I'm back! My apologies on the long delay since the last post. I had the deadline of my first cook looming large for my in-laws anniversary party and just focused my efforts on construction. No time for the computer. Then when I did get back I had problems, but all seems well now so here goes again.
Construction on the pit is complete, now I am going to get started on the rest of the trailer, so check back in a month or so. But here goes...
Here is the 8 inch opening with damper control from the firebox.
Ok, here is where I failed a bit. I need to get internal photos, I forgot, but I will and they will be up soon.
To give you an idea, I did the RF plates with the 1/4 inch x 2 channel mounted 6 inches above the floor with a 1/2 inch slope to drain. Then the two plates are 1/4 inch steel with end caps 5 inches from each end. The stack is 6 inch I.D pipe with adjustable top cap. It is a very tall stack about 5 foot, as I had to get it above the roof line that will be in front of it. You'll see as the rest of the trailer construction unfolds.
So here is she is in the raw. I rented a sandblaster, and this is what it looked like before I got any paint on it.
Since the smokestack sits up in the middle of the trailer, the typical damper control wasn't going to work. So I manufactured my own 90 degree gearbox to get the handle out into a usable area.
OK so here is where I either make fans or annoy the purists. I believe in working hard so that I can be lazy. When I do my whole pigs I cook them typically for 24 hours, not good for my sleep schedule. So yes I added a propane assist. Here is is being bench tested. Say what you will, but this was by far and away the smartest thing I did on this build (in my opinion).
By the way that hand belongs to my friend Pio, an electrical genius. No way no how was I ever going to get that thing to work, Pio is the man!
A few random pics:
It's a good thing my beautiful wife loves me, but she does think my pig cooker is sexy.
Ok so here's the payday. Yes I still have to pain the burner cover and couple of other punch list items, but the pit is basically done! I have to say I am beyond thrilled. She cooked perfectly, held temp great. The burner makes it effortless, if I am lax in getting another log on, no big deal it takes care of itself. In 24 hours, I used about 2 sticks of wood and I would estimate about 5 lb. of propane. That seems pretty damn efficient to me. All my complaints about rigs that I have used in the past really are gone with this one. Truly a great design, thanks again real57vetteguy.
Pig number 1. Yes I do these a bit different as well. From the inside I remove the spine and the rib cage. Then fill the cavity with pork butts, and stitch him closed with butcher's twine. Low and slow for 24 hours.