After a lot of reading and asking stupid questions, I finally threw together a moveable sausage smoke shack. I spent more brain bites then required trying to figure this thing out. So, I’ll let you know what I did, and how it worked out during the first smoke. Primary concern, be able to store in workshop, then push out through garage door for a smoking session, or just to get it out of my way. I just wanting to throw this out so those that were in my boat can get an idea or two. Nothing fancy, just something to add smoke to meat.
The box itself is approximately 2’ X 2’ X 5’. It is constructed with 3/4 oak plywood, and simply screwed together. On the door, I added additional 3/4” oak pieces for support, and look. Really required, no. Standard hinges, but since the door will most likely warp, the latches need to be able to hold the edge of the door down to the box. Duck bill latches, is what they call them, I think, is what I used. The base is just some welded 1 1/4” angle iron with a expanded metal base.
On one side I made numerous holes to allow various probes and wires to be inserted. I used carboy bungs (rubber corks) to cover the holes when not in use, which should keep the stink bugs out. I put a floor heating/AC vent at the top on each side of the box. I also added screen to the inside of the registers, again, to keep out the bugs. I did add register deflector devices over the registers to help on windy days. I may remove these since, during the initial smoking process, there was a lot of moisture coming out, which collected in the deflectors and ran down the side of the smoker. I did use a register deflector to hold various electronic temp devices on the side where I put probe access holes.
On the interior, I used oak runners for holding 1/2 rebar hangars and shelves. I did not add notches since I wanted an infinite number of positions, and not be stuck with finite positions. I figured I’m not going to move the smoker, so the hung sausage can’t move. For the hangers, 1/2” radar, cleaned and cured like cast iron. I used a couple of expanded metal shelves, again, treated like cast iron. For the electric heating element, I used an old Brinkmann electric smoker element (1500w, I think). Around the bottom of the box, I lined it with Hardibacker, to hold the heating element. Already did a test run, you can notice the difference in the wood.
I used a mailbox mod and a AMNPS device to deliver the smoke. Three inch exhaust ducting worked fine from the mailbox to the smoke box. The mailbox itself had holes on the bottom for mounting. I plugged the back holes and left the from holes open. I also drilled two 3/4 holes in the bottom of the door. After use, I will most likely cover the front holes on the base. Why, because I think extra air flow causes the burn to expedite and causes flaming of the pellets. I guess too much air is bad.
For a PID, I used the Auber WS-1500EPM (I think). It seemed to work great on my test run without sausage. Then things got interesting on smoke day. It was colder outside, 40# of cool meat was added, etc….. The entire time the PID and heating element had a difficult time getting the temp up on the program times. Bottom line, we finished in water baths.
I hope someone will get a few ideas, and not spend too many brain bites like I did.
More testing to do, or not.
The box itself is approximately 2’ X 2’ X 5’. It is constructed with 3/4 oak plywood, and simply screwed together. On the door, I added additional 3/4” oak pieces for support, and look. Really required, no. Standard hinges, but since the door will most likely warp, the latches need to be able to hold the edge of the door down to the box. Duck bill latches, is what they call them, I think, is what I used. The base is just some welded 1 1/4” angle iron with a expanded metal base.
On the interior, I used oak runners for holding 1/2 rebar hangars and shelves. I did not add notches since I wanted an infinite number of positions, and not be stuck with finite positions. I figured I’m not going to move the smoker, so the hung sausage can’t move. For the hangers, 1/2” radar, cleaned and cured like cast iron. I used a couple of expanded metal shelves, again, treated like cast iron. For the electric heating element, I used an old Brinkmann electric smoker element (1500w, I think). Around the bottom of the box, I lined it with Hardibacker, to hold the heating element. Already did a test run, you can notice the difference in the wood.
I used a mailbox mod and a AMNPS device to deliver the smoke. Three inch exhaust ducting worked fine from the mailbox to the smoke box. The mailbox itself had holes on the bottom for mounting. I plugged the back holes and left the from holes open. I also drilled two 3/4 holes in the bottom of the door. After use, I will most likely cover the front holes on the base. Why, because I think extra air flow causes the burn to expedite and causes flaming of the pellets. I guess too much air is bad.
I hope someone will get a few ideas, and not spend too many brain bites like I did.
More testing to do, or not.
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