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Mini- WSM Build Plans

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4x15mph

4x15mph

Fire Starter
Original poster
Dec 28, 2014
69
82
Pennsylvania
I read a lot of threads on making the mini WSM and these look excellent.  I wanted to see if there is a thread that you can point me to that has the prescription/parts for building this.  I see there is a specific Vasconia pot, grates, the weber smokey, etc. 

1) Vasconia pot - 32 quart stainless?  This looks to be unavailable at walmart.  Other tested options and links for purchase?

2) Weber Smokey - Any specific model (gold or silver?)

3) Grates - which sizes, 2?  

4) Tera cotta base - 12" the right size

5) temperature gauge - recommendations?

6) Probe grommets - I read that someone said to get this at the hardware store in the lighting section.  Any specific size?

Other items?  It sounds like the rivet gun is optional

Thank you
 
4x15mph said:
 
I read a lot of threads on making the mini WSM and these look excellent.  I wanted to see if there is a thread that you can point me to that has the prescription/parts for building this.  I see there is a specific Vasconia pot, grates, the weber smokey, etc. 

1) Vasconia pot - 32 quart stainless?  This looks to be unavailable at walmart.  Other tested options and links for purchase?

2) Weber Smokey - Any specific model (gold or silver?)

3) Grates - which sizes, 2?  

4) Tera cotta base - 12" the right size

5) temperature gauge - recommendations?

6) Probe grommets - I read that someone said to get this at the hardware store in the lighting section.  Any specific size?

Other items?  It sounds like the rivet gun is optional

Thank you
Click to expand...
1. The 32 quart pots that you can use are aluminum not stainless. Yes there are stainlesss pots but they are mega $$$$$$. The vasconia pot is hard to find anymore. The Imusa 32 qt. pot will work but the top will need some modification to make the SMJ lid fit. It appears that Target still has it in stock.

http://www.target.com/p/imusa-32-qt...pid=10910892&gclid=CJT03da4yMMCFZCVfgodEiQA6A

2. Personal Preference. Both of my minis are modified Silvers. In my neck of the woods the stores don't carry the Gold. I bought both of mine off Craigslist. Both came with briquettes, wood chips and chimney starters. Paid $5 for one and $10 for the other.

3. These are the grates that you need:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Pl...key-Joe-Silver-and-Gold-Grills-7439/100657895

4. For diffusers you can use all kinds of things. Some of it depends on what you are cooking. For hot fast smokes no diffuser or the steamer insert is all you need. For low and slow a 10" terracotta diffuser is what you want. I actually use a 8"x9"x1" thick piece of granite counter top. you could also use a 9"x9" foil pan filled with sand. All of the above should be wrapped in foil for easy clean up.

5. Get a good dual or multiple probe digital therm like the Maverick 732, 733 or an iGrill2. The fix mounted therms are almost never accurate or if they are they don't last long and need replacement. Also fix mounted therms only monitor where you put them. I like to place my pit therm on the same grate as where I am cooking.

6. I use threaded brass ferrule fittings like this

L060138.jpg

L060138.jpg


Take your therm probe with you to the store to test for fitting. I buy these at Ace Hardware and thy are in the bulk bins associated with other automotive parts.

Good luck with your build. There are a good bunch of build threads here. I suggest that you read through all of them.
 
Last edited:
dirtsailor2003 said:
 
1. The 32 quart pots that you can use are aluminum not stainless. Yes there are stainlesss pots but they are mega $$$$$$. The vasconia pot is hard to find anymore. The Imusa 32 qt. pot will work but the top will need some modification to make the SMJ lid fit. It appears that Target still has it in stock.

http://www.target.com/p/imusa-32-qt...pid=10910892&gclid=CJT03da4yMMCFZCVfgodEiQA6A
Click to expand...
Exactly what I needed.  Thank you!

Target doesn't have any of those Imusa pots near me but I found one 20 miles away that is available today.  How easy is it to get the top to fit/bend and how did you do that?  I can get that pot today for $21 or I can order a Vasconia for about $38 and wait for it to arrive.  

Opinions?  I want to make sure I have the "best" fit for the cover of this smoker.
 
4x15mph said:
 
Exactly what I needed.  Thank you!

Target doesn't have any of those Imusa pots near me but I found one 20 miles away that is available today.  How easy is it to get the top to fit/bend and how did you do that?  I can get that pot today for $21 or I can order a Vasconia for about $38 and wait for it to arrive.  

Opinions?  I want to make sure I have the "best" fit for the cover of this smoker.
Click to expand...
All you need to get the lid crimped is a pair of pliers, channel locks or quick grip clamp. Don't go all gung ho on it, take your time and test fit your lid as you go.

