cool!

I think I have that same shop press.

 

[Fargo]

That is looking awesome. How tall are your vents? I'm curious how short vents like that will draft.

 

[Rookie]

Vents are only four inches tall, but the 44 inch cabinet will also act as a vent. It's also getting a BBQ guru, so it will have forced air.

 

[Rookie]

Very cool!

I think I have that same shop press.

Harbor freight?

 

[Rookie]

Update...

I got the sides welded on and then realized that the back wasn't flush with the bottom. So, I cut it out, ground the welds down and rewelded it. Then, I put in the piece that will be above the door.

Trimmed out around the top of the fire box and left the sides long enough to weld a handle in.

Got the wheels on, put the smoker cabinet on, did a few measurements, and realized that I had another problem to fix. Originally, the owner wanted five inch steel wheels, but I talked him into rubber wheels. The problem is, they're five inches taller. Overall height of the smoker would have been85 inches and my garage door is 83 inches. So, I took it apart, cut out a section of the frame, and put it back together.

Then, I moved onto the grill...


Spot welded the hood...


Welded and ground it all down to make it pretty...


And framed out the front.


Hopefully, tomorrow I can get the grill completed and move back to the smoker.

 

[Bunnykid68]

Building a smoker....does this mean that I can be rebuilt?

 

[Rookie]

Got the lid done the yesterday...

And I started insulating the cabinet.

I got two sides and the bottom completed and I ran out of sheet metal. I should have more delivered tomorrow. I welded the two halves together, and did a lot of grinding.

Water jets are amazing tools. You get to make cool things that are absolutely perfect.

These are tie down points for whenever the smoker is on a trailer. I spotted them where I wanted and welded them in place.

I can't wait to show you what a water jet can really do! Soon, I hope...

It seems that I haven't gotten much done, but I'm making headway. I was hoping to have it done by the end of the week, but I don't think I'll meet my goal.

 

[Shadow]

Totally Awesome Rookie

 

[Rookie]

Got the racks done today. Almost finished up the charcoal basket, and I got the last side stuffed with insulation and welded up. My to do list is getting shorter!

 

[Rookie]

Getting closer...

Drilled a hole in the side...

Why? I'll give you a hint.

I fabricated a pour spout and welded it in place.

Then, it was on to the door. Welded the frame...

Tacked one side to the frame...

Insulated it...

Then started welding the sides to the frame.

Got the hinges tacked on

And got the door hung!

To do list...
Finish charcoal basket.
Fire box door.
Dampers.
Shelf.