Firebox for 500 Gallon - Old Wood Stove?

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

smokestackMT

Newbie
Original poster
Jan 8, 2026
1
0
So I've envied you offset guys for a long time. Have loved barbecue my whole life, decided to buy a Weber kettle and try my hand at homemade barbecue this last summer, had a great time and was hooked.

This winter I've been able to find an old propane tank, I've got a fabricator brother in law who's volunteered to help me out, and I've decided to build an offset.

I have a 500 gallon tank ( was super cheap and available locally) and a lot of ambition. I want to do something unique for this build - I was thinking about some repurposed antique wood stove for the firebox, but I'm concerned the capacity may not be right, and the material may not work.

Has anyone ever tried to use an old potbelly wood stove or anything similar as a fire box? I'm in Montana, so there are tons of old wood stoves begging to be brought back to life, I just want to make sure I'm doing something that works.

Appreciate the help, I'm stoked to be here!
 

Attachments

  • PXL_20260106_225505959.MP.jpg
    PXL_20260106_225505959.MP.jpg
    5.6 MB · Views: 3
The pot belly is to small for a 500 gal tank also they are cast iron so joining the two is not a good idea.

Here is a offset calculator developed by a great member here (RIP) DaveOmak. Give it a read. It walks you through all the calculations for everything. It is designed for reverse flow but the numbers will still plug in for standard offset.


https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...eady-to-use-rev5-6-19-15.172425/#post_1264161
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky