Help with smoker build

[rob989_69]

So I got my hands on a nice commercial filing cabinet with the idea that I was going to turn it into a slow smoker. I'm running into a few obstacles though.

1.) Anyone know of a cheap source of expanded steel? I've looked around here and anything rigid enough for a cook grate is crazy expensive.

2.) Any ideas for a good reliable heat source? I know charcoal or even straight wood would be best but I'm leaning more towards electric or gas maybe. I need this to stay around 90 - 100 degrees for cold smoking.

3.) I unfortunately don't have access to a welder. And again, unfortunately don't have a couple 100 to throw down for anything decent. Does anything exist that would allow me to take the grates in place that would create a "weld" strong enough to hold up to, let's say, 20lbs? I'm looking for something in the 20 - 30 dollar range, absolutely no more than 50. Would a soldering gun do it?

Thanks for the help guys, hopefully once this is done I'll get some build pics out here.

 

[jamesb]

I've seen pics of some pretty neat smokers build from filing cabinets... Should be a fun build! How big is this cabinet? If you could post pics and dimensions now that would help with suggestions etc.

Where are you located? Do you have any metal yards in your area? A lot of times, they will sell "drops" for cheap. These are pieces that are left over from a cut piece that a customer/job didn't need. Also, depending on the size you need, you might be able to find replacement grates for gas or charcoal grills that would work. Wallyworld usually has generic, 'one size fits all' type grates.

For cold smoking, you might consider a hot plate or two. Just set them in the bottom of the cabinet and put a pan on top for your smoke wood/chips/sawdust. I would avoid gas. If you lack the airflow and the flame goes out, the cabinet can fill will the gas... not good.

As far as welding, it's probably not needed. A drill motor, a metal bit in proper size and nuts and bolts will do what you need. Heck, I built both of my UDSs this way and they work great. Just be sure and get stainless bolts/hardware. On my UDSs, the bolts protrude into the cook chamber and provide a perch for the grate to sit on.

Good luck with your build!

 

[rob989_69]

I'm in Rochester NY so my sources are extremely limited. I've found it, that's not the problem. Problem is they want $40 for a 16"x30" piece.

The "drawer" dimensions are about 13" x 27". It's a 5 drawer commercial cabinet so it's pretty big.

I was going to do the nut and bolt method. Problem is I want to keep the original drawer rails, and unfortunately they won't allow it. They extend in 2 pieces and I have 0 clearance to get bolts in between the pieces. That's why I was looking into some sort of welding technique.

My other option is to leave the drawers basically intact. Just cut the bottoms out and then I could bolt the grill down.

 

[jamesb]

Your going to need to do some cutting anyway to allow for smoke/heat to travel, so how about cutting out a portion of the bottom of each drawer, leaving a lip for the rack to set on? I think you could then use some off the shelf replacement grates.

One thing to consider is that if those sliding rails have ball bearings, they will get gunked up over time...

Check out this filing cabinet smoker. Not a cold smoker, but it's still pretty neat.

http://www.ibiblio.org/lineback/bbq/troy.htm

 

[rob989_69]

I think your right. That'll be the easiest solution overall. I was actually able to find 12x24 expanded steel sheets online. Paid $45 shipped so that's taken care of. It's actually cheaper than buying separate replacement grates. I'll probably just attach with nut's and bolts, maybe a couple pieces of angle iron to raise up the level of the grill like in the pictures.

Thanks for the help btw. Much appreciated.

 

[1894]

Another file cabinet smoker just for more ideas .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI0EF...e=channel_page