Help for a newbie who thought he could build a smoker.

[rad1dawg]

I have built a gravity fed charcoal smoker ( now named Monstrosity ) from a vertical stick burner. I have been working on it off and on for a couple of months now. I am at the point of trial burns and have got a problem, maybe several. I am using the Lava Lock ATC and super fan. I can get to 225 in the pit by using fan speed 2 which is 50 - 60 cpm. My problem is getting ash in the pit. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Dimensions are as follows:
pit - 24" x 32"
5" x 3" heat inlet to pit
firebox - 6' w x 5" h x 7" deep
1" pipe air inlet to side of firebox - is this the right place for the air inlet?
3 1/2" pipe exhaust - 1/2 open is the fully open position
edge of pit heat inlet is 6" from front of firebox with a baffle halfway
Never before in human history has one man done so much at such great expense for so little benefit. ( My story on this smoker. )

 

[SmokinEdge]

You need more are volume with less air speed. Bigger intake (2”) and don’t obstruct the exhaust. You want a nice positive draw of air, not a forged fire.

 

[unclebubbas bbq]

Increase the air inlet size and also increase the size of the opening between the fire box and the cook chamber, then add a baffle above as a heat shield

 

[rad1dawg]

You need more are volume with less air speed. Bigger intake (2”) and don’t obstruct the exhaust. You want a nice positive draw of air, not a forged fire.

Thanks for the info. Makes sense to me. I will break out the torch and welder again.

 

[rad1dawg]

Increase the air inlet size and also increase the size of the opening between the fire box and the cook chamber, then add a baffle above as a heat shield

Thanks for the info. Matches another members suggestion to increase inlet size and increase exhaust opening. Looks like another trip to the welding supply store.

 

[rad1dawg]

Thanks for the info. Matches another members suggestion to increase inlet size and increase exhaust opening. Looks like another trip to the welding supply store.

Does it make any difference where the air goes into the firebox, on the side above or below the fire? Should the firebox be open on all sides except for grates to hold the charcoal? My firebox has plate sides with holes drilled in it. Not sure if it is getting the air it needs even with a bigger inlet.
Thanks in advance for responding to dumb questions.

 

[unclebubbas bbq]

Yes, good point, I would drill plenty of holes in the sides of the firebox. Almost all are made from expanded wire mesh just to give you an idea

 

[rad1dawg]

Yes, good point, I would drill plenty of holes in the sides of the firebox. Almost all are made from expanded wire mesh just to give you an idea

Thanks again. I'll probably just make another firebox as I can unbolt and remove my existing one.