My First Build, a 215 Gallon RF

purduesmoker · Jan 21, 2012

Today I picked up and started my first ever build, a 215 gallon RF. Had to travel two hours to Lubbock, TX to pick it up but got a good price and they tank turned out better than expected. Upon inspection when I got it home, the data plate shows a few things that made me happy. First of all the tank was made by the Dallas Tank & Welding Co. in Dallas, TX. Being a transplant to Texas from another great state (Indiana), I have really come to love everything about Texas,especially smoked food and Red Blooded Americans! So for me the fact the tank was made in Texas makes me happy. Second, the wall thickness is .250 thick, I'm not sure what more modern tanks wall thicknesses are but I was impressed to see .250 stamped on the data plate. Third and the most interesting to me, the tank was build during the middle of WWII, data plate shows built in 1943. For an aviation and military nut like myself, its neat to have a tank that survived being melted down to make armored tanks and possibly not even made at all.

I had been thinking about painting the smoker and trailer an OD green anyways but now knowing this tank's history, my smoker will be a military theme in OD green, US Army star, stenciling, and hopefully some old military Jeep tires with an American flag proudly flying overhead.

I have never built a trailer before so may be looking for some help you more experienced guys! More pictures to follow soon.

The kids think this is going to be fun

The data plate

pops6927 · Jan 22, 2012

Welcome and congratulations on your find! Here is a little history behind the tank company:

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/comp...-Industries-Incorporated-company-History.html

I apologize, can't help with your build unless you need some mean soldering done, lol! But, good luck and enjoy every moment!

clyde79 · Jan 22, 2012

very cool

raptor700 · Jan 22, 2012

Great start

looking forward to this one

picobrew · Jan 22, 2012

I have had great luck repurposing boat trailers for my roaster. In both cases folks were trying to 'get rid' of the boat - and the trailer came with it!

I just had to find somebody that lived on a lake - that wanted the boat.

The nice thing about a boat trailer is that often they are easily adjustable - the axle will move forward and back just by loosening and tightening bolts.

In this case the cross members of the trailer matched up perfectly with the feet on the tank. Slide the axle back a bit and I was all good!

https://picasaweb.google.com/113729492104041066438/Roaster

roller · Jan 22, 2012

Great start !!

dragons breath · Jan 22, 2012

Great score on the tank. If you have any questions this is the place to go. There's a lot of talent here and everyone's helpful.

Cool tag. I left the tag on mine 'cause I'm proud of where it came from like you.

scarbelly · Jan 22, 2012

This is going to be fun to follow

purduesmoker · Feb 6, 2012

Its been a few days but here is the recent progress

Adding the seal to the inside

Main door hinges

Firbox frame

.125 inside sheeting. Will have insulation and .250 outer sheeting

Burnout day finally!

raptor700 · Feb 7, 2012

Looking good PS

Your gettin' closer

daveomak · Feb 7, 2012

PS, evening.... I'm in.........

... Dave

purduesmoker · Feb 7, 2012

Thanks guys

sunman76 · Feb 8, 2012

Dont know how I missed this But great start I love the plan you got going, can't wait to see some more pics.

diesel · Feb 8, 2012

Great start, you are gonna love the end result. RF smokers produce a great product.

choctaw · Feb 8, 2012

[h1]Great work !!!! Good followup pics.....keep em coming. [/h1]

fireman jb · Feb 10, 2012

looks like a great start

madd fox · Feb 10, 2012

What is the purpose of the burn? Is it to get rid of that propane smell they add to the gas? Some one mentioned chlorine bleach to eliminate the odor? That looks like a pretty hot fire, any problems with warping?

Your build looks great so far!!!

My kids are all Purdue grads 2 of my own, 2 in-law, 6 potential Boilers, my grand-kids
Mike

PurdueSmoker said:
Its been a few days but here is the recent progress

Adding the seal to the inside

Main door hinges

Firbox frame

.125 inside sheeting. Will have insulation and .250 outer sheeting

Burnout day finally!

purduesmoker · Feb 10, 2012

Madd Fox, good to her, Boiler up!

From what I know the burnout helps get of any residue inside incase it previously held oil, fuel, or another substance. After the burnout I could tell the inside surfaces were free of some previous goo and the odor was basically gone. On the warpage, with the .250 wall thickness, I didnt notice anything. I did notice when I cut the opening for the door that it did warp or bow along the bottom egde but I kind of expected it since I was cutting across a know weld joint.

purduesmoker · Feb 12, 2012

More progress, the lower slide out grate is now built and installed and will be building the top slide out today. Cutting the opening in the tank for the firebox WAS NOT my favorite part of his project. Measuring twice and cutting once took forever but luckily it came out a little undersized and not oversized. The trailer its currently on was just to get the firebox opening cut, I still have not started the trailer fab.

Lower grate

Slide out rails, 1 1/4 angle.

Getting a straight line starting point was more difcult that I had planned for the cut.

choctaw · Feb 15, 2012

I love the slide-out grates, i have a similar design in mine and can stand on them . Wish I had your talent at welding , you are good at your craft. Keep up the good work and keep the progress pics coming.

My First Build, a 215 Gallon RF

Fire Starter

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Smoke Blower

Master of the Pit

Newbie

Smoking Guru

Meat Mopper

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

Fire Starter

Master of the Pit

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

Fire Starter

Master of the Pit

Smoking Fanatic

Fire Starter

Newbie

Fire Starter

Fire Starter

Fire Starter

Fire Starter

Similar threads

Hot Threads