- Feb 8, 2015
- 17
- 10
Hey guys and gals,
Just posted to the roll call section but I wanted to drop pics of my project to keep you guys updated. Thanks to everyone here, I've already learned a ton from creeping through threads as a non-subscriber
. (that calculator excel file by gary s, is making me rest easier, I was sorta just shooting from the hip by looking at pics online).
So here's the basic low down. I bought a 3 foot section of 24" x 5/8th steel and spent the weekend stripping off the crazy thick coat of black paint on the exterior. I also spent an afternoon last week sanding out the surface rust that had formed on the inside of it. Also, I'm using a lot of steel that had been sitting outside for the frame, so there too I spent about 4 hours sanding rust off round and square tubing. Finally, I think I'm done prepping all of the materials and we can start that actual construction.
I have a very experienced welder and metal fabricator helping me with most of the work, so I'm looking forward to getting my welding and general metal working chops up to snuff during this project. I've basically been the designer/grinder thus far. Regardless, its been a TON of fun!
Here is the CC after the door was cut and the hinges welded on (the metal handle is only temporary so the door wouldn't fall in)
And here it is after few thousand tiger paws and quick strippers (and lots of elbow grease)
So that's what I got so far, minus the round and square tubing for the frame, but I didn't post a pic of those cause that's boring. Gonna get some 1" steel strap for the door gasket and a sheet of 1/4" plate for the reflector plate, the sides, and firebox later this week (should be the only additional steel I need to buy). Keep your fingers crossed that they will water jet the side plates out round for me, would save a ton of work.
Going skiing this weekend, but after that, I hope to work on this guy a lot. Any tips or advice for a novice smoker would be appreciated!!
Thanks for checking it out!
Just posted to the roll call section but I wanted to drop pics of my project to keep you guys updated. Thanks to everyone here, I've already learned a ton from creeping through threads as a non-subscriber
So here's the basic low down. I bought a 3 foot section of 24" x 5/8th steel and spent the weekend stripping off the crazy thick coat of black paint on the exterior. I also spent an afternoon last week sanding out the surface rust that had formed on the inside of it. Also, I'm using a lot of steel that had been sitting outside for the frame, so there too I spent about 4 hours sanding rust off round and square tubing. Finally, I think I'm done prepping all of the materials and we can start that actual construction.
I have a very experienced welder and metal fabricator helping me with most of the work, so I'm looking forward to getting my welding and general metal working chops up to snuff during this project. I've basically been the designer/grinder thus far. Regardless, its been a TON of fun!
Here is the CC after the door was cut and the hinges welded on (the metal handle is only temporary so the door wouldn't fall in)
And here it is after few thousand tiger paws and quick strippers (and lots of elbow grease)
So that's what I got so far, minus the round and square tubing for the frame, but I didn't post a pic of those cause that's boring. Gonna get some 1" steel strap for the door gasket and a sheet of 1/4" plate for the reflector plate, the sides, and firebox later this week (should be the only additional steel I need to buy). Keep your fingers crossed that they will water jet the side plates out round for me, would save a ton of work.
Going skiing this weekend, but after that, I hope to work on this guy a lot. Any tips or advice for a novice smoker would be appreciated!!
Thanks for checking it out!
