First RFS Build, need advice

[radioguy]

Hey all,

I'm a newbie to this site.  I came here to build my first smoker and am really impressed with the build section and all your great advice. 

I intend to build one from just my scrap pile only.  The tank I intend to use is an old compressor tank (circa 1927), it is heavy 1/4", about 58 gallons , 52" long x 18" diameter.  The 18 wide is a bit bothersome since I could only put in a shelf 48" x 16" or so, possibly a smaller one on top?  Do you think this is a good tank for the cooking chamber? or cut it in half and build a firebox out of this tank? 

Thanks in advance!

Tom

58 gallon tank.jpg

• radioguy
• Jan 16, 2013

 

[jarjarchef]

Welcome to SMF!!

It really depends on how much you are wanting to cook. You should be able to fit a few racks of ribs or 6-8 butts depending on size....

 

[bubbonehead]

I don't think that's a bad size at all. It's all about the volume of food you want to be able to cook at one time. My main grate is 29" deep and 48" wide. I very rarely fill it up. If I had the material I would build a smaller one now that it's just me and the wife again.

 

[daveomak]

Tom, evening and welcome to the forum....   I'd keep it that size.... with overlap from cutting the door openings you will probably end up with a 42" x 16" cooking grate...  and a 44" wide door...   If you build it smaller, and find out you have learned how to make great Q, from all the tips from our members, and have a few family members over, you will be inundated with requests for more family get togethers...  And your family will grow once they figure out where to get good eats.... And that's the truth.....  

I'll link a few calculators below that will help you in building the best smoker on your block... maybe your neighborhood....   There are certain ratios for sizes of stuff that have been proven to work and make a great smoker...   Click on the links below and cruise through them...  there are some design criteria that are pretty much "proven" to work.....    If you have any questions about anything, we have many members here that have built smokers and are very knowledgeable when it comes to building...  Also I am available.... PM me anytime...  

Here are the links that should give you some direction..... There  are 3 links there... click on each one separately....    Dave

/Smoker Design/Pit Calc/Circle Calc/

 

[rasimmo]

Great advice from others. About all I can add is to measure everything out and figure out all the measurements before you cut anything. If you can draw it out and post a pic here. You will get a lot of answers and more questions about things that you may not have thought of. Good luck and I look forward to seeing it.

 

[ribwizzard]

Best advise I could give is to fiqure out exactly what YOU want to build. How big do you want it, how much food do you plan to cook. Where is the smoker going to be located.

Then go out and get the material to build what you want. Dont compromise what you want to build due to working around material that you have or dont have.

Ive learned this the hard way over the years.

 

[radioguy]

Thanks to all for the advice, you guys are great.  I guess I got some grand ideas seeing all those 200-500 gallon trailer smokers.  Thanks for bringing me back to reality.  Guess you have to crawl before you walk / run.  It's just me and my lovely wife, maybe a few backyard parties. 

Dave thanks for the links, I'll get to reading and planning.  This one is going to be low budget, I have amassed one heck of a scrap pile over the years....time to re-purpose that old tank, cattle chute, shopping cart corral.