Double-reverse flow ???????

pitboss · Aug 1, 2011

I have a 42" X 89" used, rusty, old fuel cell (23.83 sq. ft. cooking area) that I am thinking about converting to a double-reverse flow smoker. Shouldn't the exhaust stack be in the center of the smoker if the firebox is in the center? My theory is that with proper damper adjustment there should be no hot spots. Any pics / any suggestions? This will be my first build. I have no welding skills.

Thanks,

Pitboss

pitboss · Aug 2, 2011

Is there anybody out there that can help me???????????

Thanks a bunch,

Pitboss

alblancher · Aug 2, 2011

Pitboss

Lets see, no welding skills, a double reverse flow smoker and a rusty old fuel cell. You sure are making it difficult for both yourself and us!

Can you do a drawing and post it, maybe a pic of the fuel cell, thickness of the metal. Not quite sure what a double reverse flow is. Not trying to be contrary but let's start at the beginning

SmokinAl · Aug 2, 2011

If you have no welding skills & don't own a welder, you may be better off just forgetting about it & buying a smoker already built. If you have to hire a welder & fabricator& then buy the steel, I think it would be cheaper to just buy a smoker. But then I'm like you, in that I like to do stuff myself. I think your design is a good one. If your going to go forward with this. The first step would be a blueprint with all the details drawn in. Then post it here for the builder guys to look at & give their advice. Good luck!

pitboss · Aug 2, 2011

Thanks for the reply.

I plan on putting the firebox in the center and run the smoke to each end under a drip / water tray.

alelover · Aug 2, 2011

Sounds like you will get some welding skills doing this project. Do you even have a welder so you can practice?

alblancher · Aug 2, 2011

Don't see why it wouldn't work, not sure I would want the firebox by my knees while tending the smoke chamber but I have seen smokers with the firebox behind the front of the smoke chamber, away from my legs

Any reason not to extend the baffle all the way to one end and make a simple reverse flow? I'm not sure how well the center of the rack would get smoke with your design.

alelover · Aug 2, 2011

What if the exhausts are extended down to grate level. Less food area but it would pull all the smoke to the center of the grate.

melleram · Aug 2, 2011

alelover said:
What if the exhausts are extended down to grate level. Less food area but it would pull all the smoke to the center of the grate.

Thats a pretty good idea there, unless you wanted to lay a whole hog in there.

The firebox in the shins could be a little rough too. Never thought about that.

My main concern in the other thread was how to ensure the smoke/heat splits and goes to each side evenly?

You could put a verticle divider under the baffle between the 2 intake stacks, but that still dosnt mean that it would draw evenly into the chamber.

Sounds like a cool build though!

smokingohiobutcher · Aug 2, 2011

Pitboss...here is a link to a post that I am going to use as a model for my center firebox build....someday.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/101769/reverse-flow-build-just-getting-started

And another one that Grok did following vetteguy's post.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/fo...ed-firebox-reverse-flow-thanks-real57vetteguy

Both these posts have some real good Ideas and these 2 guys did a fantastic job documenting it.

Also check out spankercheif's build.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/104979/rear-facing-reverse-flow-barbecue-trailer

Good luck! i gotta pull up a large box!

SOB

pitboss · Aug 2, 2011

Firebox would be at the rear of the smoker....not below it. I think I could learn to weld with a little practice. Are Harbor Freight welders any good? ARC...MIG??? Which would easiest to learn for a newbie? Probably not going to weld anything over 1/4 inch. Well maybe the top of the firebox might be 1/2 inch to hold heat and to use as a stovetop????

Anyone got pics of anything similar to what I am thinking?

Thanks for all suggestions,

Pitboss

melleram · Aug 2, 2011

Hey check out this build by real57vetteguy

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/101769/reverse-flow-build-just-getting-started

This is exactly what you are talking about, looks like it works pretty slick too. He just used a big firebox below (no stacks) and one rear, low mounted chimney. It is a double reverse flow since the smoke goes around both sides of the baffle plate.

smokingohiobutcher · Aug 2, 2011

I checked into the harbor freight welders then some one turned me on to toolking.com I bought a hobart125ez mig welder ...reconditioned for a little more than half the price than new. Works like a dream, cant tell why it was reconditioned. Also the same guy gave me a bit of advice....replace the cheap stamped metal ground clamp with a good quality brass one and you will not have any grounding issues....he was right!

SOB

alelover · Aug 2, 2011

Extended stacks to grate.

pitboss · Aug 2, 2011

Found pics online................I think this will work.

Thanks for any input.

Pitboss

sunman76 · Aug 2, 2011

EASIER

go ahead and spend the money for a decent welder that you can set up with shielding gas it will make life alot easier.

HARDER

or you can catch you a lincion 225 cracker box off Craig's list and start burning some rod.

rowdyrawhide · Aug 2, 2011

I personally would only use one exhaust flu, that way all of the heat/smoke will have to go all the way to the middle. With two you may have an are that doesn't get any/enough smoke to it. Not sure if that is a concern or not for you, but it would be to me of course I can be a little anal.

MIG with shielding gas would definitely be the easiest to learn on, more than likely gonna pay more for it though. I can tell you this you will not want to wear shorts or short sleeve shirt when welding unless you enjoy sunburns, welder burn is worse in my opinion.

roller · Aug 2, 2011

Sorry I am not a big smoker dude....but good luck...

pitboss · Aug 2, 2011

Thanks again for the input. I was thinking one stack also.

Trying to talk my X into welding it for me wearing a string bikini.

MIG with gas...........O.K.

Thanks,

Pitboss

alelover · Aug 2, 2011

pitboss said:
Trying to talk my X into welding it for me wearing a string bikini.

Thanks,

Pitboss

Well you better take pics.

Double-reverse flow ???????

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