smoker built from air compressor tank or LP tank?

eichhoma · Apr 29, 2010

My neighbor and I were standing on his driveway drinking beer last night, looking at his 80 gallon air compressor that just crapped out. The more I kept staring at it, the more I was wondering how easily it could be fabricated into a smoker....
I started thinking about torching it and grinding it in half, hinges, then some legs on it... and for a firebox, fabricate a steel box on the side...
the ore I thought about it... and drank... I was coming up with all kinds of ideas. So, has anyone built one out of an old air compressor tank? Or maybe a large LP tank? I'm pretty handy and have a welder, cutting torches, etc....would be a fun project. Any advice or thoughts anyone else has had would be real helpful! thanks in advance!

rbranstner · Apr 29, 2010

Many guys/gals on here have converted old LP tanks into smokers. I wish I was talented with those kind of tools and had access to them I would love to make a nice big side burning smoker. Go for it!

diesel · Apr 29, 2010

ya.. there are a few compressor tanks on this site that have been converted... should work fine. Lots of help and ideas under the smoker build section.

indy_nubie · Apr 29, 2010

Mine is being (almost done) built with a compressor tank you can see pics in the reverse flow forum. I will say my experience may be different though because of the age of the tank it had 30 years of compressor oil and rust inside which made cleaning it a pain. In hindsight I should have burned it out first but hey live and learn.

danielh · Apr 29, 2010

I'm in the middle of an 80 gallon compressor tank build right now..

I'll get some pics up soon. I've been meaning to take the camera every day since I started, but i'm not doing it at my house, and always forget to take it..

Don't let it fool you into thinking because its small that its not alot of work.. haha

indy_nubie · Apr 30, 2010

I second that, really thought mine would be quicker than the brewstand build but at this point I'm really hoping I was wrong cause the brewstand may kill me if I end up being right.

thestealth · Jun 9, 2010

I made a small smoker from an old 22gal compressor tank and and 20# LP tank. It's not fancy, but it works just fine.

salbaje gato · Jun 17, 2010

nice rig looks like it has everything necessary for good que

sqwib · Jun 17, 2010

eichhoma said:
My neighbor and I were standing on his driveway drinking beer last night, looking at his 80 gallon air compressor that just crapped out. The more I kept staring at it, the more I was wondering how easily it could be fabricated into a smoker....
I started thinking about torching it and grinding it in half, hinges, then some legs on it... and for a firebox, fabricate a steel box on the side...
the ore I thought about it... and drank... I was coming up with all kinds of ideas. So, has anyone built one out of an old air compressor tank? Or maybe a large LP tank? I'm pretty handy and have a welder, cutting torches, etc....would be a fun project. Any advice or thoughts anyone else has had would be real helpful! thanks in advance!

Yep getting ready to blast and paint.

here is my build blog

Reverse Flow Build Blog

bigmatt · Jun 17, 2010

I just secured a 60 gallon vertical compressor that I am in the process of turning into a smoker. I think its a perfect vessel to start from. The metal maybe a bit thinner than a propane tank, but it will make a fine smoke chamber.

My concerns are now focused on finding metal for building a fire box. it seems as though 1/4 inch is the standard and thicker is better. Anybody have a good firebox salvage idea? I have heard things about electric water heater cores.

Good luck to you in your build, I am jealous of your extra 20 gallon capacity.

fourashleys · Jul 10, 2010

A buddy of mine built a great smoker on a trailer out of just such a tank. It turned out great. build away my friend.

smokingeagle · Jul 19, 2010

I build my from a 80 gallon tank,works awesome. It was a very fun and moderatly hard to build.

here is a pic of the one i built.

sqwib · Jul 20, 2010

SMOKINGEAGLE said:
I build my from a 80 gallon tank,works awesome. It was a very fun and moderatly hard to build.

here is a pic of the one i built.

Is that a Gasser, or wood??

smokingeagle · Jul 20, 2010

gasser couldnt figure the wood temp thing out.

i am in the process of making another to burn wood.

sqwib · Jul 20, 2010

SMOKINGEAGLE said:
gasser couldnt figure the wood temp thing out.

i am in the process of making another to burn wood.

Just curious, what was the temp problems, running too hot, not hot enough, inconsistent temps?

Your build looks sound, but cant see your air inlet.

One more question what type of burner are you using.

smokingeagle · Jul 20, 2010

couldnt get it up to 225 and not consistant.

i used a burner from a turkey fryer. works awesome.

i have to air inlets one under the pit at the bottom of the fire box and one on the other side that is adjustable. can get it over 300 with that burner and one 20lb tank will last 12hrs .

sqwib · Jul 22, 2010

Would you like to troubleshoot for wood or leave it a gasser?

One suggestion for it staying a gasser, try and get your air intake on the outside of the firebox, will probably get more out of your propane.

smokingeagle · Jul 22, 2010

there is two 3 inch holes on the opposite side with a dampner.

thought of trying to convert back to wood dont know how to work it out

i put two bags of charcoal and wood chunks in it and could not get it to go

past 180 degrees. as it sits with propane i can get it up to 300 +

sqwib · Jul 23, 2010

SMOKINGEAGLE said:
there is two 3 inch holes on the opposite side with a dampner.

thought of trying to convert back to wood dont know how to work it out

i put two bags of charcoal and wood chunks in it and could not get it to go

past 180 degrees. as it sits with propane i can get it up to 300 +

As far as using as a stickburner, looks like the stack could be part of the problem.

smokingeagle · Jul 23, 2010

To big or to small ?

what do i need to do?

smoker built from air compressor tank or LP tank?

Fire Starter

Smoking Guru

Smoking Fanatic

Newbie

Meat Mopper

Newbie

Meat Mopper

Meat Mopper

Smoking Guru

Newbie

Smoking Fanatic

Smoke Blower

Smoking Guru

Smoke Blower

Smoking Guru

Smoke Blower

Smoking Guru

Smoke Blower

Smoking Guru

Smoke Blower

Similar threads

Hot Threads

Featured A couple thick strips please!