Counterweight location

[newbiesmoker]

I'm trying to figure out where I should put my counterweight and how much it should weigh.
Any info is greatly appreciated
I bought this at an auction for $150

 

[Winterrider]

@daveomak should be around. He is pretty versed on such. can you put some type of scale on the front lip so can weigh the door when closed, might be a starting point.

 

[newbiesmoker]

@daveomak should be around. He is pretty versed on such. can you put some type of scale on the front lip so can weigh the door when closed, might be a starting point.

OK thanks, I used my wife's scales and it was 64.7lbs.
Now she always tells me they read higher

 

[daveomak]

Think about the weight holding the door closed while down... Then when moved to the other side of the hinge, it will be opening the door... making it lighter...

 

[newbiesmoker]

Think about the weight holding the door closed while down... Then when moved to the other side of the hinge, it will be opening the door... making it lighter...

I appreciate this. I'll see what I can get done this weekend. This is crude drawing but does this location look about right?

 

[Gonna Smoke]

So what are your plans for this cooker? Add an offset firebox? What's your fuel source going to be? How is additional fuel added during the cook/smoke? Is there an access door somewhere that's not shown? I'm just curious as to how you're going to use it...

 

[newbiesmoker]

So what are your plans for this cooker? Add an offset firebox? What's your fuel source going to be? How is additional fuel added during the cook/smoke? Is there an access door somewhere that's not shown? I'm just curious as to how you're going to use it...

Right now it's charcoal and I lift the lid and dump charcoal/wood in the trays in the pics.
I have a lp burner I made I need to install.
It originally was a hog roaster but I cut expanded metal for a rack. I can remove it and still use the rotisserie if needed.

 

[daveomak]

I'm not sure how you would put a counter-weight on that door...

 

[Fueling Around]

A 300 gallon fuel oil tank conversion. I've cooked many a whole hog in a couple different ones.

If you think you'll be using the charcoal side baskets, they work much better if converted into a long skinny drawer so you can reload without opening the main door.
Side thought, If you want to use this as a huge charcoal grill, connect the 2 side basket drawers into a very large tray.

Here's my thoughts on a counterbalance for the lid. Yes, I am not very artistic.

 

[newbiesmoker]

A 300 gallon fuel oil tank conversion. I've cooked many a whole hog in a couple different ones.

If you think you'll be using the charcoal side baskets, they work much better if converted into a long skinny drawer so you can reload without opening the main door.

Thanks, I made this burner but haven't put it in yet. I think the pull out trays would be a good idea.

 

[Fueling Around]

Happy to lend my experience.
Message if you need side conversations.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I like John's idea for the counterweight. The arms could be made adjustable to slide towards the lid or away from it to find the sweet spot for it...