Blanket Warmer Build Up Pics

[big archery nut]

A couple of weeks ago I asked some question in regards to a blanket warmer build-up I was starting. Just wanted to post some pics.Doesn't appear to have any options to attach pictures????? Only option at bottom of page is to add a poll.

 

[pops6927]

It takes a couple dozen posts until you are no longer in the 'held for moderation' mode, including posting Qviews, etc.  Immediate access was spoiled by spammers posting garbage, unfortunately for honest members like yourself; we sincerely apologize.  Have some patience, full access will be granted soon enough, please understand.  Thanks!

 

[big archery nut]

Thanks Pops. Will I be notified?

 

[big archery nut]

Looks as if I can finally add pics. Any input is more then welcome. Thanks.

This is what I'm starting with. The inside pic is before adding shelves.

P1020561.JPG

• big archery nut
• Feb 28, 2013

P1020563.JPG

• big archery nut
• Feb 28, 2013

Here are the top vents. Two 2" with dampers.

P1020568.JPG

• big archery nut
• Feb 28, 2013

New inside racks and shelves for extra capacity.

P1020590.JPG

• big archery nut
• Feb 28, 2013

Now I have added a bottom deflector. My AMNPS and 1500 watt heating element will sit below this. Will need to add bottom vents for the wood chip burner. I'm also adding a circulating fan. It's just sitting inside and have not decided on the location. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON THE FAN LOCATION? I will add a deflector on the fan but any input is welcome. Motor outside and blade inside with speed control. Will be doing jerky so I feel the fan will help with drying and while smoking circulate the smoke and heat evenly in the unit.

P1020594.JPG

• big archery nut
• Feb 28, 2013

 

[daveomak]

Bill, morning....  About the bottom deflector..... It looks like, the way it is configured, it will trap heat under it causing heat build up in that area and rapid burning of the AMNPS due to the extra heat....  Some additional area for air/heat flow around and thru the deflector might be a consideration...   Just something to think about...    

The smoker is beautiful....  nice shelves and the fan is an excellent idea.... I have been thinking of a fan in my MES 30 for some time.... haven't sprung on the purchase yet....    

Dave

 

[scootermagoo]

Wow, that's gorgeous!  I have no helpful advice, just "wow, that's gorgeous".

 

[hoity toit]

you are lucky to find that warmer. The 1500 w element will be more than enough to heat with. You may not need a fan though. I like the humidity to help the process, and let the vapor evaporate slowly because it keeps the jerky from getting tough on the outside and chewy on the inside. You will be looking for even texture throuout. My thoughts...

 

[big archery nut]

Bill, morning....  About the bottom deflector..... It looks like, the way it is configured, it will trap heat under it causing heat build up in that area and rapid burning of the AMNPS due to the extra heat....  Some additional area for air/heat flow around and thru the deflector might be a consideration...   Just something to think about...    

The smoker is beautiful....  nice shelves and the fan is an excellent idea.... I have been thinking of a fan in my MES 30 for some time.... haven't sprung on the purchase yet....    

Dave

Dave,

It's hard to see in the picture but there is about a 2" space between the deflector and the back and front of the cabinet and when finished mounting it will have a least a 1" space on the sides. That should allow smoke and heat to escape from the bottom.

 

[big archery nut]

Wow, that's gorgeous!  I have no helpful advice, just "wow, that's gorgeous".

Thanks for the complement. Hopefully the finished product works.

 

[big archery nut]

you are lucky to find that warmer. The 1500 w element will be more than enough to heat with. You may not need a fan though. I like the humidity to help the process, and let the vapor evaporate slowly because it keeps the jerky from getting tough on the outside and chewy on the inside. You will be looking for even texture throuout. My thoughts...

I tested both heating elements I used in an old 55 gallon barrel. The max temp from the 750 watt element was 175 degrees. The 1500 watt element gets the unit up to 300 degrees which is plenty. I'm getting my temperature controller today so moving forward with the unit. I wasn't sure about the fan but had talked to a friend with a commercial smoker and he suggested adding one to keep the heat even throughout the unit (top to bottom).

