New Guy, New Build

[rjk015]

While searching the internet about smokers, I came across smoking meat forums. It didn't take me long to decide that I had to build a smoker for myself. I started the build 3 weeks ago. It is based on a 125 gallon propane tank.

 

[rjk015]

Used an old circular saw to cut out the door and firebox opening

 

[raymo76]

That should be a good build for ya! I love watching these pits come together. Welcome to the forum.

 

[kaizerscall]

Nice start. How bout going into rollcall introducing yourself and telling us a few things about yourself. Like what area in mass? I'm in Weymouth.                                           

 

[rjk015]

Some pics of the firebox, door needs to be finished

 

[rjk015]

Firebox is attached.

Racks are done, they're about 28" by 27"

Chimney is on, 4"x6" square tube

 

[rjk015]

Chimney's just about done, still need to make a rain cap.

 Firebox door is on.  I made my own latches with angle iron.  I welded a 5/8" rods to the door, cut some threads on them.  Drilled holes in the angle iron and bolted them on.  I'll be able to adjust them by adding washers.

Frame is tacked welded in place

 

[rjk015]

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[rjk015]

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[daveomak]

rjk, morning....   Looking like it's about ready to fire up and smoke something......   

......   I'm in for the debut.....   Dave

 

[rjk015]

Wheels on, moved outside.  I lined the bottom of the firebox with fire brick.

2012-07-20_16-20-38_88.jpg

• rjk015
• Jul 22, 2012

2012-07-20_16-20-01_369.jpg

• rjk015
• Jul 22, 2012

Burned some wood and seasoned the grates and cook chamber

 

[rjk015]

Still need to finish a few things but I couldn't resist and cooked up some ribs.  Here's a little q-view (I'm

not too good with the camera).

2012-07-22_11-05-24_555.jpg

• rjk015
• Jul 22, 2012

2012-07-22_11-05-46_774.jpg

• rjk015
• Jul 22, 2012

6 slabs of pork ribs

qview3.JPG

• rjk015
• Jul 22, 2012

 Cooked up some corn on the cob to go with the ribs.  Also made some baked potatos. The potatos were quite done, so they went directly into the firebox to finish up.

2012-07-22_16-48-37_704.jpg

• rjk015
• Jul 22, 2012

qview4.JPG

• rjk015
• Jul 22, 2012

qview5.JPG

• rjk015
• Jul 22, 2012

 

[daveomak]

rj, morning....  everything looks wonderful..... great job on the grits.....   are you happy with your new smoker ??  I would think so...  Dave

 

[rjk015]

Thanks Dave. I'm very happy with the smoker. It worked great and the heat was easy to control. Best of all the ribs were delicious.

 

[randya]

Very nice!  Ribs looked outstanding.... make sure you show us the completed project..

Thanks for sharing

 

[daveomak]

rjk, evening..... A question about the "fire brick lined firebox"....  I have made and used fire pits that were lined with fire brick.... I liked the way everything burned up totally.... very, very little ash.....  I noticed your firebox and it looked clean.....   Most folks use a "screen" basket...  have you any comparison between the screen and firebrick fireboxes..... If I knew any more questions to ask, I would.....  Help me out here and fill in the gaps I forgot....     Dave

 

[rjk015]

Hi Dave,
I think the guys use the baskets for charcoal. I'm only burning wood, so it is not necessary. I lined the bottom of the firebox for a couple of reasons. One reason was to protect the metal, I didnt want it to sag over time due to the heat and weight of the wood. Another reason was to keep the heat lower underneath the fire box and stop my wheels from melting.

 

[scarbelly]

Nice build and first cook - congrats