You mentioned a pop riveter, only needed if you plan on attaching the lid of the pot to the bottom of the pot (I recommend doing this). But not really needed you can just bolt the lid to the bottom too.

8635426567_8956542ea5_b.jpg

8635426567_8956542ea5_b.jpg


Here's a few other photos to wet your appetite:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtsailor2003/sets/72157631911989748/
 
I ordered one from Walmart with "pickup in store" today.  I headed out for the 20 mile drive and stopped for lunch.  Checked my email and got a message that they actually don't have it any longer at that store and my order was cancelled.  

I would have an easier time buying "fill in the blank here" than a 32 quart steamer.  
 
4x15mph said:
 
I ordered one from Walmart with "pickup in store" today.  I headed out for the 20 mile drive and stopped for lunch.  Checked my email and got a message that they actually don't have it any longer at that store and my order was cancelled.  

I would have an easier time buying "fill in the blank here" than a 32 quart steamer.  
Click to expand...
Do you have any Hispanic markets near you? They almost always have tamale pots.
 
I couldn't find a suitable pot here for a long time! I picked one up in SoCal on a trip... Then right before turkey day I was in a store that I usually don't go to and they had 30 or 40 pots lined up on one aisle (40 qt VMI pots; its a slightly different built but they work as well). Then a couple of weeks later my wife mentions that another store here had some tamales pots in stock! Sure enough they had BC Classic 32 qt pots there...

I also found some 32 qt King Kooker pots here ($69!!! Yikes!!!) at my local ace hardware.

I'd also mention that during the black Friday period target.com had free shipping for anything online and my wife bought me two imusa pots for Christmas...

Keep your eyes open! Go to stores you don't usually go to... You will find what you need !!!
 
I will keep looking and one day I should have what I need.  Until then, I will use my Weber 22.5" kettle.  Tonight I will try Scarbelly (buffalo) Wings for the first time.

Thank you for all of the help
 
(apologies for jumping in, not trying to hijack thread)

Quick intro, I've build a few brown eggs, and have only gone electric, no charcoal.  Found this forum today and I am interested.  Anyways... (ALSO I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT CHARCOAL)

So... Mr Dirt Sailor..... I was looking through your photos... and i have some questions

The valves on the outsides, air intakes? I really like how you don't have the lid bolted to the bottom, in a few pics you have a smaller rim, and are using that to hold up the rack using washers and some lines (easier to clean and maintain?). I think? I understand the heat diffuser bit, but what is that metal mug with what I assume is you putting charcoal in?  Are you jump starting it? Do you not use a charcoal ring? Whats with the picture of the pot with the bajillion holes in the bottom?  Different type of smoke you are doing?

All I know at this point is

Step 1: Buy weber grill and pot

Step 2: make grill pot sandwich

Step 3: Put in charcoal and magic.....

(Help)

Could an electric burner work as well?  I like using clay because it holds heat very very well....
 
4x15mph said:
 
I will keep looking and one day I should have what I need.  Until then, I will use my Weber 22.5" kettle.  Tonight I will try Scarbelly (buffalo) Wings for the first time.

Thank you for all of the help
Click to expand...
Not sure if you are still looking but FWIW I found an Imusa at the Kroger grocery store if you happen to have them in your area.
 
I've been having a ton of trouble trying to find a pot for the mini wsm build.  I have everything else, but missing one of the most important parts.  Anyone have any luck lately?  No kroger in Iowa unfortunately.  
 
NSNO said:
 
I've been having a ton of trouble trying to find a pot for the mini wsm build.  I have everything else, but missing one of the most important parts.  Anyone have any luck lately?  No kroger in Iowa unfortunately.  
Click to expand...
It's slim pickings! If you have any Hispanic markets near you I'd look there. Check out a 10 gallon steel drum. They are larger in diameter, but would work . It'd sit on the SMJ Base not in it. Kind of like my pots where I attach the lid to the bottom of the pot.

http://www.zoro.com/value-brand-tra...gclid=CPWxkKzCuscCFQqSaQodDicOSg&gclsrc=aw.ds
 
I was just about to start a new thread on this very subject, glad I found this thread! Cabela's has the SMJ Gold on sale right now but I couldn't find a pot anywhere for it. I may just pick up the SMJ and sit on it until I find something to fit it at a later date.
The drum looks nice, but $45 and then shipping, a little rich for my blood!
 
That drum idea is interesting.  I may have to act on that if i cant find something soon.  I want my smoker ready for college football tailgating starting on 9/5
 
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