WSM 22.5 - a must to get modifications such as Cajun Bandit?

[tropics]

 
IF you are having issues with lifting the middle section of the smoker off, try adding a couple of handles to it.  You can get a set of stainless steels ones off the internet for about 20$

I have a set of handles already they will be going on soon,hope to smoke drum sticks on Sat.

Richie

Thanks all for all the replies

 

[tropics]

Handles are on.Drilling is not easy on these,had to buy a Cobalt Bit LOL Hope for a break in the weather this week.

Richie

100_3712.JPG

• tropics
• Feb 15, 2016

 

[joe black]

Good job, Richie. I wish I had put those on my WSM. IMO, all you need now is the lid hinge.

Good smokin', my friend. Joe

 

[jirodriguez]

 
Handles are on.Drilling is not easy on these,had to buy a Cobalt Bit LOL Hope for a break in the weather this week.

Richie

100_3712.JPG

• tropics
• Feb 15, 2016

Actually you don't need a cobalt bit, but there are a few things to do to ensure a clean drill:

• Must have a brand NEW bit - or one that has been just sharpened. That makes a huge difference.
• Make and "X" with two pieces of blue painters tape (or masking tape), then center punch through the tape to create a small dimple. This keeps the bit from wandering around.
• Use some sort of cutting oil, I used 3-in-1 oil, but in a pinch even some cooking oil will work!
• .... and lastly - keep the drill at a medium speed. To fast and it will wander and chip, to slow and it may bind and chip.

The first three are the most important, but the fourth does help a bit as well.

Those handles look great! Nice job!

 

[SmokinAl]

 
Handles are on.Drilling is not easy on these,had to buy a Cobalt Bit LOL Hope for a break in the weather this week.

Richie

100_3712.JPG

• tropics
• Feb 15, 2016

That's a nice set of handles Richie. I have some Home Depot specials. About $2.50 a pair. Not as nice as those.  

I used a titanium step drill. Went right thru like butter. Also used it to put a Tel tru therm in the lid to replace the factory one. Put one in the side down by the lower grate too. They are as accurate as a thermapen.

Al

 

[tropics]

 
That's a nice set of handles Richie. I have some Home Depot specials. About $2.50 a pair. Not as nice as those.  

I used a titanium step drill. Went right thru like butter. Also used it to put a Tel tru therm in the lid to replace the factory one. Put one in the side down by the lower grate too. They are as accurate as a thermapen.

Al

I bought a titanium bit also that morning to be safe,the handles were off my 52 Qrt. pot that was trashed in the fire.So now I have the 2 small charcoal baskets and the ring that came with this,I should be able to do small cooks on up.

Richie