Magnets on the fire box??

[geek with fire]

Not sure about the dimensions yet. I drew it as a 3 inch tube; perhaps it should be bigger, but here's the concept (below). I ordered (5) 1/2" rare-earth magnets and the cups to mount them. They will act as the adjustable feet that will keep the tube solid agains the fire box (probably with some fire resistant rope as a gasket). Also, the servo isn't shown, but it will mount to the tube, and the gear connected directly to the damper (the round object with the 4 large holes). What do you think?

 

[hawgheaven]

That's one helluva contraption! Keep us posted on the progress...

 

[richtee]

Hmm..nice. Some questions/points:
You are using the servo for a linear drive to rotate one of the damper plates, correct? I'd wonder about corrosion/particulate build-up between the plates. And the complications of what..a worm gear drive to translate the rotational to linear?
I'll edit this reply in a few...got an idea...

And..as an afterthought...suppose you welded somewhat thermally isolated "bosses" to the fire box tops for the mags to attach to? Just some chunksof 1" square tube maybe slotted to increase surface area <heat dissipation>, then just adjust damper bottom down, like your design already appears to take into account.

 

[richtee]

oops... sorry for the double file, but one's a jpg...

 

[fatback joe]

Oh, ok, I get it. Thanks. The same idea as a guru or stoker basically.......but without fans driving things.

 

[domn8_ion]

If you're going for a stoker or guru type idea, what are you using to monitor the temp for the servo control? Also what will control the servo itself? I understand the concept, but not really the parts involved.

 

[geek with fire]

I have another post from some time back, but here's the youtube of one of my older prototypes:


Here's the post where I outlined most of the details:
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...57&postcount=8

Hope that answers your questions,

 

[geek with fire]

Now, that's an idea. If I could come up with some kind of HVAC stack with a buttyfly vent already in it (that wasn't made of galv.), I could probably mod it to what you have above. Thanks for your insight!

 

[richtee]

I don't think galv is an issue...I just posted quite a dissertation from a PE and friends on it... temps too low to be a problem...

Oh, and you are welcome!

 

[richtee]

I just heated a rare earth type..what you ordered...to maybe 450 degrees...and KILLED it. Barely holds itself on a block of carbon steel.

What abouta collar on the fireboxes that fits inside or outside of your damper arrangement?

 

[geek with fire]

Boy, that's a big bummer, since I just got a confirmation on a shipment of my magnets (oh well, RE's are cool, I'll find a use for them). That presents a problem though. I really want a solution that I don't have to modify someone's rig. I suppose I could come up with some sort of spanner mount that would feed through any average sized damper. That would solve the problem of the inner damper closing on it's own. Hmmm, I'll have to sketch a bit.......

EDIT: After I posted mine, I realized that I hadn't finished reading your post, Rich. I think I was talking about what you had already mentioned. Sorry about that.

 

[richtee]

No worries. Hey..how bout just making it weigh 10 Lbs or so? elegant? no...but WTF....