Rectangular offset rf build help

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johnnyb

Newbie
Original poster
Dec 7, 2013
3
10
moses lake wa
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Hi, I saw this smoker and wanted to build one like it using 3/16" mild steel, I plan on it being 48" long, 24" deep and 20" high. Plans for the fire box size is 18" long, 24" deep and 18" high. Here is a picture of the side view of what I had planned
[ATTACHMENT=1034]image.jpg (1,338k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT]
Fire box opening is 15" wide at its widest point and 3 1/4" at it's highest point. The RF plate is going to be at the night point of the fire box opening and the cooking grate 3 1/4" above the RF plate. This is just a general idea that I had, I wanted to get your input on my plans as I'm a total newbie to smokers. I'm looking for any and all advise that you can give me. Thank you ahead of time for your help!!!
 
Why the circle on the FB/CC opening.. under the RF plate ... Have the FB/CC opening full width of the CC...... 3 1/2" high...... It looks as though you are planning a rectangular FB from your numbers... Plans for the fire box size is 18" long, 24" deep and 18" high.
 
Yes, you are correct, i am planning a rectangular fire box. Haha, I don't know why the circle opening, I guess because in doing all of my research that is what ive seen. ill def take your advice and do what you suggested and make the opening the full width of the CC. another thing I have no idea about is how much of an opening should I have between the RF plate and the end of the CC?
 
For good air flow, I would make the gap under the RF plate 5" and 6" at the end of the RF plate... The surface area to volume ratio is really high and increasing the volume will help overcome friction loss.... also, a 4" ID exhaust stack 31" above the top of the CC will provide good air flow......

Dave
 
how far above the RF plate should the cooking grate be? I really appreciate your help. I just noticed youre from Washington also!!
 
Somewhere around 4-5".... It's personal preference I guess.. Never seen a number that is recommended... Dave
 
I'm going to catch some heat here, but I'm going to advise against the rectangular shape, better off getting the steel rolled, .....just works out a lot better for your door.
 
I'm going to catch some heat here, but I'm going to advise against the rectangular shape, better off getting the steel rolled, .....just works out a lot better for your door.
OK, I will bring the heat....

Are you nuts!

Getting the plate rolled does a couple of good things (if you want a round CC), but a better door is not one of them.

I would never want to go through the typical hell of cutting, springing, straightening, and strapping a curved door if I had the option of a flat door.

Some people even go so far as adding a box section to a round tank so that they can use flat doors.

As always, JM2CW but WTHDIK.
 
Ok, explain how you get a flat door out of a octagon,..?.?????????

I'm not nuts, it's a heck of a lot easier to get a good seal on a arch than it is an angle, and unless it's a big smoker, like at least 150 gallon or better, your racks will be out of wack too.

Been there, done it, and realized a long time ago, sometimes traditional designs are there for a reason, they work better!

But, then there are always those guys that ride Trikes, and bring Volkswagon bugs to the drag strip!
 
Right, your statement about the octagon does not apply to this build.

Does not mean that you are wrong, or that you are nuts.

Lots of opinions on smokers and smoker doors, but they are just that - opinions.

We are just trading in the free market of ideas here.
 
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