Howdy, Folks. I am starting my first RF build. It's actually my first pit build at all. I've been using an old Brinkman for a number of years. I will be posting pics as I go. Here are a few pics and I have my first question. I am using a 24" x 5' cc, 5/16" steel. I am also going to use a 24"x24" round firebox. I've looked and looked on the site for my answer on the firebox, and have had no success. DAVE hope you're reading, you seem to know these things.
The problem that I have is trying to get the right volume for the cc/fb opening. The calculator says that I need 87". I will be putting the rf plate 7 1/2" from the bottom. The center grate will be 4 1/2" above the rf plate. Most posts here have said to put the top of my firebox at the rf plate. My concern is that I will now have a football shaped opening, not the typical half moon openings that you see with the square fireboxes. I thought of perhaps moving the top of the fb up to the center of the cc, but I don't think that there should be that much gap at the top of my firebox above the cc/fb opening. I think it would restrict the heat flow and have a hotspot at the top of the fb. I've been doing my homework and am real comfortable with the other calculations.
I don't know how to calculate what that "football" opening gives me for square inches. Any takers?
And I've enjoyed watching the builds and have learned so much from you pro's. I appreciate any info that you may provide.
We cut the pipe with an abrasive blade on a skill saw and it seemed to work good. Didn't want to drag the torches out. I plan on doing this with the doors as well. I saw the one build where the heat of the torches really warped the doors. It's just time, right??
After cutting the two pieces, I realized that this is going to be a Big pit! I'm sure it will attract more friends.
Keith
The problem that I have is trying to get the right volume for the cc/fb opening. The calculator says that I need 87". I will be putting the rf plate 7 1/2" from the bottom. The center grate will be 4 1/2" above the rf plate. Most posts here have said to put the top of my firebox at the rf plate. My concern is that I will now have a football shaped opening, not the typical half moon openings that you see with the square fireboxes. I thought of perhaps moving the top of the fb up to the center of the cc, but I don't think that there should be that much gap at the top of my firebox above the cc/fb opening. I think it would restrict the heat flow and have a hotspot at the top of the fb. I've been doing my homework and am real comfortable with the other calculations.
I don't know how to calculate what that "football" opening gives me for square inches. Any takers?
And I've enjoyed watching the builds and have learned so much from you pro's. I appreciate any info that you may provide.
We cut the pipe with an abrasive blade on a skill saw and it seemed to work good. Didn't want to drag the torches out. I plan on doing this with the doors as well. I saw the one build where the heat of the torches really warped the doors. It's just time, right??
After cutting the two pieces, I realized that this is going to be a Big pit! I'm sure it will attract more friends.
Keith