Firebox Help

[copout]

I am building my first smoker and cannot get the template to work on my computer. (maybe it is operator error) I have a cooking chamber that is 57 inches in lenght and 28 inches wide at the center. I need help computing the firebox size, number and size of openings in firebox, opening to the chamber from firebox, and stack height and diameter. The chamber is an old LP gas tank we have cut one end cap off of. Help please! Also, what is the reccommended height from the bottom of the chamber to the flow plate?

 

[copout]

Ok, if I am using this calulator right, my firebox is going to be 24H X 30W X 24L. Firebox inlet air opening will be 3.5 x 7 for two openings. Exhaust stack using 4" pipe is 68.79 " and firebox to cooking chamber opening is 5 x 23. Does that sound about right? Thanks for the input. Also if I am understanding this right, If I use two stacks at 4", I can divide the 68.79 by 2 and come up with 34.395" stacks. All this math is making my head hurt. I am ready for some ribs!

 

[jonnyrod]

6" from the bottom of the smoke chamber to the reverse flow plate and at least 6" from the reverse flow plate to the first grill is the rule I follow. I divided my 4" stacks by two to shorten them up a bit and installed them at grate height as well. How about some pctures as you move forward?

 

[copout]

Thanks for the input! I have started this project and have a couple of pics up already under "My New Reverse Flow Smoker Build". I have dropped the tank off at the sandblasters, and am going to get the axle and tires this week. Now I am at the mercy of the sandman!

 

[gary s]

Try this link or type in Smoker Ratio Calaulator  in your seatch engine

Update 3-2010
Another option is to check out this new version of the calculator created by Smoke Ring member "dodis" (Mike).
Mike has a great working knowledge of Excel and came up this version that allows the user to make choices about the smoker design and proceed through the form accordingly.
Take a look and let Mike know what you think.

http://webpages.charter.net/tomchism/Dodis%20Calculator/

Good luck on your build! 

 

 Update 3-2010
Another option is to check out this new version of the calculator created by Smoke Ring member "dodis" (Mike).
Mike has a great working knowledge of Excel and came up this version that allows the user to make choices about the smoker design and proceed through the form accordingly.
Take a look and let Mike know what you think.

http://webpages.charter.net/tomchism/Dodis%20Calculator/

Good luck on your build!