Mini offset with detachable firebox

[swechef]

Hi all,

Here's another offset build thread for your viewing pleasure!

I am building two mini offset smokers for easy portability on camping trips with my caravan. Since space is an issue when packing, I will make the firebox detachable using some bolts.

The removable firebox also makes it possible to use as a grill without the firebox.

The tank is 11x20-something and firebox 10x10x10. FB is maybe a bit on the big side but, hey, better too big than small.

Let's see how this unfolds. Don't mind the ugly welds, I am doing this as a stick welding practice...

Cheers /Wes

 

[JLeonard]

Looks cool. How is it getting supplies, meat, etc in Sweden? Look forward to the finish build.
Jim

 

[swechef]

Looks cool. How is it getting supplies, meat, etc in Sweden? Look forward to the finish build.
Jim

Thanks Jim, no problems finding meat here. Although briskets and meatier cut ribs are a bit harder to come by. Have to ask at the local supermarket and they will get it. The difficult part hee in the north is finding good wood for smoking. Apple is available since it grows here but other fancy hardwoods not so much. I end up using birch and alder usually.

 

[JLeonard]

Thanks Jim, no problems finding meat here. Although briskets and meatier cut ribs are a bit harder to come by. Have to ask at the local supermarket and they will get it. The difficult part hee in the north is finding good wood for smoking. Apple is available since it grows here but other fancy hardwoods not so much. I end up using birch and alder usually.

Looks forward to your posts and pics. I love seeing places that I may never be able to visit.
Jim

 

[tbern]

looks like a great project with some great ideas for dual usage! looking forward to your progress

 

[swechef]

Got some progress today. Made plenums for the smokers. Needed some pipe parts with specific diameter to make smoke stack removable. Turns out car exhaust pipe was perfect. Unfortunately it was galvanized. Tried first reverse zinc plating but it was too slow... Had to go for hydrochloric acid. That was fast, but it is nasty stuff... needed a big pile of baking soda to neutralize it for safe disposal!

Ran into a snag when my oxy torch started leaking. Guess I will just have to gnaw away with the old angle grinder instead.

 

[swechef]

Attached plenum. Had to weld on extra material on the smoker end to account för the tank curvature. Note to self: next time make the plenum longer, it is easier to remove material. Or wait with making the smoke stack hole until fitment is good.

I am pretty sure I am stepping into every noob trap... well well, mucking around with power tools is half the fun, right?

 

[tbern]

don't worry about minor errors, by the time you make your 10th one you'll be a pro!!

 

[swechef]

Made some firebox doors today. Still a bit undecided on the hinges but I will probably just make simple ones using some leftover round stock.
Also got the smoke stack pipe from my brother in law. Will buff it up for some bling.

 

[swechef]

Hinges for FB and CC door and FB air vents today. Starting to look like a smoker!

 

[millerbuilds]

Looking Good!

- Jason

 

[swechef]

More progress. CC grates, FB fire rack and coal baskets.

Tried bending he expanded metal on the first basket. Would maybe have turned out decent if I would have been able to heat the bends, but the OA torch is not playing. Had to resort to hammer, anvil and bicps. It's a working basket but not an eye pleaser.
On the second basket I cut pieces and welded it up. Many welds and much grinding but it looks a lot better.

I am a bit worried about the air flow with the basket obscuring the air path. Will have to test fire and cut the front of the basket off if it is a problem.

Cheers!

 

[millerbuilds]

Coming together well!

 

[rbnice1]

Such a neat little smoker!

 

[swechef]

Had to remake the FB doors. Version 1.0 had angle iron hugging the FB. Nice in theory but a pain to put hinges and closing mechanism.

Put flat bar instead and made sure the door plate recesses into the FB for a snug fit. Bullet hinges and a dead simple, sturdy closing lever. Best keep it as simple as possible.

Also made sure hinges are so that the door can be removed. This way the FB can be used standalone as a simple firepit. Nice, eh?

Cheers!

 

[swechef]

Remade hinges on CC. Not really necessary but I like the sleek look of ones made using tube rather thn the angle iron I had first.
Next order of business: sand basting and paint.

 

[swechef]

Built detachabe stand that is easy to disasemble (bolted end pieces). Almost a "flat pack IKEA-smoker" now! Thinking about making a shelf for the bottom.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

Neat project. I like the portability aspect...

 

[swechef]

Thanks for your kind words!

All welding and grinding now done. Both smoker done. Turned some handles from the rowan I cut down in the yard last year. Nice patterned wood.

Many hours on these little things. In hindsight, using the Mig instead of stick in my inexperienced hands would probably cut some fab time and yielded a "nicer" result. But now I at least find my way with the stick welder also.

Sometimes one manages to make a nice looking weld and thinks: "now I got this". Next weld is crappy ofcourse... :-)

Wasted some time on the FB doors and hinges. Shoul have bought bullet hinges right away and saved me some trouble. Also, I think I should have put bullet hinges on the CC too. Maybe I'll swap them along the line.

But now: sandblasting, paint and then BBQ!

Cheers!