Recent content by Meniscus

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
  1. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    For interest sake... The Deflector used: American Metalcraft TP18 TP Series 18-Gauge Aluminum Pizza Pan, Standard Weight, Wide Rim, 18-Inch. I used the wide rim version because it resists warping. Drip pan used: American Metalcraft HA4019 HA4000 Series Pan, 19" Dia. I had to bend a notch (not...
  2. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    Thank you for the positive feedback. While it isn't immediately apparent, the deflector aids in cleanup because any drippings follow the round disc and are caught by the aluminum foil wrapped drip tray in the bottom. That means that the only real cleanup is from the condensation that runs down...
  3. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    Here are a couple update pictures since I received some inquiries. Lately, when I want to use it as a smoker, I've been using a flat round aluminum disc tilted over the fire basket. The air is drawn from the intake down at the bottom to the charcoal basket, then deflected to the front section...
  4. Meniscus

    Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill - New Owner w/accessory recommendations for owners (no mods)

    I did not cut the grate, but I did use a big file to take a little off of the corners just so it fits a little better.
  5. Meniscus

    Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill - New Owner w/accessory recommendations for owners (no mods)

    Unfortunately, the typical brisket is quite a bit larger than the area available on this smoker. As for St. Louis Ribs, you can get one rack on unless you tilt them/prop then up to fit 2. You'll have to refill the charcoal a few times for the cook time, but there's no reason why you couldn't...
  6. Meniscus

    Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill - New Owner w/accessory recommendations for owners (no mods)

    Mine has been working great and I don't think I have any other tips. If anything, in colder temperatures (below 15 degrees F) and while not plugged in (battery power), you may consider using some lithium batteries. I found that if it is very cold and you're not plugged in, the regular alkaline...
  7. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    Just a quick update. Finally sourced a 2" NPT plug to be used for travel. The overall height fits under my tonneau cover and the plug makes it convenient to shut the temps down and choke the fire. As a bonus, I included a few pictures from the past few weeks. I cut some pork steaks out of a...
  8. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    After the grilling session was complete, I decided to try choking down the intake to see if I could throttle back the temps even without the ball valve in place. After adjusting the intake to 4 rows of holes, the Shorty happily ran at 300 degrees. After an hour, I choked it down further to 2...
  9. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    The first test of the chopped exhaust stack is complete. In the first picture, you can see that the ball valve and the stack fits conveniently inside the Shorty for travel. Since I started the session grilling some chicken, I decided to omit the ball valve and screw the stack directly into the...
  10. Meniscus

    Oklahoma Joe Tahoma 900 (Pics, Assembly, burn-in)

    Excellent! Thanks for the initial feedback!
  11. Meniscus

    Oklahoma Joe Tahoma 900 (Pics, Assembly, burn-in)

    Excellent pictures. Thank you for sharing! It appears that they incorporated bends in the damper to help avoid any warping from the high temps. Clearly they thought this out. A few questions: It's hard to tell from the pictures, but does it look like you can place a wood chunk under where...
  12. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    The threads will be cut off the top of the stack, but it looks pretty good and should work well.
  13. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    I've now completed a trial run of the Shorty with the revised exhaust vent. It is now much easier to adjust and dial in Temps. The flow is also smoother and it allows me to open a little more and close down the intake for a better draft. It seems to have even temperature across the top grate...
  14. Meniscus

    DIY: Introducing the only 'Shorty' version of the Oklahoma Joes Bronco Drum Smoker in existence

    Here is an update concerning the exhaust vent. After an extensive search, I found a bulkhead fitting which has 2" NPT female threads inside. This allows me to use a 2" ball valve as the exhaust. Again, I'm limited to just 18.5" of height to fit under the tonneau cover on my truck and with the...
  15. Meniscus

    A poorly written review of the Oklahoma Joe Bronco

    Had to dig deeper in my pictures. Here's a shot of a full rack of ribs over the charcoal basket. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture with the drop down diffuser in place, but this will provide a better idea of the space. I was using the provided hooks that come with the OKJ Bronco in...
Clicky