Modding for the Weekend

[rhnewfie]

Hi All,

I have had my CharBroil Offset 820 for about a week now just sitting in the box. Due to other commitments I have not been able to get it put together and it is my hope to get a start on it this weekend. I have picked up everything that I could get my hands on for the mods that I want to do as I put it together.

Here is what I have planned:

1. High temp red silicone from 3M to seal all screws, the space between the firebox and the main chamber, around the stack, and anything else that needs it.
2. Non-galvanized aluminum flashing to extend the stack to the grate held in via friction. I will also use a length of this to heighten the stack and improve the draw.
3. I have some steel mesh to create a charcoal box, not sure if it is suitable or not as it has a black coating on it. (Chime in if you recognize this as being an issue!)
4. 2 firebricks wrapped in heavy duty tinfoil to line the bottom of the main chamber.
5. I am going to use the aluminum flashing or a cookie sheet to create a baffle and tuning plates as well. I searched high and low for the right steel for the job to no avail. If and when I do find it at least I will have templates created with the flashing! I read on another forum about someone that used flashing for the tuning plates as well and they indicated that it was helpful in evening out the temperatures.
6. Re-curve the main chamber door as there appears to be some play at the lower edge of the door. I will try to bend it by putting a marker under the lid towards the top. Failing this I may try either fireplace barrier ribbon or the oil spray with the 3M silicone.
7. Water or sand pan by the firebox opening.
8. I may or may not cover the charcoal grate from the main chamber with aluminum foil.

Hopefully all of that will help to seal the smoker well and allow for decent even temperatures.

I will take pics as I go and post them up here. As always, I am open to suggestions!

Here is what I am starting with.

Smoker.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 13, 2013

 

[rhnewfie]

Based on reading here today I think I am also going to line the bottom of the firebox to help prevent it from burning out. I may do this with the aluminum flashing or a simple aluminum foil BBQ tray.

 

[rhnewfie]

Was shopping last night and somehow 3 chickens, 4 pork loins, 4 steaks, a pack of drumsticks, and a pack of chops jumped into my cart...

 

[rhnewfie]

Well, got to do some stuff on the weekend. Saturday was tied up and given that Sunday was Father's Day I didn't have a ton of time. My son and I managed to build the coal box for the FB and then put together the stand and secure the CC to it. Next step is to loosen each CC bolt from the frame and use the high temp silicone to seal the nuts on the inside of the chamber. I am second guessing doing this though since heat and smoke rise so I am not thinking that those spots will be huge sources of heat loss.

J

 

[rhnewfie]

Did a bunch of work with my boy last night.

Made the charcoal basket

IMG_3127.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 18, 2013

Baffel from aluminum flashing

IMG_3132.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 18, 2013

Sealed the outside and stack with stove gasket cement

IMG_3130.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 18, 2013

Extended the stack

IMG_3134.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 18, 2013

More pics to come later!

 

[rhnewfie]

Charcoal basket fit perfectly and sits up on the provided charcoal grate. it's 12"x12" and 6" high.

IMG_3143.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 19, 2013

 

[themule69]

Looks like you have it going your way. If you seal up the Bottom bolts. You can control air flow better.It is not to stop heat lose.

Happy smoken.

David

 

[rhnewfie]

I will check into that. Are talking about the bottom bolts that attach for the grate rests?

 

[themule69]

I will check into that. Are talking about the bottom bolts that attach for the grate rests?

Yes Also all bolts.Any leak you can find. Seal it.

David

 

[rhnewfie]

Great thanks!

 

[rhnewfie]

IMG_3144.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 20, 2013

Liner in the firebox

IMG_3147.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 20, 2013

All put together

IMG_3148.JPG

• rhnewfie
• Jun 20, 2013

Attempting to season... fail... too much smoke I think. Gonna try again this evening but let the white billowy stuff settle down before closing the firebox. I also only used half a chimney and should have probably loaded the charcoal basket with one unlit chimneyand then dumped a full lit chimney on top of it with some wood chunks on top of the unlit stuff.
 

 

[themule69]

I see smoke. Now if the week end would just get here.

Happy smoken.

David

 

[rhnewfie]

Lots of smoke that's for sure! Thing leaks like a sieve too! Around both doors and a couple of other spots. Contemplating flat rope stove gasket or high temp silicone with the plastic wrap.

 

[themule69]

I don't know which one would be better. But the more leaks you can stop. The better you can control the temp.

Happy smoken.

David

 

[rhnewfie]

I am thinking I will go the silicone route for a more form fitted seal.

 

[JckDanls 07]

the white billowing smoke will continue until you get the fire SETTLE DOWNED... what thermometer are you using ? I also mix the wood chunks in with all the charcoal instead of throwing it on top.... the white smoke will continue until you start closing down the intake vents when you get close to your intended temps....always start low and let heat climb.. it's easier to get it to settle in with temps going up instead of starting out to hot and trying to bring temps down....

 

[so ms smoker]

  Hi RH. The charcoal basket was your best mod. Anything to stop leaks are next. Now you  have to learn how to use your smoker. It will cook differently depending on if you use briquettes, lump charcoal, or wood splits. You just have to play with it and learn what works best for you. Good luck and happy smokin'.

   Mike

 

[themule69]

I am thinking I will go the silicone route for a more form fitted seal.

Sounds like a good plan. Remember at the end of the day Patients is the best tool in your box. It also applies to your cooks.

Patients my friend. Will make ok Q great. Don't sweat the small stuff

Happy smoken.

David

 

[rhnewfie]

  Hi RH. The charcoal basket was your best mod. Anything to stop leaks are next. Now you  have to learn how to use your smoker. It will cook differently depending on if you use briquettes, lump charcoal, or wood splits. You just have to play with it and learn what works best for you. Good luck and happy smokin'.

   Mike

Thanks! I am looking forward to playing around with it. Beer, good cigar, good food, can't wait!

 

[rhnewfie]

the white billowing smoke will continue until you get the fire SETTLE DOWNED... what thermometer are you using ? I also mix the wood chunks in with all the charcoal instead of throwing it on top.... the white smoke will continue until you start closing down the intake vents when you get close to your intended temps....always start low and let heat climb.. it's easier to get it to settle in with temps going up instead of starting out to hot and trying to bring temps down....

Yes, I realized that this was my mistake. Next time I will wait for the fire to settle and mix the chunks below as well instead of tossing them in on top. I used two crappy kitchen meat thermometers. They are dead on when used in meat but not sure if they are working in this application. I have a Maverick on the way.