Counter Weights

[texas redneck]

Jabbo, perhaps I'm missing something, but if you are going to only have 1/8" between them, then how are you going to install the kind of rigging that Dave has drawn up?

 

[vtmecheng]

I am assuming the smokers will be sitting on legs and have room below them.  Is this correct?  If so you could put a couple small, vertically run pipes between the smokers and run cables through the pipes that go from the doors to weights below the smokers.  With the right levers in place and enough weight the weights won't have to move much to provide all the assistance required.  This may require more like 1/4" between the smokers so I am not sure if that will work.  I can help with the lever arm design as well if you need it (kinematics is fun).

 

[jabbo]

I am assuming the smokers will be sitting on legs and have room below them.  Is this correct?  If so you could put a couple small, vertically run pipes between the smokers and run cables through the pipes that go from the doors to weights below the smokers.  With the right levers in place and enough weight the weights won't have to move much to provide all the assistance required.  This may require more like 1/4" between the smokers so I am not sure if that will work.  I can help with the lever arm design as well if you need it (kinematics is fun).

I thought of that first and may try it out while there is only one smoker.  The second one will be a while.  It would leave the smallest profile and still be very functional.  However, once the second smoker goes on, it will have to be switched to something different.  I don't think any levers would be needed.  I believer there is enough room below the smoker to allow the weights to travel the same distance as the door.  

Jabbo, perhaps I'm missing something, but if you are going to only have 1/8" between them, then how are you going to install the kind of rigging that Dave has drawn up?

I was thinking of building a frame that runs over the smokers from end to end.  I could connect them with a couple of braces for added strength.  This would allow the same basic setup for both smokers.

 

[weedeater]

Jabbo,

Have you considered using a couple of small winches like you would see on an ATV / 4 wheeler.  12 volts, remote control, mounting flexibility, only a thin cable to go between units, nothing to redo when you add the second smoker, lot less mechanical to deal with.  Just a thought.  Joe

 

[jabbo]

Thank you, Joe, for making me feel stupid.  I have thought of using a hand winch, but for whatever reason, not an electric one.  With a winch I wouldn't have to worry about measuring anything and since they are rated at 1,000's of pounds, there is no worry about it's strength.  They are cheaper and more widely available than actuators, too.  They have remotes and can start and stop at any point and they are reversible.  They are larger than an actuator but not by much.  I don't see a downside.  Does anyone else?

 

[rasimmo]

I wish I would have thought of that. Just a couple of pulleys to get the cable around the tank, keep a low profile so it won't look silly, and have the winch mounted under smoker. I like that.

I just looked at northern tool to see how much they cost. They have a few for under $100.

 

[daveomak]

Thank you, Joe, for making me feel stupid.  I have thought of using a hand winch, but for whatever reason, not an electric one.  With a winch I wouldn't have to worry about measuring anything and since they are rated at 1,000's of pounds, there is no worry about it's strength.  They are cheaper and more widely available than actuators, too.  They have remotes and can start and stop at any point and they are reversible.  They are larger than an actuator but not by much.  I don't see a downside.  Does anyone else?

You might need an electric brake or manual braking system... there is no safety system on most electric winches....  If the door was up and there was a failure, it could be serious....  Also if you are looking at a winch, either elec. or manual, usually a manual switching device for in and out is needed....   losing control of the manual winch could be a problem.... likewise for the electric.....   

Not saying it couldn't be done or isn't possible....  I have lost control of a manual winch on a boat trailer and first response was to stick my hand in and grab the handle..... didn't work... 

electric motors will freewheel also.... 

The smoker door will be similar to a guillotine....  

 

[vtmecheng]

I thought of that first and may try it out while there is only one smoker.  The second one will be a while.  It would leave the smallest profile and still be very functional.  However, once the second smoker goes on, it will have to be switched to something different.  I don't think any levers would be needed.  I believer there is enough room below the smoker to allow the weights to travel the same distance as the door. 

What about having the cables (which would be run though thin pipe) placed to one of the sides of the smoker.  It would be easy to route the cable off to the side with a pulley and you would have room for both smokers placed back to back.  As for the winch idea, I am with Dave on that one.  It would be great so long as nothing fails but when it does fail things could be bad. Yeah it's a small chance but an unnecessary one as well.  How much force is required to lift the doors at the handle?

 

[rasimmo]

You could just add a simple prop for the door for safety while open. I think Lang has a swinging prop like I am talking about. That way if the winch fails it won't chop off any body parts. That would ruin a good smoke.

 

[jarjarchef]

Dave is correct about the direction the wenches operate for the ATV....... However why could you not use a similar wench/motor/pulley system that is used for boat lifts......they run in both directions.......

 

[jabbo]

What about having the cables (which would be run though thin pipe) placed to one of the sides of the smoker.  It would be easy to route the cable off to the side with a pulley and you would have room for both smokers placed back to back.  As for the winch idea, I am with Dave on that one.  It would be great so long as nothing fails but when it does fail things could be bad. Yeah it's a small chance but an unnecessary one as well.  How much force is required to lift the doors at the handle?

I think we are on the same page with the cable routing, VT.  If not we're in the same chapter.

I was thinking of a bi-directional wench.  I also know of wenches that have built in brakes.  Guys in the rock crawling game use them because nobody wants their truck tumbling down a mountain, especially when there are spectators.  It would be a matter of the cost difference between the wench and the actuator.