NEED HELP WITH 1ST SMOKER BUILD

smokinhot25 said:

I got a 500 gallon propane tank and am going to try and build my first smoker with firebox. My first question is this. I see alot of these tank smokers have a plate on the bottom inside, I guess reverse flow? How does this work? How does the plate have to be placed, size? And this is placed just above the opening from the firebox? I was also wondering How come most tank smokers I see dont have any damper control on the hole between the firebox and cooking chamber, They are normaly just open holes. Would it be better to have a control/damper, like a plate thats controlled by a rod? Also does anyone have a step by step thing I can look at? Last but not least, where do I get the High gloss heat paint I've seen on the pits on that show BBQ Pitmasters that Jambo pits makes???

Click to expand...

smokinhot25 said:

I got a 500 gallon propane tank and am going to try and build my first smoker with firebox. My first question is this. I see alot of these tank smokers have a plate on the bottom inside, I guess reverse flow? Correct, although some offsets use tuning plates.

How does this work? The flow goes under the plate over top of the food and exits the exhaust, this will also heat tthe plate and cause some radiant heat from the plate, if done right water can be added to the plate, its also a lot easier to clean and helps maintain even temps by adding thermal mass.

How does the plate have to be placed, size? Depends on the smoke chamber

And this is placed just above the opening from the firebox? yes it needs to be above the firebox, so heat and smoke can travel underneath the plate.

I was also wondering How come most tank smokers I see dont have any damper control on the hole between the firebox and cooking chamber, they are normaly just open holes. Would it be better to have a control/damper, like a plate thats controlled by a rod? Because it is not really needed, your flow is controlled by your intake and exhaust.

Also does anyone have a step by step thing I can look at? You can click on my Meet Frank Link and Frankensmoker Build in my signature

Last but not least, where do I get the High gloss heat paint I've seen on the pits on that show BBQ Pitmasters that Jambo pits makes??? I use VHT rated at 2000°

Click to expand...

solaryellow said:

Yup, that is a reverse flow plate. It forces the heat and smoke to travel all the way down to one end of the tank before it can get into the smoke chamber and then travel all the way back across to the chimney(s). This also heats up the plate and you get very even temps from end to end when it is done right. The plate should be right at the top of your firebox opening if the opening is sized right. I have fired ours up twice and have no need for a damper. Once it gets up to temp and both ends are stabilized I see anywhere from 5 - 10 degrees of fluctuation when throwing another log on the fire but that is only for a short time. Not worth the expense, time, and effort to install a damper in my opinion.

Here is our 500 gal build in progress. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/105448/rf-build-in-slow-motion

Click to expand...