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My first pit and smoker build

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onebadasford

onebadasford

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 1, 2012
17
10
Schertz, tx
This is my first attempt on a grill and smoker. I have used propane and charcoal grills before but never tried to smoke. So I decided it was time to build a pit and learn to smoke. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am not sure about the dampers. This is what I have so far. I need to add the legs, cut the door, and add a smoke stake. Thanks again.




Matt
 
Matt, morning....  On the firebox, make sure everything is sealed air tight so you can control the temps... that may include removing the chimney and welding the hole shut... don't know for sure....   some sort of damper will be needed....  Below are some designs if you haven't seen them before....   

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/54542/building-an-italian-offset-smoker

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/54542/building-an-italian-offset-smoker/20

And the calculator....... 

http://www.feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator.html
 
Yah I welded up the smoke stake so it's air tight. I got to work on it yesterday and hopefully finish today. The only problem I have so far is when I cut out the door the 1/8" gap from the thickness of the cut off wheel, so now I have to figure out what I'm going to do to seal it. I'm prob going to get some 16 or 18 gauge steel and mold it inside so it overlaps to make a good seal. My question is do I stil need to add a damper or can I just use to door on the fire box. I'll get some pic of the progress. Thanks again for the help.
 
Matt,  You will need a grate or basket of sorts in the fire box to hold the briquettes or lump or splits off of the bottom so ash can fall and not plug off the air flow to the wood....  an air inlet of sorts below or even with the grate would be good and adjustable....  about the strap for a door seal... Think about welding to the door so the welds won't interfere with the seal... If you want it on the inside, you can screw it or rivet it to the firebox.... use high temp sealant if using screws or rivets and be sure to clamp in place so it is tight...  Dave

PS... The chimney should exit the smoke chamber at or near grate level or if installed through the top of the barrel, it should extend to near the cooking grate....   
 
Last edited:
Yah I'm going to put both grates from the pit in the fire box. I have a question what is the reason for bringing the smoke stack all the way to grill level. I welded on the stack yesterday but I just did it through the opening of the lid. Does this matter or no. I really appreciate all the help.
 
Matt, someone figured it out.... keeps the heat and smoke at grate level... That is how the experts do it... who am I to argue... just passing on time tested and proven recipes to build a great smoker .....  It doesn't have to be done.... Just food for thought.... Dave
 
Well got a lot of work done yesterday. Got the legs on and the wheels on the back, and got them braced. Got the side grates in and a few other things done. Gave it a break today just got done bailing hay, so I'm done for the day. Hopefully I'll have a chance to go to storage and get some more tubing to make to removable middle grate, and the grate for the fire box. Them ill I'll have to do is paint it and season it. Thank all for the help and the props. Matt
 
Sorry it's been so long since update but got a few pics to put on. Got the first coat of paint on and about to put final coat on. Smoked in the pit thurs and it did wonderful ill make sure to get a pic of the inside grill after smoking and seasoning. Thanks a lot Matt.


before paint



with doors open


grill, the middle comes out


first fire thru pit
 
Thank you well here it is with the first coat of paint. I'm going to put another coat on to keep it from the color dulling. Everyone cross yalls fingers I'm going to try some chicken tomorrow so we will see how it goes. Thank again everyone Matt.
 
Well everything went perfect. The chicken was so juicy, the only complaint I had was the rub was a little hot for the girls. Here is a few pics. Matt


before the smoker


on the smoker almost done.



the finished product
 
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