Fire Box Mod Info

Tap, morning....   Well, I need some dimensions of the smoker before I can give you the sizes for tuning plates...    Are you sure you need tuning plates...  

If you add tuning plates, my recommendation is....  Install angle iron above the opening between the FB and CC...  Place the plates on the angle iron...  At the FB, the first plate should be tight against the FB...  then gradually open up the spacing to allow for "even" heat distribution across the cooking surface, if that is your goal...   When checking for heat distribution, some folks have baked biscuits to check for heat distribution...    Depending on the length of the CC, you probably need ~6 plates...  maybe 4" wide and whatever length fits the CC...   start with a 1/4" gap for the 2nd plate, 3/8" for the 3rd etc....   adjust that spacing as necessary for the heat distribution you are looking for...  The last plate should have approx. a 3-5" gap at the end of the CC to allow for full air / heat flow from the FB...

Now as far as size the plates need to be cut to length, I have no idea what size you FB is above the FB/CC opening.....   The baffle plate, as installed below on the right, can cause problems due to restricting air flow because it is bent downward into the airflow stream...    A much better design would be to double up on the first and maybe the second plate being sure to have an air gap between the two plates...  I call that type of installation a "heat shield"...  It can be supported from the plate above, with bolts and nuts..  a 1/4-1/2" air gap is adequate to deflect the heat... 

Sorry for any confusion...    Dave


Typical heat shield installation on the ceiling of a Fire Box...

I have a MES30, 2 each Totem electrics, 1 home built wood fired combo grate / rotisserie, home made electric...