Need info on building a small smoker

[jamesw]

I have decided to build a smoker and I have a couple small tanks. One is 26 gallon and the other is 30 i think. I gotta do some more measuring to make sure the big one is a 30 gallon.

Here are some of my questions.

1. Should i do a reverse flow on a smoker this small? ( 26 gallon )

2. Should i do a side mount chimney or top mount? Feldons calculator says it needs to be 3" pipe 14 1\4" long.

3. Feldons calculator suggests using a firebox that is 12"x12"x14" . Seems like an awful small firebox. I plan on burning wood in it. I have access to all i can use. Is this not to small?

4. If i use a 1\2 moon cook chamber opening, it needs to be 6.41 ". Does that mean that my protractor needs to be set 3 1\4" from center?

5.How far above the cook chamber opening does the baffle plate go? And how far above that does the cooking rack go?

Sorry for so many questions, i just want to make sure i get it right. Im kinda new to smoking. I tasted my first pit smoked food only a couple years ago and fell in love. I since have smoked a few loins on a gas grill, smoker i put together. I put a firebox on a gas char griller and its hard to keep it up to temp using the sfb. Thanks in advance. I will post pics as the build comes along. Gonna start on it monday.

 

[daveomak]

This tutorial will help....   On something as small a 30 gallons, factor in  (X 1.5) for the exhaust, FB/CC opening and under the RF plate....

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/reverse-flow-smoker-how-to-calculate-build-tutorial

 

[jamesw]

Thanks for the link. Im not good with math but I think I crunched all the numbers correctly. The only thing im unclear about is the chimney formula. It says I need a stack that is 132.132 cubic inches. I think I came up with a 3" pipe 19" long. That sound about right? It also says minimum firebox size. Does that mean I can make it a little bigger or should i stick to the formula?

Here is the numbers im using.

Cc volume- 6006.00 26gal
Fb/cc opening- 24.024" segment height is 2.84"
Minimum firebox size- 1,981.98
Fb air inlets 6 square inches split between two inlets. 80% bottom 20% top
Exhaust stack- 132.132 cubic inches.

Do these numbers sound about right? Thanks again for the help. Gonna start on this badboy tomorrow.

 

[daveomak]

What is the diameter and length of your CC....   For now, I'm gonna guess the segment height should be around 3.25" up to 4"....    the exhaust, I'd use a 4" about 32" long...    Reasons, It's pretty hard to get a 3" pipe to be an effective chimney whether it be vertical or under an RF plate...

 

[jamesw]

Man, my math is worse than I thought lol. I cant get the exact I.D on the tank until i cut the door tonight. The O.D is 16"x30" I think. The tank is rounded on both ends so Im not exactly sure where to measure to. I know its 26 gal.

Dang, thats a big ole chimney. I will see if i can find a 4" pipe. If I use square tubing what size would it need to be?

When I cut the door I need to cut 1\4 of the circumference right? Sorry dave if I am driving you crazy but you are my only hope. Lol thanks buddy.

 

[daveomak]

Square tube 4"....

 

[jamesw]

I found a 3 1/2" PIPE. close enough?

 

[daveomak]

Perfect..   Good job....    You'll be glad you did....  It will make the smoker breathe.... 

 

[jamesw]

31/2" pipe at 40" ?

 

[daveomak]

31/2" pipe at 40" ?

That will work....   It can always be cut off or a choke plate added if it draws too much.....

 

[jamesw]

Thanks for the help dave.

 

[jamesw]

Got the firebox opening cut, cut the door out, and added hinges. Cant figure out how to add pics though.

 

[jamesw]

20160331_002530.jpg

• jamesw
• Mar 31, 2016

 

[jamesw]

20160331_002518.jpg

• jamesw
• Mar 31, 2016

 

[jamesw]

20160331_002456.jpg

• jamesw
• Mar 31, 2016

 

[jamesw]

20160331_233942.jpg

• jamesw
• Apr 1, 2016

 

[jamesw]

Got the door seals done. Next will be the firebox

 

[daveomak]

Tack weld around the entire firebox first....   Weld slow and let the welds cool before continuing with the welds...   Doing otherwise could warp the tank and the door won't fit.....

 

[jamesw]

Thanks dave. Its the little things that make the difference sometimes. I wouldve went full weld all at once.

 

[daveomak]