55 gal drum

[hilly42]

Looking to build a horizontal offset reverse flow smoker out of 55 gal barrel with an 1/8" thick firebox would it last? Is it worth my time? Can't find any good tanks anywhere!!!

 

[crankybuzzard]

Looking to build a horizontal offset reverse flow smoker out of 55 gal barrel with an 1/8" thick firebox would it last? Is it worth my time? Can't find any good tanks anywhere!!!

It will work, but welding in the RF plate will be VERY tedious, be prepared for some blowouts, 55-gallon drums are quite thin material when the welder hits them....  Also, what type of welder do you have?  Running the beads for the RF plate will tax a light duty welder in short time.  Most of the smaller MIG types are only set for a 25-30% duty cycle.

The length of time it will last will depend upon you.  You'll have to keep the FB clean of ash and make certain it doesn't get wet inside of the FB.  Water and ashes love to make a nice caustic paste that eats metal fast.

You don't have to use a tank to make a smoker.  Plate steel, large diameter pipe, etc., will all weld up into a very nice smoker.

 

[motolife313]

Wait for something thicker. U could try and find a steel yard the sells big Rem pipe. I've got a place out here near Portland or that sells it. Wouldn't hurt to go thicker on the fire box, like 1/4 or the 1/8" with fire bricks would be good

 

[dirtsailor2003]

If you have a 55 gallon drum already, turn it into a UDS, and smoke with that until you gather the proper steel you need for your reverse flow!

You might find you like the UDS so much you won't need to spend the dough on the RF!