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The mods I added where my original thought but I wanted to test it without it. I'm also going to test it with a longer stack just learn as an experiment.
I had a little time to tinker today so I started on the side burner and it came together nicely. I just need to finish the wind screens and then I can check that off the list, so I can focus on dialing in the VCC.
Thanks, I'm getting excited about seeing the finish line. I still need to do my VCC stack experiments and the complete all the last minute punch list items but those shouldn't take to much effort. It just takes patience to finish it off right.....
I smoke/grill more in the winter months so it should be all ready for this fall!!!
Ok just a little update......I've done a few more test burns and this has left me not happy with the VCC performance...... therefore, I'm in the process of making changes.
Each chamber damper gate will be increased to more than double the original area. I'm shooting for about 3 times the stack area. Then I'm changing the VCC deflector plate back to solid and lifting the rails up it rests on. The goal is for an equivement "flow area" under and around the deflector plate as the fire box damper.
Once I get better air flow I'm hoping to be able to really control the temperature in the VCC from warmer temp to high enough to cook chicken skin nice and crispy. The option to put coals on the deflector and grill is always there to.
It actually does that very nicely right now, however, I would like the option to extend cooking volume over to the VCC if needed. I figure larger openings just allow more flexibility to do so.
I'm shooting to be able to get the VCC the same or slightly higher temp than the main. I will also have an elevated grate that I can set over the diverted pan to burn coals with chips to grill and roast.
I already tested the diverter plate raised up & capped and it worked much better. I should be ready to test all the new adjustments together on Tuesday....
Here is the elevated and "shrunken" deflector plate. It allows for a less restricted flow from the FB
The complete rearranged shelves and relationship to the deflector plate.
Overall I'm a happy camper with the changes . Now, the VCC will run at the same temp as the HCC when wide open. Closed up it runs low as warming oven temp.
I have done tons of lathe work but I don't have access to one right now so just 1.5 inch and 3/4 inch pre turned round.....I know I'm being lazy but I'm wanting to start cooking!