New to building

[boozzer]

New to building a smoker. I have been wanting to do this for some time now and have been doing some research and finding the materials to do so. I have finally came up with a frame. it is an old tow behind air compressor. This is step one I will be posting Pics on the progress. I am not in a hurry to get this done so it might take awhile any suggestions to where to put the box, air flow design, and reinforcing the steel itself are all welcome. I am excited to start this project and looking forward to you suggestions.

 

[cheech]

First make sure to introduce yourself in roll call so that we can give you a proper welcome.

That looks like that will be a great start on your new smoker. 

If you have any specific questions please ask sooner or later someone will come along who is a bit of an expert in that area.

Welcome aboard

 

[mballi3011]

Now thats gonna make a really cool looking smoker for sure. So make sure and keep as abreast of your progress on your new build.

 

[ak1]

That's interesting! Keep us posted on the build.

 

[roklimo]

 Cool idea. 

 

[matts]

Give us a couple shots of the inside so we can get a better idea on design needs.  Also some measurements. 

Thats a great find.

 

[squirrel]

You sure came to the right place! I can build a mean sandwich, but that's about it! I am really looking forward to seeing the progress you make, please keep us posted!

 

[boozzer]

Its been a year and after the long summer and cold cold winter I have dragged the smoker errr compressor out of the garage and started to put my mind to work after modification after modification after modification (wait I said that already) I have come up with a final plan here are some pdfs of what it will look like when I'm done I hope. I have a friend that is a fabrication manager at a local manufacturing warehouse that is volunteering his time to help weld this baby together. We will be starting build in about a week after all the steel comes in from the distributor. more pictures to come

PS I am no artist

 

[tom37]

Awesome deal man.

Do you know the damage to the wallet from the steel order?
Prices are totally crazy these days.

 

[Fife]

Sounds good to me good luck

 

[boozzer]

OK new question was original going to do my firebox and smoke box out of 1/4" plate steel. due to the pricing as Tom has mentioned. I am reconsidered. with the help of friends i am around $300.00 for a 4x8 sheet of 1/4 . Now my question is. would there be any harm in using 1/8 steel to make my trailer lighter and the cost is 100 less per sheet. will it withstand the heat without warping?

Right now I am looking at a total cost for the smoker including new tires and other accessories is around $800.00 if i go with 1/4" or $600 if i use 1/8"

Thoughts!!!

 

[turn4fun]

I really wouldn't go with 1/8" on the fire box if at all possible.  If you really have to keep the cost down, 3/16" would be better, but honestly, for as big as this is I think you should stick with 1/4".  Yeah, it sucks that it will cost $200 more, but in the long run you are gonna be happier.  Think about how much 1/8" is gonna warp over time and how much of a PITA it's gonna be to cut it off and rebuild it in a few years, and who knows how much steel will cost then.  $200 more now is gonna save you a lot of time and money down the road and probably a lot of remorse.  Just my opinion.

 

[SmokinAl]

Looking forward to following this along! Great job so far!