Reverse Flow Offset Smoker Build Questions

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

h2odr

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 18, 2015
4
10
Hello,

I've been a member of the forum for a while and really appreciate all of the information here.

I am starting a smoker project with a tank that is 36" diameter and 92" long and I have a couple questions for the more experienced builders here.

I originally thought the wall thickness was 1/4" only to find after cutting the firebox opening that it is 3/16" thick. I have stopped the build until I get some advise.

First of all, will this thickness hold heat well enough to make this build worthwhile?

This will be a trailer mounted rig once complete with several added gadgets for cooking and quite a bit of time and cost involved.

Will a thick baffle plate help hold heat and make up for the thinner tank?

I have been thinking of making one large door so that I could possibly cook a whole hog at some point, with the thinner tank I am afraid the door may warp if I don't reinforce it with some type of framework.

The question is will I be okay with one door or should I leave a 3" strip between two doors to help with door and tank integrity?

I have also thought I could tab and bolt in the center section between the doors, just a lot of trouble to remove during a cook.

This is it for now, I'm sure more questions will come up along the way, I plan on posting pics along the way.

Thanks!

Charles
 
You have cut the tank already so personally I would use it.

I build some of my smokers with 3/16" tube and they work fine.  Sure thicker wall is more preferable, but there is less weight to drag around on a trailer.

I would make a bolt in section, which doesn't take too much longer. Just weld a a 1/4 plate on 1 side to the inside of the center piece and drill 2 x 3/8" holes through both parts then weld a nut to the inside.  Use a 4" grinder with a 1 mm cutting disc to cut through the center piece while not cutting into the tab.

Just my 2 cents 
 
I would use it and reinforce it whether its one or two doors. Its pretty long and I would bet either way you could get a sag around the doors if you don't get some kind of reinforcement. Look forward to watching the work
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Hot Threads

Clicky