21gal Reverse Flow Patio Smoker

[jwsimpleville]

Hello again, now that I've finished up my 250 Reverse Flow Trailer,

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/135516/250gal-reverse-flow-trailer-build

With how successfull that build came out, I've been asked by a coworker if I could build him a smaller one. I just so happen to see this old compressor at a friends house in the back of a pickup truck headed for the scrap yard.

2013-08-14135551_zps865ee96a.png

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 14, 2013

2013-08-14135620_zps42a14957.png

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 14, 2013

When I asked him if he was planning on using it he said "nope, just gonna scrap it. If you can use it though take it with you."
I didn't wait for him to think about it or change his mind, it was loaded in my truck about 3 minutes later.
I will take alot of pictures along the way and keep posting updates as frequently as possible.

 

[munxcub]

Nice, I'm going to keep an eye on this one, I'm nearing completion of my ~35 gallon compressor tank patio build

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/143399/250l-build-now-a-35-gallon-build

 

[jwsimpleville]

So the day wasn't as productive as I would've hoped, but I intentionally took my time to prevent as much heat build-up as possible from causing the door to spring.
I got the door cut out and the FB to CC opening cut out, and I rinsed all the crud out of the tank.

2013-08-14194708_zps95064f1a.png

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 14, 2013

 

[JckDanls 07]

:110: I'm in.. have about the same size tank...

 

[daveomak]

I'm in.. have about the same size tank...

......

.....  I have a tank like that too.... Just ain't got around to it yet...... 

....... 

 ......... 

Dave 

 

[jwsimpleville]

Got some more work done on the smoker that my friends and family refer to as "Mini-me" got a few pictures taken also so I figured I would share the progress.

IMG_2013082127932_zpsd77e1217.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 21, 2013

Here I made the fire hinge the same as I did in the trailer smoker only smaller.

IMG_2013082129275_zpsb3a5db14.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 21, 2013

As you can see here I put the hinges on the wrong side causing the firebox to open from the rear of the smoker.
I blame that on force of habit and my being right handed.

IMG_2013082131950_zps25eee32d.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 21, 2013

here is another picture of the firebox with the removable grate installed, and you can see the angle I added to reinforce the firebox door.

IMG_201308213130_zps6c936551.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 21, 2013

here is a picture where the firebox joins the cook chamber.

IMG_2013082128547_zps7a156635.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 21, 2013

last but not least I got ahead of myself in building the cart for the smoker and didn't take into consideration the weight of the firebox when placing the rear wheels. So I'll be cutting those off and placing them a little further under the firebox.
Right now it wants to tip over from all the firebox weight, and by the time I add the baffle plate and smoke stack it won't be getting any lighter.

 

[jwsimpleville]

So while I was working on the smoker yesterday, my wife comes out to the shop and says "What do you have left to finish?" While I was explaining she said "I can use the grinder and wire thingy to get the old paint off, if that will help"
Now I'm not sure what the consensus is but I'm thinking that should get her a wife of the year award.
btw the wire thingy is a wire wheel on a 4 1/2" grinder

IMG_2013082126468_zps864702f0.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 22, 2013

 

[mike johnson]

That looks great so far. Ill definitely be following this one....

 

[jwsimpleville]

So I spent this morning moving the wheels further under the firebox. Here is a few pics

IMG_2013082543354_zps59e00500.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 25, 2013

IMG_20130825511_zps5490d3d3.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 25, 2013

IMG_2013082558902_zpscf2ff5e5.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 25, 2013

is definitely more stable now, it just sucks I lost 3 hours to making this adjustment.

 

[daveomak]

JW, afternoon.....   That is a good lookin' smoker.....   

.....     Dave

 

[jwsimpleville]

Got a little more work done this morning, I've got the baffle plate in. This is the only picture I got today

IMG_2013082659947_zpse59908f7.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 26, 2013

I got the flange on the door, and the flat bar bowed the door a little bit. Not so much I can't fix it though. Tomorrow I will make the hinges and mount the door.

 

[jwsimpleville]

Got the first fire in it today, I wanted to confirm the air flow was right before I put the grate and gate rails mounted.

IMG_2013082825153_zps59c6203a.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 28, 2013

IMG_2013082815752_zpsdb9b5768.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 28, 2013

it kept good air flow and the smoke thinned out just right after about 15 minutes to heat up to 250.

 

[jwsimpleville]

Got the handles on the firebox, ash pan, and cook chamber.
Also got the thermometer mounted in the main door.

IMG_2013082923227_zpsa2b9a7c2.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 29, 2013

IMG_2013082921383_zps1db99e86.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 29, 2013

IMG_201308292228_zps12a12c9e.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 29, 2013

 

[daveomak]

JW, morning..... I'll tell you what......   Blind welding those door seals sure makes the FB & CC look good....

 

[jwsimpleville]

Got a little more shop time this morning.
Got the grate made, and slide rails mounted in, also got two clamps mounted to the tank to apply slight pressure on the lid to hold it closed. Didn't have the need on my 250gal build as the doors were plenty heavy enough.

IMG_2013083020325_zps94acf883.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 30, 2013

IMG_201308304938_zpsd534ed7a.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 30, 2013

IMG_2013083012817_zps31177478.jpg

• jwsimpleville
• Aug 30, 2013

 

[JckDanls 07]

man.. really liking this build.... think there is enough room for a beer can chicken to stand up and not hit the top ?

 

[jwsimpleville]

I've never cooked a beer can chicken so I'm not sure on the height requirements. However I've planned that it will hold a rib rack if I need to cook 2-3 racks.
That beer can chicken sounds like it might be good to try for a first cook on this one though.
Does anyone know how much height clearance you typically need?

 

[mike johnson]

the length of the chicken. I guess it verys but about 10-11 inches should be good.

 

[JckDanls 07]

that's what I was thinking... 10-12 inches when sitting on a can

 

[jwsimpleville]

So there isn't enough room to do a beer can chicken, there is 7" from the top of the gate to the top of the cook Chamber.