Hi all, thought I'd share my build now that it is coming along.
I refer to this as project "Thin Blue Smoke". After cooking on my Traeger Texas and a Louisiana Whole Hog WH-1320 I noted the positives and negatives (in my opinion) of both and started working with a builder on a custom design.
I liked the versatility and flexibility of the WH-1320 as well as the thicker metal. The Traeger had it beat hands down for cooking quality. The WH-1320 had a 65 degree temp swing from right to left measured 1" and 8" off the grate. Measurements were taken with dual digital probes (ET-73). The Traeger proved more consistent with only a 14 degree swing I my memory serves me.
We went with WH-1320 dimensions but totally redesigned the chamber. Temp tests were performed with a precision 8 probe digital temp recorder that stored the data on a PC for reference after the cook tests. This data was used to re-design the heat management plates, exhaust location and the addition of a adjustable pass through vent. This vent allows heat and smoke to pass from chamber to chamber. The smoker can be run as two independent 660 sq. in. smokers or one 1,320 sq. in. smoker.
The feed systems are Louisiana as they provide for hotter max temps and far more granularity throughout the temp range. They currently run the new digital controls. They will however be replaced at a later date with a new superior feed & heat system. Each chamber has two thermometers and a removable front shelf for each.
The doors have been offset strapped to fix the gap between the doors that leaked heat and smoke on the Louisiana WH-1320 produced by Dansons.
The WH-1320 is made of 14 gage steel. This cooker is made of welded 10 gage steel. It adds about 80 lbs to the cooker but it retains heat far better and should burn less pellets. The added heat retention seems to help with temp consistencies. The builder stated from right to left he recorded just a few degrees difference in temps.
We still have allot to do. Hope you all can appreciate the work... Even if it is a pellet cooker.
You know... I actually have fallen for pellet cookers. That is what inspired me to go forward with this. That and the fact Dansons did not do right by me at all!
The builder will remain anonymous until the unveiling of the cooker.
I refer to this as project "Thin Blue Smoke". After cooking on my Traeger Texas and a Louisiana Whole Hog WH-1320 I noted the positives and negatives (in my opinion) of both and started working with a builder on a custom design.
I liked the versatility and flexibility of the WH-1320 as well as the thicker metal. The Traeger had it beat hands down for cooking quality. The WH-1320 had a 65 degree temp swing from right to left measured 1" and 8" off the grate. Measurements were taken with dual digital probes (ET-73). The Traeger proved more consistent with only a 14 degree swing I my memory serves me.
We went with WH-1320 dimensions but totally redesigned the chamber. Temp tests were performed with a precision 8 probe digital temp recorder that stored the data on a PC for reference after the cook tests. This data was used to re-design the heat management plates, exhaust location and the addition of a adjustable pass through vent. This vent allows heat and smoke to pass from chamber to chamber. The smoker can be run as two independent 660 sq. in. smokers or one 1,320 sq. in. smoker.
The feed systems are Louisiana as they provide for hotter max temps and far more granularity throughout the temp range. They currently run the new digital controls. They will however be replaced at a later date with a new superior feed & heat system. Each chamber has two thermometers and a removable front shelf for each.
The doors have been offset strapped to fix the gap between the doors that leaked heat and smoke on the Louisiana WH-1320 produced by Dansons.
The WH-1320 is made of 14 gage steel. This cooker is made of welded 10 gage steel. It adds about 80 lbs to the cooker but it retains heat far better and should burn less pellets. The added heat retention seems to help with temp consistencies. The builder stated from right to left he recorded just a few degrees difference in temps.
We still have allot to do. Hope you all can appreciate the work... Even if it is a pellet cooker.
The builder will remain anonymous until the unveiling of the cooker.
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