1st offset smoker build, advice needed

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claydogg84

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 26, 2017
23
10
So initially I was going to buy a Pecos or OK Joe smoker and mod it. I finally stumbled on a propane tank which I believe is about 90 gallons and plan on having a fabricator put it together based on my specs. I've drawn up some rough blueprints and would appreciate any advice you guys have before I hand them off. I would like to get 2 cooking grates inside this thing but I'm not sure if there is enough room.
 
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I would increase the opening to 14" wide x 7" tall and put a 1.5" grease bridge in.

On your intakes if you use horizontal slides three 5" tall x 2" wide will be plenty.

I would also look into a 5" exhaust 24" tall. The 4" at 31" will work but I just prefer more breathing room in diameter and short.

Here is a link to the calculator. 

Link to BBQ Pit Calculator

Looking forward to following your progress. And ask all the questions you need. :)
 
I would increase the opening to 14" wide x 7" tall and put a 1.5" grease bridge in.
On your intakes if you use horizontal slides three 5" tall x 2" wide will be plenty.
I would also look into a 5" exhaust 24" tall. The 4" at 31" will work but I just prefer more breathing room in diameter and short.
Here is a link to the calculator. 
Link]http://feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator.html?cc=24,48,0,0,0,0,21703.68,7234.56&fb=18,24,18,0,0,7776.00,7234.56,107.5&ch=4,388.80,30.96&fi=5,2,0,23.33,2.33&fc=8.90,12.59,62.21]Link to BBQ Pit Calculator[/url]
Looking forward to following your progress. And ask all the questions you need. :)

I changed the dimensions of the opening. Yesterday I ordered a pre-fab 3x12" air intake slide and plan on having 3 1" holes closer to the top of the firebox with a slide as well. I used the 4" exhaust because that's what the builder has on site which would be free. I used the Feldon calculator to figure most of this out. Would you install a plate/baffle where the firebox and cook chamber meet? I'm not interested in a tuning plate so much, just the plate to reduce the direct heat on that end.
 
Yes on the deflector. I would go 6" wide and no more than about 25 deg. Angle.

Is there a picture of a deflector plate floating around? I did a google search but come up with a bunch of different things.
 
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I hope u got deep pockets. Fabrication takes time

I could do it myself, but simply don't have the time. I got a decent quote for $800 which includes labor and all the material for the legs, shelves, stack, and fire box. Ive purchased the tank, hinges, thermometers, air intake, and wheels for around another $400. If I can get a finished product for around $1,300 I'll be happy.
 
sounds like someone is Gona do it for 20$ an hour or less nice find, hopefully it comes out decent
 
I had about 6 hours into making my 2 stainless cooking racks or more.
 
sounds like someone is Gona do it for 20$ an hour or less nice find, hopefully it comes out decent

You've got me second guessing myself now. I know it would be done right if I do it myself but it's going to take me months to finish. Also, I'd have to buy a welder, so the cost would be the same, but I'd have a welder as well as a smoker in the end.
 
You would also need to learn to weld which takes time but very fun once u get good at it
 
You would also need to learn to weld which takes time but very fun once u get good at it

I can weld, it's just a lack of time issue. A 7 month old baby and a wife that works 60 hours a week doesn't leave much free time.
 
I'm getting ready to mark out my cook chamber door. Question - I'm going to measure the bottom of the door 1/4 of the circumference down from the top center line, but how high should the door be?
 
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