Help with my smoker!

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devilrafa

Newbie
Original poster
Mar 19, 2017
14
10
hello smokers!!!! i've been having troubles with my smoker... i built it a few months a go.. i understand i did not follow the basics instructions to build it. i just used my imagination (bad imagination). now im having some problems i would like you guys help me to solve.. here's a video so you can check it out!
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solved, the video is now visible
 
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Yea, I would imagine you are having all kinds of problems with your smoker.  The stack (exhaust) is way to small, the position of the firebox with respect to the cooking chamber is way to high. The air intake is awfully high on the firebox. Those are just things that jumped out at me.. I didn't get a good look inside but the opening from the firebox to the cooking chamber looked to be way to big. 

People have spent long hours developing very solid models for designing a horizontal offset. You would do well to take some time and study those designs. 

I get the impression that BBQ is not something that we would normally expect to find in your neck of the woods so I want to commend you for having the initiative to attempt to build your own smoker. Ya gotta start somewhere! Hope we can help you out and get you on the right track.
 
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From the video it looks as though your firebox is awfully thin and the lid on the top is definitely thin with big gaps. As willie said your exhaust is really small and likely not to pull heat through.
 
thanks a lot man!!!! yeah, i figured those would be the problems i could have... but see... budget is not on my side, and to be honest im in a part of the world where is not that easy or cheap to find some parts.. so i did what i could... now.. i want to transform my "thing" to a real smoker.. so.. would you guys suggest start with the firebox? or maybe with the exhaust? i had plans on cutting in half the smoking chamber 
 
i've seen diferent sizes of exhausts ... which one you thing could suit me?
 
I'm not a pro but I think the exhaust is more important. Even with a good firebox that small exhaust won't pull heat through... I've not looked at the calculations but I'm guessing you need at least 5" diameter.

You've done a good job building one with what you have available.
 
I wish I could get on a plane and come fix your smoker.. but I can't.

You need to open that exhaust up first and foremost. Make it at least 4 inches diameter or about the size of a large food can. It should be around 18-24 inches high. Get that done and then see how much better it works. Don't worry about the fire box yet. If there's a good draft across the cooking chamber, the fire will find air and you might be able to learn how to use what you have there. It won't be optimal, but maybe functional. Finding a thermometer will be very beneficial. Are they available where you are at?
 
 
I wish I could get on a plane and come fix your smoker.. but I can't.

You need to open that exhaust up first and foremost. Make it at least 4 inches diameter or about the size of a large food can. It should be around 18-24 inches high. Get that done and then see how much better it works. Don't worry about the fire box yet. If there's a good draft across the cooking chamber, the fire will find air and you might be able to learn how to use what you have there. It won't be optimal, but maybe functional. Finding a thermometer will be very beneficial. Are they available where you are at?
thanks for answering... yes, im planning on getting a thermometer soon... as soon as i find one with good price... so it seems the exhaust is a priority now... i've read an article where they say that as bigger the diameter is, the exhaust could be less tall...  
 
devilrafa, where are you?

Opening up the exhaust should be your first priority. 3"  (76mm) diameter is a good starting point. About 20" (500mm) in height should get some flow in the Cooking Chamber (CC). And Go!

And leave the chamber alone that looks fine for size.
 
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yes, It is a beautiful country that has fallen on hard times.
 
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im on my track looking after the right exhaust... as soon as i get one, i'l post a video back , hope you guys keep helping me! 
 
Hola,

good advice above from the guys

You should be able to find some 100x100x 1.6mm o (2mm)  square tube that will work fine for exhaust.

Search for a local chatara (scrap dealer) and you should be able to pick up some square tube or even  4.75 0 6mm (3/16  or 1/4") plate  to work on a new firebox.

Use square tube for the chimney as you can cut a hole easier with a grinder and cutting disc. 

Take you phone and post some pics of the available steel that may work and we can adivise you what will work and how to build it.

The chamber is fine although it may need some tweaking on the lower part of the door to fit better with no gaps.

Let me know if you need explanations in Spanish.
 
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