Very nice, I've been watching your restore. So how did the old smoker hold temp for you? What do you still feel needs attention to make it work better?
George
So it held temps pretty well. About 6 hours in I was struggling to get the hot side above 250. No clue what the cold side was at since I had to order 2 new thermometers because the ones I bought were hazy. It would fluctuate between 225 and 300 on the hot side.
One change I will make is using split wood vs the bag of chunks from Wal-Mart, they are tiny and burn quickly. I think that will bring consistency.
I also need to get the fire box sealed well and am struggling on what type of clamp to use. I know I do not have the tools to bend the door or hinges to close properly on the bottom. It has a 1/8" gap at the bottom edge. The door could be curved more or hinges cut and re-welded, I dont have a welder. I attached a pic of where and what clamp I want to use but am unsure if the clamp can clamp on a rounded surface. I would put the hook on the lid and the clamp on the FB drum. Pic also attached of the gap I need to close. The lavalock on the CC was enough to seal most of the leaks, leaks a little at the bottom mostly due to the lid not closing as far since it now closes on the gasket material on the top, I wont be clamping it.
Also reading the witchita door mod thread I think I have the same issue. The top air inlet is above the transition to the CC so I have flow out the vents. I will eventually replace the vent bolted to the door and enlarge the bottom vent like in that thread, i need a 9sq in vent for my FB size.
I am unsure if I should lower the exhause vent to grate level or not, right now mine sits 4" above the grate. Not sure what that will really affect for me, I think it would restrict flow.
Modding the FB vent and getting it sealed tightly along with split wood I think will help a lot with stability on long cooks.
I will also need to figure out a drip pan solution and clean up the torch hole someone made for the grease to drain. It made a lovely mess all over my patio. I just need to find a Nice small galvanized pail with a handle and an eye hook.
I've attached pics of all things I have in question that may help show what I'm looking at.
