Help with heat

[creterich]

Hello all
New to this been smoking in a brinkman upright for 2 years I built a offset reverse flow with plates took all summer
I am having a problem with heat not getting hot enough runs between 150-200 can't get it any warmer firebox draft wide open same as damper between firebox and chamber I am curious if I put another stack on other side will create more draft for heat the stack is only 2" I think I may have made that too small
Any ideas are greatly appreciated
Thnx rich

 

[wolfman1955]

What???

 

[creterich]

I'm having problem getting smoker to get above 200

 

[wolfman1955]

Would need to know the dimentions of your smoke chamber to calculate the stack requirements. But as u say a 2" stack may be your problem.

 

[creterich]

Chamber is 44" long x18" around

 

[wolfman1955]

If you do a google search for FELDONS CALCULATOR you can plug your numbers into it and it should tell you the sizes required for your stack and fire box.

 

[creterich]

Thank you for the help hope it's only the stack the firebox is 18"w x18"d x16" h

 

[wolfman1955]

what are your fire box dimentions?

 

[wolfman1955]

Your fire box is good how big is the opening between fire box and cook chamber?

 

[wolfman1955]

Just using your cook chamber and fire box size the calculator says you need a 2" stack 82.5" long and that number is what is above your chamber.

 

[wolfman1955]

If the opening between your FB and CC is not correct and the area between your reverse flow plate and the end of your pit opposite the FB is not correct. then draft will also be affected.

 

[creterich]

Yes just did the calcs if I go to a 4" stack shortens my length or add a stack my opening between box and chamber is 15"wide x4"deep on a radius also my firebox draft is 2"x5" rectangle I may add another draft on that also gonna have to play with it I am a form guy not a mathematician lol thank you again for the help the smoker I made is my avatar pic today looks like a good day to work on it once again thank you

 

[creterich]

There is also a dampening plate to divert the smoke under grates that is 2 3/4" to bottom of chamber I also have 4 moveable tuning plates 2at9" 2at 8" not a full plate under the grates I will try more air into firebox and bigger diam stack

 

[jarjarchef]

Welcome to the form.

This is actually a better question for the reverse flow build section. Some amazing people there can guide you to the best way to sovle your issue of heat. I will try to get you started in the mean time.

A reverse flow concept is great and easy to use if you have correct air flow. It sounds like you have an air flow challenge. Make sure all vents are wide open when you start. You need to get the heat flowing. To control the heat is simply done with the air intake. More open the hotter it gets and closeing will lower the temps, but allow time for things to settle after making a change.

If you were willing to invest the time and money into making a reverse flow, I hope you used the calculator to get your numbers for opening sizes, fire box size and stack size. Below is a link to a thread with some great build info and a calculator link. Plug your numbers in and it will help you find where the air flow issue is.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/118165/planning-a-reverse-flow-calculator-help

Without your numbers and sizes it will be hard for the experts to help. So I would suggest you add those to get the best possible answers to help you.

 

[jarjarchef]

Sorry started typing the reply and got pulled away.

 

[creterich]

Thank u when I started this thing didn't know about calculated now it's built been used once did ok took awhile but did ok wolf man 1955 helped a great deal I do believe it is my stack size and not enough draft on firebox easy to cut out more draft on firebox stack well cut that off weld piece over 2" hole to hold hole saw and re drill for bigger stack I knew this was gonna be a bit of a challenge and have to work some of these bugs out tha you for the link

Thank you wolf man 1955 and jar jar chef

Smoke on