First time smoker build, need some help.

[scott miller]

Ok, I have a tank. it's a 300 gal oval fuel tank, yes I plan to clean it throughly several times, sandblast inside and out. painting outside with high temp engine paint.. I would powder coat it if I could afford it.

Questions I have are:

Should I lay it flat or stand it up, I was thinking laying it flat would keep a higher concentration of smoke on the meat. Any thoughts?  I want to make a side burner, how big should that be to support the volume of the smoker? do I need a flue to regulate the smoke and heat? or are adjustable vents enough? well that's where I'm starting any help/ideas would be appreciated, Thank You !

 

[wtipton]

Hello Scott,

These tanks make great smokers but I can not say it enough, clean clean clean it.

I personally would keep it vertical and use its existing legs, this will give you more rack space, and would consider making it a reverse flow.

The first place you want to start is

http://www.feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator.html

This will tell you the ratios of fire box to cooking area, chimney size vent size ect.

Hope this helps....

William
 

 

[scott miller]

My plan was to sandblast the outside. The cut
My door out. Then start a fire on the inside of it
To burn whatever us left in there out. Was going
To make it pretty hit. Then sandblast the inside
Too. And then wash it all with soap and hot water
And a wire brush a few times.