Got the tanks for a build

[Kevster]

I picked up the tanks. Hope to start on the build this weekend and crunch some numbers on the reverse flow calculator.
320 gallon cook chamber 30” diameter 9’7” long.
114 gallon fire box. It’s 30” wide and 40” long. Hopefully the firebox will work.

I had the 114 gal tank and have been looking for a 320 since Feldon’s calculator
showed it being perfect with the FB being just slightly bigger than needed and then I found the RF calculator here so now I’m worried.

Any thoughts or wisdom for me to ponder before the weekend comes?

 

[HalfSmoked]

Not much help with the numbers but hang on someone will give you some help. Hope it turns out a great build. Keep us posted with the photos.

Warren

 

[daveomak]

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...eady-to-use-rev5-6-19-15.172425/#post_1264161 ....

If you read the above tutorial, it explains some of the problems Feldon's calculator has...
The above calculator makes a great smoker...

...

 

[Kevster]

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...eady-to-use-rev5-6-19-15.172425/#post_1264161 ....

If you read the above tutorial, it explains some of the problems Feldon's calculator has...
The above calculator makes a great smoker...

...

Thanks for responding Dave. I actually saw this calculator yesterday which is why I worry. Knowing the tanks worked perfectly on Feldon’s makes me fear they may not work with this calculator. Obviously I want it to be right so fingers crossed.
I guess the best way to go about getting the measurements needed to do the calculations is to cut the doors in on the cook camber and firebox?

Again thank you for responding.

 

[HalfSmoked]

Kevster Thanks for the like it is greatly appreciated.

Warren

 

[Kevster]

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...eady-to-use-rev5-6-19-15.172425/#post_1264161 ....

If you read the above tutorial, it explains some of the problems Feldon's calculator has...
The above calculator makes a great smoker...

...

Thanks for responding Dave. I ran some of the numbers and it occurred to me that when finding the cubic inches or gallons of the tanks we are entering the overall inside length of the tank which is incorrect or at least giving a false result. Since I’m using a propane tank my ends are domes and not square or flat ends. The calculation show my tank as being bigger than it actually is because it’s calculating the diameter of the cylinder of the tank to a square end?
As a result I come up with 336.29 gallons instead of the identification plate indicating 320 gallons.

I’m no math wiz Maybe you have that calculated in the formula and I just don’t understand it.

I’ve done all the math except the exhaust stack since I’m not sure what size pipe I’m going to use yet. But I’m having trouble figuring out is the circle calculator with a dome ends since my fire box and cook chamber are both propane tanks.
I know from earlier in your equation my FB/CC opening is supposed to be 310.73 sq in. Maybe I’ll figure that out on cardboard and make a template some how to mark what I have to cut.
This is what I’ve figured.
Again thank you very much for your time.

 

[Kevster]

Wow! Getting tons of help here...
Anyway, I’m getting ready to lay out my doors do some cutting and weld on hinges. I taped off where the RF plate is going. How far above the plate do you cut in the bottom of the doors?

 

[Kevster]

Some of my progress so far. Firebox and cook chamber burn out. My little helper welding on the FB/CC plate. And marked where the RF plate goes so I can lay out the doors.

 

[daveomak]

The 16 gallon difference is insignificant...

 

[Kevster]

So I guess cutting off one end and welding on a flat plate where the firebox meet the cook chamber doesn’t matter?

 

[daveomak]

If you cut the round end off, you can make fire pits and sell them... Might be worth $2-300 each... depends on where you live...
They make great BBQ pits... or MINI hot tubs...

 

[Kevster]

Lmao. 30 days to respond. The smoker is done. Thankfully I found a Facebook page to assist on my build.

 

[daveomak]

Thanks for responding Dave. I actually saw this calculator yesterday which is why I worry. Knowing the tanks worked perfectly on Feldon’s makes me fear they may not work with this calculator. Obviously I want it to be right so fingers crossed.
I guess the best way to go about getting the measurements needed to do the calculations is to cut the doors in on the cook camber and firebox?

Again thank you for responding.

Lmao. 30 days to respond. The smoker is done. Thankfully I found a Facebook page to assist on my build

 

[smokin peachey]

Lmao. 30 days to respond. The smoker is done. Thankfully I found a Facebook page to assist on my build.

I am sorry your question didn’t get answered in a timely manner.
Could you show us some mercy and bless us with some more pictures of your build and pictures of what you have been smoking?

There is also a chat section here on the forum that can help provide answers to questions if you catch someone in. Evening are the best times and even if you don’t have a question it’s a fun place to chew the fat.