Newbie looking for tips to finish smoker

bigg125

Newbie

Original poster

Oct 10, 2007

11

10

Montana

• Oct 11, 2007

• #1

Hello,
I am in the process of building my first smoker. It is basically done but if any of you have any advice on finishing touches I would welcome them. I have taken a 55 gallon Barrell put a chimney in the bung and cut a "stoker door" in the back and a supply door in the front. My biggest question is how air tight does it need to be. The doors leak a little smoke but very little. Any way thanks for having me and I look forward to any input

 

Deer Meat

Smoking Fanatic

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Aug 8, 2006

831

15

Southwest Pennsylvania

• Oct 11, 2007

• #2

Hello bigg125, If you have some pictures that would be very helpful.

 

deejaydebi

Legendary Pitmaster

Nov 18, 2006

7,996

25

Connecticut

• Oct 11, 2007

• #3

Welcome Bigg -

How about a little more information about yourself?

The bung hole won't be big enough for proper air flow. It has been suggested that the stack should be 4" and level with the grate for proper flow.

It doesn't have to be "air tight" but the tighter it is the better the flow from fire box vent to chimney stack.

Do you have a picture of your smoker? I am not sure I am visualizing your descriptions as to supply door in the front and "stoker door" in the back.

Many people here have build drum smokers and will be available for addtional help!

 

pigcicles

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Nov 25, 2006

2,533

16

Home

• Oct 11, 2007

• #4

It sounds like you are going vertical. Like a big drum smoker only different. The less leaks the better for fuel economy (sounds like I'm talking about a Jetta). Are you using a charcoal basket? Coals laying on the bottom or elevated for air flow?

Peculiarmike just finished making a BDS clone you can look and see if this has any ideas you can use...

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ead.php?t=9007

 

bigg125

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Oct 10, 2007

11

10

Montana

• Oct 13, 2007

• #5

Here are some pictures of my smoker. Any comments/suggestions are welcome

 

deejaydebi

Legendary Pitmaster

Nov 18, 2006

7,996

25

Connecticut

• Oct 13, 2007

• #6

Ah Now I get it! Nice job!

 

bigg125

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Oct 10, 2007

11

10

Montana

• Oct 13, 2007

• #7

I guess I got so excited the other night when I found this site once I got on I did not even think to introduce myself. I am a Native Montanan with a wife and three kids Josh, Sarah, and Isaiah. I am an avid hunter and love to turn the animals I harvest into tasty concoctions. Jerky, Sausage and I am thinking of trying a Deer butt. Thanks for welcoming me and Keep the ideas coming.

 

pigcicles

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Nov 25, 2006

2,533

16

Home

• Oct 13, 2007

• #8

Have you considered a quality thermometer(s) so you know the temp at grate level(s)? Will you be trying to control the temps by opening / closing the bottom door? Have you fired it up any to see how it will act?

 

coleysmokinbbq

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

May 31, 2007

631

12

Northeast GA

• Oct 14, 2007

• #9

Hi bigg125!...Welcome to the SMF!...

...Glad to have you aboard!...You're gonna love it here!...

Great job on your smoker there!...

Until later...

 

hawgheaven

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

May 5, 2007

2,838

16

• Oct 14, 2007

• #10

Welcome bigg125, glad you joined us! The smoker looks awesome, nice job!

 

bigg125

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Oct 10, 2007

11

10

Montana

• Oct 15, 2007

• #11

pigcicles,

 

bigg125

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Oct 10, 2007

11

10

Montana

• Oct 15, 2007

• #12

PigCicles,
I am headed to the local restaurant supply store on tuesday to get a couple of thermometers. I still need to drill a couple fresh air intake holes down low on each side. I fired it up a couple times with wood t0 see how things would go. It drafts ok will be much better with intake holes drilled. temp control may be my biggest battle at this point. but i think i can control it fairly well with back bottom door. I may need another top vent but i want to try it with charcoal before I cut anymore holes.
bigg

 

john c

Fire Starter

Sep 26, 2007

53

10

The Big Smoke ,Toronto

• Oct 15, 2007

• #13

Welcome to the site fellow hunter.
Did you know that PETA stands for People Eating Tasty Animals. Your work looks pretty good. That other plug on top looks perfect for a themometer placement
John C.

 

bigg125

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Oct 10, 2007

11

10

Montana

• Oct 15, 2007

• #14

john
I had not thought of that yet but what a great idea. thanks
Bigg

 

glued2it

Master of the Pit

Sep 8, 2007

1,556

11

Tulsa

• Oct 15, 2007

• #15

Welcome to SMF. Smokers lookin pretty good!

 

jamesb

Smoking Fanatic

Dec 31, 2005

369

11

Irving, TX

• Oct 15, 2007

• #16

The tighter you can make it the better you will be able to control the air intake/temps...

James.

 

wavector

Smoking Fanatic

Jul 29, 2007

307

11

Mobile, Alabama

• Oct 15, 2007

• #17

Welcome to the forum. Montana is very nice indeed.

I'd raise it off of the ground a bit with a few pieces of unistrut or something like that. It would allow for better ventilation from the bottom via a few holes or something. I believe verticals are harder to maintain temperature. Mine doesn't have a stack yet, just a hole. I'm thinking of going horizontal with mine.

 

cowgirl

Legendary Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Oct 2, 2007

7,644

48

Oklahoma

• Oct 15, 2007

• #18

Welcome to the SMF! Nice smoker!

 

wilson

Meat Mopper

Oct 4, 2007

251

10

South Eastern PA

• Oct 15, 2007

• #19

Welcome on board, That is a nice smoker you got there.

 

moltenone

Smoking Fanatic

Jan 27, 2007

420

10

the"ville" ky

• Oct 15, 2007

• #20

bigg, welcome to the forum,your smoker looks good,if it leaks real bad you can always get another barrel and cut out some larger doors and place a
gasket around each one,i would go two inches on all four sides that way
your sure to get a good seal.

good luck,
mark