how do I build a smoker?

[mousepad2007]

Hello all,
I am new to the smoking world. A few weeks ago I came across some plans in pdf format from Jeff(Smoking-Meat.com). I wasn't able to actually find the file for download. If someone has it or even if someone could steer me in the right direction it would help me out so much.
Thanks people!

 

[pigcicles]

Can you tell us what you are wanting to use? Is there a specific design that sparks your interest? Such as a vertical or horizontal. Side fire box or double barrel. Old fashioned stand up wood smokehouse. Are you wanting to just smoke meat, or will you be wanting to smoke everything you can pick up? Give us some info to steer you in the right direction.

Keep Smokin

 

[deejaydebi]

It's a bit difficult to determine what your needs are at this point. There are as many smokers as smokee out there!

 

[mousepad2007]

Hey pigcicles and DeejayDebi,
Thanks for getting back to me so fast. I would like to smoke meat for now. I would prefer to build a vertical smoker. One that uses propane would be good.

 

[squeezy]

If you are brand new to this, I would suggest buying a cheap commercial unit to use until you have a better idea what you would like in a smoker!

Just my .02 worth!

 

[pigcicles]

Usually when people go to the trouble (or love) to build a smoker they are wanting to use wood or charcoal... but if you want propane then so be it.

You will want to find a non-galvanized container large enough to hold the burner and big enough to hold a good sum of meat.

I would suggest using a good cast burner. The biggest issues you will have will be air flow (around the burner and good ventilation). Try to find something that already has a door to make life easier on you. If you can't weld or don't have a welder available you can always drill holes and mount angle iron for shelving to sit on.

You can look at the models for sale at local Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Sam's, Lowe's, or other large chains to get your ideas from.

I assume you aren't wanting to do this to save money... usually, not always, you will spend more in parts, time, and labor than you would finding one on sale or in a yard sale. So go into it for the love of doing it and expect it to take some time.

You can probably find some designs by Googling for smoker plans too.

Good Luck

 

[mousepad2007]

Thanks Pigcicle!
I will use your advise of the constuction phase of my smoker. The sad part is I don't know when I will have the time to build it . Whenever I do get around to builing it I will post the pics as well as details of what I did right and what I did wrong(hopefully I will be able to correct the mistakes).
Once again , thank you for all your help!

 

[mossymo]

I have made 2 vertical uprights using propane as the heat source. Here is a link where I introduced myself to the other members of this great site, during the introduction the topic of my smoker came up and I posted pic's of it with a vague explaination. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...2936#post52936

If you have other questions, just away away, I gaurantee there is always someone from SMF that knows the answer.