24" X 48" RF calculation advice

[smokingunny]

Here is my dilemma. I have this grill that is 1/4 X 24 X 48 pipe, cut in half so I'm not sure what the volume is. This makes Feldon's calculator a bit tricky to use. It has no lid so I need to make one and that is my first question. What dimension does the lid need to be? It will obviously be a rectangle, and I was thinking 12"H X 2'W X 4'L.

How big should the fire box be? Thinking about 20" X 20" X 18".

What size should the opening to the CC be? Considered the football shape at 8"H X 20" across.

How far up should the RF plate be, and how big of an opening should be at the opposite end of the plate?

Here are a couple of pics if this helps.

smoker1.jpg

• smokingunny
• Jun 17, 2014

smoker2.jpg

• smokingunny
• Jun 17, 2014

 

[ribwizzard]

since you don't have a lid, and have already decided to not use a rounded piece, first step is to locate the material to box in a lid. I would recommend welding the sides, rear and top onto the existing body and do a front opening door with pull out racks. If it was me, id probably use 24" wide 1/2" plate, that will give you plenty of room for three racks and keep the cooker looking symmetrical.

either way, decide how you going to do the cooking chamber , then that will determine what size firebox you will need.

Have fun!

 

[smokingunny]

That makes sense but I think I want to stay with a hinged lid so that it can be removed and be used as an open pit if I want to. I work with a guy who also has a bike shop. He estimated materials and cutting, plus tacking it at the proper angles, at about $165. That also includes the fire box. I can run the beads myself to save costs.

 

[smokingunny]

OK, I've managed to make a little progress here. I'm trying to nail down some numbers so that I maybe get it right the first time. I've made a lid out of a 55 gallon barrel that I cut in half, now I just need to seal it with fire place gasket and weld on the hinges. Where I need help is with numbers generated by Feldon's, Link to BBQ Pit Calculator.

Since this is my first build, what are the experts' advice? Do the numbers sound good?

 

[daveomak]

Have you read on here that Feldon's has some inherent problems....

 

[smokingunny]

Yes I have. Is there another calculator or set of formulas that are more accurate?

 

[smokingunny]

Would a 6" exhaust be fine? I'm thinking about having it come out of the side of the lid as opposed to the top.

 

[daveomak]

See post #4... I need to make out a cheat sheet so I don't have to re-type this stuff.... Make adjustments for your measurements or let me know and I will help you....


http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/170564/i-could-use-some-help-with-my-calculations#post_1246219

 

[smokingunny]

Now that you posted that, I printed that page last night but forgot about it. I'll run some numbers and see what I come up with.

 

[smokingunny]

Ok, now that I have my lid made and dry fit I realize that while my cuts may not be the best, the guy who made the bottom part didn't make sure things were square. I had some gaps that were thankfully filled by the fireplace gasket. Still have some fine tuning to do but it will be ok. Finally got to the point where I was ready to tack on the hinges.

image.jpg

• smokingunny
• Oct 8, 2014

This is the rear view, the firebox will ultimately be on the right side from this view.

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• smokingunny
• Oct 8, 2014

 

[smokingunny]

As it it turns out, these stops that I made from an earlier modification work pretty good for this lid.

image.jpg

• smokingunny
• Oct 8, 2014

 

[smokingunny]

I have this old air compressor tank that I was going to make into a grill. Then I thought maybe I'll use it as the firebox on this build. It's 16x25 inches, Feldon's says it's 73% of what it should be. What are your thoughts? If it's too small it's too small. I'm just trying to save a few bucks if I can.

image.jpg

• smokingunny
• Nov 6, 2014

 

[smokingunny]

Finally making some progress. Got part of the firebox cut and tacked into place. Hoping to have it done by next Thursday for the unit Christmas party.

image.jpg

• smokingunny
• Dec 10, 2014

 

[smokingunny]

Had to stop work due to a plate falling on my toe. Going to get it x rayed today so maybe I can resume.

 

[smokingunny]

Managed to get the firebox tacked up. I plan welding the top once it's attached to the CC.

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• smokingunny
• Dec 13, 2014

image.jpg

• smokingunny
• Dec 13, 2014

 

[lendecatural]

Looks good, how is the foot doing?

 

[smokingunny]

Sore but better. I'll be posting more pics later.

 

[smokingunny]

Firebox is all welded. Here is my diagram for the FB door. The box is 18x24 at this angle and I'm planning on the door being 12x18. Too big or too small, just right? Just want to get the expert advice before I cut.

 

[smokingunny]

I guess a pic would help.

image.jpg

• smokingunny
• Dec 14, 2014

 

[curtisimo81]

Looks good. Can't wait to get mine to the point where your is.  Trying to find a place that will cut mine today but I doubt I'll be able to find a place.lol