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New build questions .120 gallon vertical

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jtracy

jtracy

Newbie
Original poster
Aug 23, 2017
10
10
Hey folks. Got a few questions and numbers to run by you guys for some input on my first build that I was planning to do reverse flow. The cook chamber is a propane tank. 120 gallon vertical. From my measurments its 30in wide and about 44.5 in long. The fire box I also have another propane tank but its smaller. Like a 50 gallon I think. Its 24 in wide and about 32 in long if I remember correctly. I was going to possibly cut the tank to 26 in long.. For the fire box to cook chamber opening I had it marked out to be 15.5 in wide and 9 in deep in a half moon cut.
For the reverse flow plate does that start right at the top of the fire box opening or does it sit above a little bit? Right now I'm planning on starting right at the top of the cutout. As for the grate level I have planned on my first grate to be set at 6 inches above the plate. Should I adjust any on that height? I feel I could easily get a couple racks in there. The door I was planning on a single door and the bottom edge was at grate level then I went up about 22 inches. It seemed to look ok with a sharpy on the side of the propane tank but I'm not sure if its too big or small. I've been trying to gather all the info i can before I jump into it too much. Any info would be appreciated. Using the propane tanks because I can get them really cheap and or free. I was trying to use this calculator as a guide.

Link to BBQ Pit Calculator
 
Hey guys, any thoughts on the numbers? The ones I'm not really sure I have right are the fb opening to cc and the height of first grate from the baffle plate
 
I see the confusion I guess.the tank itself was a vertical propane tank. But I want to put it laying down. I noticed that there was a difference in dimensions on a vertical 120 gallon tank vs a horizontal 120 gallon tank But that is exactly what I was picturing I think
 
Last edited:
jtracy said:
Hey folks. Got a few questions and numbers to run by you guys for some input on my first build that I was planning to do reverse flow. The cook chamber is a propane tank. 120 gallon vertical. From my measurments its 30in wide and about 44.5 in long. The fire box I also have another propane tank but its smaller. Like a 50 gallon I think. Its 24 in wide and about 32 in long if I remember correctly. I was going to possibly cut the tank to 26 in long.. For the fire box to cook chamber opening I had it marked out to be 15.5 in wide and 9 in deep in a half moon cut.
For the reverse flow plate does that start right at the top of the fire box opening or does it sit above a little bit? Right now I'm planning on starting right at the top of the cutout. As for the grate level I have planned on my first grate to be set at 6 inches above the plate. Should I adjust any on that height? I feel I could easily get a couple racks in there. The door I was planning on a single door and the bottom edge was at grate level then I went up about 22 inches. It seemed to look ok with a sharpy on the side of the propane tank but I'm not sure if its too big or small. I've been trying to gather all the info i can before I jump into it too much. Any info would be appreciated. Using the propane tanks because I can get them really cheap and or free. I was trying to use this calculator as a guide.

Link to BBQ Pit Calculator
Click to expand...
On a 30" diameter tank I would make my top door cut 6.5" below 12:00 and the bottom door cut 1" below 3:00.

In my opinion 6" between the reverse flow plate and the top of your lower grate is too far. I prefer 4.5" on the firebox end with a 1" fall to the opposite end. 

Your reverse flow plate should be a continuation of the top of your firebox this will allow for the heat to flow into the tunnel with no obstructions. 
 
Thanks for the input. What did you think of the size of the opening for the half moon cutout?
 
Thanks guys. The firebox should be about the right size then. Was debating cutting it Down or leaving it whole. Ahumidora. Is that a build that you did?
 
Good morning jtracy. I built one out of this same tank a while back. I'm on my phone looking at this so I apologize I don't have my numbers in front of me but if you search "short/fat 120 gallon" build all my numbers are in there. FB/CC opening, grate height, etc. Hope this helps
 
Thank you Woody. Will check that out. Every bit helps since I'm still in the planning and drawing phase. Would like to be well into the process but life happens so I'll just gather all the info I can . Thanks again guys for the input
 
Just read the whole thing. Very nice work and informative. Thanks so much for the reply
 
Hey guys, been slowly plugging along with it. A good buddy of mine has helped me out a lot. It's not as pretty as most posted on here but it's ok I think. Still need to add the baffle plate a grease drain and make some grates. Everything was Kept pretty simple as some of you will notice [emoji]128077[/emoji]

Screenshot_20170912-080952.png

Screenshot_20170912-080952.png

 
Post some more pics.    To me the FB to cook chamber opening looks very small.   Did you calculate it and take into account a grease dam?
 
I'll grab some more pics Thursday. But I went 16 x 8 as mentioned above and added a little bridge for grease
 
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