Another new guy build, with questions

[silenthunter]

First I would like to introduce myself, my name is Rodney and I would like to say thanks, I have got a lot of good info from the site already. This will be my first build of this type. I would like to build a smoker small enough to use for family cooking and large enough for the few times a year that we do parties. I have 3 propane tanks currently 100, 120, and 220. I think the 100gal with an offset firebox is the best size for my smoker (23" x 62"x5/16"), but I would like to have a grill on the trailer also, which Leads to my first questions about my 220 gal propane tank. 

Has anyone ever built a RF smoker without dropping the firebox? here is an example http://www.tx-bbq-smokers.com/smokers_made_from_propane_tanks_new_style.htm

I also thought about building it like a hybrid lang: http://langbbqsmokers.com/lang48/lang48_hybrid.html

These are just ideas before I start. I will probably just build a RF lang 60" clone with a separate grill on the trailer, but would like input on the two above models.

Thanks,

Rodney 

 

[emetric]

I don't think the unit from texas bbq smokers is a reverse flow at all because the exhaust is on the wrong side.  Even if it were I would think that the radiant heat from the wall separating the firebox and cooking area would make for uneven cooking.  I don't understand how the texas bbq folks get the heat and or smoke into the main cook chamber, it seems to me that the heat would rise to the top of the grill area instead of flowing into the main cooking area.  The most efficient transfer would be achieved by placing the pass through at the top of the firebox feeding into the bottom of the cook chamber to allow the heat to rise as it flows through and exits.  On the lang unit there does not seem to be a way to load charcoal without removing the bottom rack (perhaps something you can improve on while building yours).

 

[roller]

 

[silenthunter]

I don't think the unit from texas bbq smokers is a reverse flow at all because the exhaust is on the wrong side.  Even if it were I would think that the radiant heat from the wall separating the firebox and cooking area would make for uneven cooking.  I don't understand how the texas bbq folks get the heat and or smoke into the main cook chamber, it seems to me that the heat would rise to the top of the grill area instead of flowing into the main cooking area.  The most efficient transfer would be achieved by placing the pass through at the top of the firebox feeding into the bottom of the cook chamber to allow the heat to rise as it flows through and exits.  On the lang unit there does not seem to be a way to load charcoal without removing the bottom rack (perhaps something you can improve on while building yours).

That's what I was thinking, but figured I would ask to see if I was wrong. I am planning on the drop fire box. I know the cooker is not a reverse flow , but did not know if anyone had ever built a reverse flow without dropping the fire box. And how that worked for them.

 

[daveomak]

SilentHunter, afternoon and welcome to the forum......   I have looked at some of the smokers, pictures only, and it appears the smoke and heat comes in at or above the cooking grate.... then travels across the food and grate and down to the exhaust stack and out....  

I think this would be possible if all the parts were sealed well and the smoke stack was a lot higher than the rest of the smoker....   Physics still applies....   Don't know if this is true or not..... I would hate to build a smoker like that and find out I wasted my time and materials....  

Then again, it would be cool to have a "down draft" side fire box smoker....  

To initiate the flow of heat, the smoke chimney might have to be inside the smoking chamber so it would get hot from the smoke chamber and extend below the cooking grate....   Just thinking out loud here.... don't abuse me....LOL....   Dave 

 

[JckDanls 07]

you could always use the 220 and put a petition (divider) in it... 3/4 of it for the smoker and the other 1/4 for a grill... cut the 100 down for your fire box for the smoker... that way you don't have 2 separate tanks on the trailer... just a thought

 

[silenthunter]

SilentHunter, afternoon and welcome to the forum......   I have looked at some of the smokers, pictures only, and it appears the smoke and heat comes in at or above the cooking grate.... then travels across the food and grate and down to the exhaust stack and out....  

I think this would be possible if all the parts were sealed well and the smoke stack was a lot higher than the rest of the smoker....   Physics still applies....   Don't know if this is true or not..... I would hate to build a smoker like that and find out I wasted my time and materials....  

Then again, it would be cool to have a "down draft" side fire box smoker....  

To initiate the flow of heat, the smoke chimney might have to be inside the smoking chamber so it would get hot from the smoke chamber and extend below the cooking grate....   Just thinking out loud here.... don't abuse me....LOL....   Dave 

Not that I have the time or materials to experiment with or really think that it would work, but if you stubbed the exhaust from the cook chamber back into the fire box and then up and out, then the fire box would heat the air in the exhaust, it would rise and the pull a draft through the cook chamber.

 

[daveomak]

After i wrote the above response.... I had another idea......  (they hurt sometimes).....   A reverse flow with the firebox inlet above the cooking grate.... run the stack right in front of the firebox / cook chamber opening.... thru the RF plate where it would pick up the heat/smoke...  the hot air from the opening would really create draft.....   Basically the same as your idea....   I think we should build at least one of those designs...  Of course the firebox / smoke chamber opening would have to be enlarged to account for the restriction the stack would impose....   I think it would be the coolest smoker around...... especially if I built it... 

....

.......

 

[silenthunter]

Well I decided to go with a patio build instead of a trailer. I am going to start working on it tonight. 

What is the best way to deal with the tank valve holes?

do you plug, fill, and grind them smooth? do you plug and then turn the tank upside down (use the bottom of the tank for the top)?  

 

[emetric]

Silent hunter, I too am building my first smoker (a patio sized rf smoker). You can follow my progress here:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/124924/my-first-smoker-build#post_844083
I started with a 30 gal compressor tank and some sheet steel. I am also fairly new to welding, so it might not be pretty but I am fairly certain she will get the job done. Feel free to follow along as I make progress. I will definitely be following your progress as well. As one newb to another .... Good Luck!

 

[silenthunter]

I changed my patio build to a trailer build, due to an old free trailer I got.

I also started my buld thread at http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/125439/100-gallon-silent-hunter-build-lots-of-pics