I have always made jerky in a dehydrator and I figured they use a fan why no use it for jerky. Will watch the speed to make sure I get a slow controlled drying of the meat.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[big archery nut]

I do have a question. Under the deflector I'm putting the heating element and the AMNPS. Do you see any problem with one on each side of the deflector plate (right & left side)?

I felt by using a fan it would circulated both smoke and temp around evenly.

Thanks.

 

[tjohnson]

Looks Cool!

Waiting for the Maiden Voyage

TJ

 

[goingcamping]

BAN,

Nice set-up. I thought of using a blanket warmer as a smoker, but found a commercial cooker/warmer instead. Mine uses an internal fan that circulates the heated air (smoke included) from the top mounted elements down a rear mounted plenum. It does have some minor effect on the AMNTS, so I built a deflector to keep direct air flow off, otherwise it flames up some.

I can't wait too see it finished...

~Brett

 

[goingcamping]

BAN,

How goes the little blanket Warmer smoker? I've bid on a small hospital food cart and a larger 2 compartment blanket warmer...should pick them up this week.

I'm thinking of modifying the food cart in a similar was as yours...only I'll use propane as I have a RVQ2 (bought because we loved the RVQ...RVQ2 sucked) I've got it sitting in my garage so I can pilfer all the controls and heating element...

I'm gonna convert the blanket warmer into a curing cabinet (buy a small dorm fridge and use compressor/coils/controls for temp control)...

Where'd you get those nice little stacks?

~Brett

 

[big archery nut]

BAN,

How goes the little blanket Warmer smoker? I've bid on a small hospital food cart and a larger 2 compartment blanket warmer...should pick them up this week.

I'm thinking of modifying the food cart in a similar was as yours...only I'll use propane as I have a RVQ2 (bought because we loved the RVQ...RVQ2 sucked) I've got it sitting in my garage so I can pilfer all the controls and heating element...

I'm gonna convert the blanket warmer into a curing cabinet (buy a small dorm fridge and use compressor/coils/controls for temp control)...

Where'd you get those nice little stacks?

~Brett

Brett,

My project was put on hold for a while. The weather has been a bit cold to work on it outside. I did temporally wire the controls in and smoked some ribs last weekend. I'm glad I did a test run. I'm using a AMNPS smoke generator and just drilling 4 - 3/8" holes in the bottom let plenty of air in for combustion. I didn't install the new gasket for the door so I ended up closing the top vents to keep the burn down and the temp up inside. It was in the 20's so the internal temp was about 240. The gasket will help with the heat leaking out.

I made the top vents myself. 2" electrical conduit with aluminum cap on top. I made some sheet metal dampers for the conduit. After the test run may not have needed 2 but once summer gets here may help control the heat.

I'm excited ti finish it. I think it will work great. Good luck with yours and hope to see some pictures soon.

Bill

 

[goingcamping]

Brett,

My project was put on hold for a while. The weather has been a bit cold to work on it outside. I did temporally wire the controls in and smoked some ribs last weekend. I'm glad I did a test run. I'm using a AMNPS smoke generator and just drilling 4 - 3/8" holes in the bottom let plenty of air in for combustion. I didn't install the new gasket for the door so I ended up closing the top vents to keep the burn down and the temp up inside. It was in the 20's so the internal temp was about 240. The gasket will help with the heat leaking out.

I made the top vents myself. 2" electrical conduit with aluminum cap on top. I made some sheet metal dampers for the conduit. After the test run may not have needed 2 but once summer gets here may help control the heat.

I'm excited ti finish it. I think it will work great. Good luck with yours and hope to see some pictures soon.

Bill

Thanks Bill....You're in the Midwest, so cold is the name of the game and hot and humid is what will soon follow. I will definitely post some pics when I get it going! I get to pick it up tomorrow morning. I'll try to be as detailed as I can.

~Brett