Hi folks. Want to introduce myself. I already posted a question about thermometer repair and I appreciate the answers. Seems this is an active forum to say the least!
I'm a (reluctantly)retired Journeyman Toolmaker and Registered Nurse who has had spinal damage from a severe fall at home back in 2011. Several surgeries post-op, awaiting a full lumbar fusion, and now living on a rather smallish income, I had to develop new, affordable hobbies to keep my mind fresh without doing more damage.
I always loved a well-made machine, especially if it's one I can afford to purchase that meets my needs. I had a 10 year old, bought new, big-box-store offset smoker at one time. Loaned it to my college age son who used it for big parties but allowed it to set in the rain, full of ashes with the lids open. Yes it rotted out over 7 years. I repaired it twice with sheet metal and expanded steel with screws and bolts. It still leaked like a screen door, but sorta worked as a smoker.
I always wanted a better offset smoker and saved money up for a while. Son offered (he's grown up into a fine man) to buy me one, but I wanted to buy it myself. Also, buying it my self means I feel no obligation (wink wink) to loan my smoker out!
I selected the OK Joe Highland as the best I could afford, with potential home-grown upgrades I could do myself. Assembled the smoker with lifting help. Made some modifications. Learning the art and enjoying the journey. Don.
I'm a (reluctantly)retired Journeyman Toolmaker and Registered Nurse who has had spinal damage from a severe fall at home back in 2011. Several surgeries post-op, awaiting a full lumbar fusion, and now living on a rather smallish income, I had to develop new, affordable hobbies to keep my mind fresh without doing more damage.
I always loved a well-made machine, especially if it's one I can afford to purchase that meets my needs. I had a 10 year old, bought new, big-box-store offset smoker at one time. Loaned it to my college age son who used it for big parties but allowed it to set in the rain, full of ashes with the lids open. Yes it rotted out over 7 years. I repaired it twice with sheet metal and expanded steel with screws and bolts. It still leaked like a screen door, but sorta worked as a smoker.
I always wanted a better offset smoker and saved money up for a while. Son offered (he's grown up into a fine man) to buy me one, but I wanted to buy it myself. Also, buying it my self means I feel no obligation (wink wink) to loan my smoker out!
I selected the OK Joe Highland as the best I could afford, with potential home-grown upgrades I could do myself. Assembled the smoker with lifting help. Made some modifications. Learning the art and enjoying the journey. Don.
