Firebox sizing

[freddyq]

I want to build an offset smoker. Boss came across a 30" diam x 48" pipe for cooking chamber. Between 3 of us we cannot agree on a size of side fire box. One guy says it does need to be very big at all. He thinks 18" x 24" is plenty, boss, who doesn't have a clue about smoking or building a smoker says different. I used the spreadsheet and it is telling me I need a 44" long 18" diam fire box. The first guy has an18" piece of pipe so that is why we are stuck on that diameter. I want to go bigger diam pipe or even go square but they don't believe me. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

 

[daveomak]

Freddy evening and welcome to the forum.....  Here is a thread that describes smoker design and has some interesting ideas...

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/54542/building-an-italian-offset-smoker

Below are the numbers for a reverse flow...  a rectangular firebox is easier to build, mount and use....  

http://feldoncentral.com/bbqcalcula...0,19.87&fi=0,0,0,33.70,0&fc=10.70,15.13,89.86

This is the circle calculator for round areas... like openings to cook chamber etc....

http://www.1728.org/circsect.htm  

If you choose to build a smoker with tuning plates, the plate elevation can be dropped 2" to the opening height of the FB to CC... the reason being there will be no friction loss using tuning plates..... 

More cool stuff can be found in my signature line...  Hope this helps...... and.....

Please take a moment and stop into " /Roll Call/   " and introduce yourself and get a proper welcome from our members.... Also, if you would note your location in your profile, it will help in the future when answering questions about smokin'...   elevation, humidity etc....    

We're glad you stopped in and joined our group...    Enjoy the long smokey ride....     Dave

             .............click on picture to enlarge..............

FreddyQ.jpg

• daveomak
• Mar 21, 2013