First Custom 275gal Reverse Flow Smoker

[Trus]

Good Day, I finally got my hands on the actually propane tank and trailer i needed for this build. I've used Dave calculator to calculate the following number for my custom smoker. Please feel free to correct my math if its wrong. Ive posted a few calculation prior to this post but those were numbers given to me from the previous owner. Now these are the actual measurements ive pulled from the tank this morning.

Diameter: 30.557"
Radius: 15.2785"
Length: 87"

Gallons: 276gal
Volume of CC: 63801.60 cu in
FB/CC Opening: 255.20 sq in [Est. 12" x 20" (264 sq in)]
Area under RF Plate: 255.20 sq in [Est. 12" x 20" (264 sq in)]
Area at the end of RF Plate: 255.20 sq in [Est. 12" x 20" (264 sq in)]

Firebox Volume: 21054.52 cu in [Est Box Size: 26" x 26" x 36" (24336 cu in)]
Firebox Air Inlet: 63.8016 sq in [ Est Air Inlet: 5" x 15" (75 sq in)]

Exhaust Stack Volume: 1403.63 cu in
Stack Length: 8" at 27.92in but looking to do a 8" x 36"

Cirle Calculations
Radius: 15.2785"
Segment Height ED: 12"
Segment Area: 267.27


Here is a drawing i made for what im planning.

Let me know what yall think. I will start laying out the smoker next week when the weather is better.

Thanks advance for yall input and expertise.

 

[fivetricks]

I'll be watching this every time you post :-)

 

[smokin peachey]

Love a good smoker build. Keep the pics coming. Are you planning on using a T on the exhaust? If so you might want to look into something with less restrictions.

 

[crazymoon]

T, I'm no help on your numbers but post pics as I'm along for the ride !

 

[Trus]

What is the thickness of piping do you use for the stack?

 

[smokin peachey]

I used 1/4. I slide an 8” diameter piece of stove pipe inside

 

[Trus]

good lord thats a big ass smoke stack lol. Is that 8" or is bigger and the 8" is inside

 

[smokin peachey]

8” pipe.
Here was my build thread.

500 gallon tank build

Here are some pictures from my resent build using a 500 gallon propane tank for the CC. I built this outside because I do not have a big shop. I bought a acetylene torch off Craigslist and bought a cheap welder at harbor freight. I also found a cheap trailer on Craigslist. I tried to use what I...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[Trus]

I finally was able to measure out my door and opening for the firebox. from bottom to the top of the fire box opening is 12". As for the topd of the door, I measured 3" down from 12 oclock. top to bottom of the door is roughl y 18". My question is if i cut the hole for the fire box at 12" from the bottom, it would be very close to the bottom right of the door. I measured to cut 2 in pass the welded seam. Should i only cut the firebox on the outer edge of the welded seam?

 

[daveomak]

Cut out the FB hole past the weld seam, like in the picture or cut it into the CC as far as you like...

Standard Reverse Flow Smoker Calculator... by DaveOmak and others... Ready to use.. rev5.. 6/19/15.

Here's to "Alien BBQ" and the folks that first put the calculator together and "1728 Software Systems" for this great "Circle Calculator" and all the folks at "SmokingMeatForums", with a special shout out to Ribwizzard, that contributed their ideas and feedback while this thing was coming...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

....

 

[Trus]

Dave, currently my cc door is really close to this edge of the fb. Should I shorten the left and right of the cc door or shorten the top and bottom of the door?

 

[daveomak]

That top edge of the FB should be well below the door.... The you can weld the RF plate to the top of the FB and not have to mess with fitting the RF plate to any "odd" contours...

 

[Trus]

How thick of material are you guys using for fire box? I’m using a 5/16” thick and it’s quite heavy. Wasn’t sure if it’s too heavy.

 

[daveomak]

5/16" is good....

 

[Trus]

Some progress with the build, until ran out of oxygen for the torch. And I forgot to order some 1-1/2” Flat bar. So this project will continue next week. Slowly but surely.

 

[Trus]

Worked on the smoker for a few hours today. Got the firebox built, waiting for the hole to be cut and 3/4 of the door is finish and hinges. She’s coming together slowly. Hopefully next time I work on this, I’ll be able to mount the fb to the cc.

 

[anstissk]

Looking good! That will be a nice unit when complete.

 

[Trus]

Finally completely cut the door in the CC. Got the handle bar and counterweight in place.
I think I might have to redo the counterweight. Currently it has some weight to the door in the first 20% of the opening then the counterweight kicks in and it’s a breeze to open. Do you guys think I should reweld the bracket and angle it more toward the back of the pit?
Also, I see Dave said to not fully weld, does that pertain to the weld when attaching the fire box? Im
Planning to put the fire box to the CC tomorrow. If it needs to be skip weld let me know
Before I weld the whole thing lol.
Thanks

 

[anstissk]

Finally completely cut the door in the CC. Got the handle bar and counterweight in place.
I think I might have to redo the counterweight. Currently it has some weight to the door in the first 20% of the opening then the counterweight kicks in and it’s a breeze to open. Do you guys think I should reweld the bracket and angle it more toward the back of the pit?
Also, I see Dave said to not fully weld, does that pertain to the weld when attaching the fire box? Im
Planning to put the fire box to the CC tomorrow. If it needs to be skip weld let me know
Before I weld the whole thing lol.
Thanks

Fully weld the fire box to the cook chamber. Intermittent weld the reverse flow plate inside. No need to fully weld that in, just a waste of wire/rod.

 

[Trus]

Update, was able to get quite a few done on the build. I mess up on the placement for the fire box door hinges. Not centered but it will do. Plan to finish with firebox door, weld the stack and cut out the firebox dampener. After this will come the mounting feet for the cooking chamber.
Question, do you guys think sitting this whole build on the trailer? Or would it be better to set the firebox toward the back, below the trailer platform? If so how low can/should I go?