Ok, here we go.

[lendecatural]

All the soldiers look to be in perfect formation! How the hell did you keep the gap so even and keep them from pulling while you were welding them all together?

 

[woodchucks]

 

 

[ribwizzard]

I just tack welded some two pieces of flat bar to the table at a perfect square, then placed all the pieces for both grates against the flat bar to hold them perfectly square, marked every other one with a sharpy so I wouldn't mess up and weld the wrong one, then placed a cross member at each end and tack welded ever other one, then flipped it over and did the same with the 2nd set.

When welding the 2nd set, I could not get the cross member to clamp down tight against every runner, so I lifted each one up until it touched before tack welding.

I had to tap them apart with a hamer , but wasn't too bad. Then I took each grate and clamped the center cross member and went back and welded everything solid. One grate warped slightly, so I just stood on it with a board under it to straighten it out.

What I want to do for the top grate, is only make it about a foot deep, and hinge it in the back so that when not needed, it can be tilted up against the upper back of the CC out of the way. If I can make it tilt like that, and also slide forward and back, I think it would be handy. I just don't like having to pull them out and find a place to store it when doing large items.

 

[ribwizzard]

So here is my burner rebuild in process, I stepped down to a smaller burner, and I'm going with 1/16" holes and will run 20 psi. I ran out of stainless wire and after driving all over town with no luck finding anywhere open on Sat. that has any, decided to call it a day. There still a lot of welding to do and clean up, but I'm sure you can get the design.... 1/4" thick stainless steel should last a lifetime!

image.jpg

• ribwizzard
• Apr 12, 2014

 

[ribwizzard]

image.jpg

• ribwizzard
• Apr 12, 2014

 

[jarjarchef]

Looks great!

If you need a place to keep it I would be happy to keep it for you....... :biggrin:

 

[ribwizzard]

Hey Jar..

You know, I keep hearing about all these BBQ cook offs and festivals going on AFTER they happen, you been going to any?

I think there supposed to be some kind of outdoor kitchen expo this weekend

 

[jarjarchef]

I have judged a couple and gone to a couple more.

here is the link for the Florida BBQ Association site. There is a page for the comps and festivals. That is where I find the ones I go to
http://www.flbbq.org/main.htm

I know we are not supposed to link from outside, but figured that one is ok.....

 

[ribwizzard]

That's bookmarked it!

 

[ribwizzard]

Thanks!....spell check again

 

[gary s]

Hey Rib anything new on the smoker ?   

Gary S.

 

[ribwizzard]

Yeah Gary, just no interesting pics, just fine tuning the burner and finishing racks. And I been playing around building a dragster mini bike ( don't laugh, it was something new) and a home made tubing bender.

But the big news this week, about the time I've just about given up on owning a BBQ joint, a friend of mine just bought a business in a very, very good location, with several acres of unused property, and has offered to let me put a BBQ shack on it. It's one heck of a location!

Thinking hard about it right now.

 

[ribwizzard]

I know I haven't been to involved lately with updates and conversations, but I officially retired from business in Orlando today, and as soon as I tie up loose ends over here, will be back in Tampa where I can devote myself completely to the art of BBQ.

 

[lendecatural]

 I know I haven't been to involved lately with updates and conversations, but I officially retired from business in Orlando today, and as soon as I tie up loose ends over here, will be back in Tampa where I can devote myself completely to the art of BBQ.

Did you get that piece of property??? Go with your heart and you will always love your work! Make your own luck!

 

[smokejumper]

Congrats!

Good to hear.

Time to start the never ending process of perfecting the art.

Enjoy the ride!

 

[daveomak]

Hey RW.... That's cool..... You've come a long way in the last 2 years.... Congrats on fulfilling a dream..... You surely have helped many folks around here.... We will miss your builds and innovative ideas.... Someone will find a place for you on the "Wall of Fame"....

Dave

 

[gary s]

Hey Rib, Congrats on the new venture, wish you all the best for a very large and successful business. You are doing something I talked about but never got around to. You will have to post some pictures when you get up and running.

Gary S

 

[glennmc]

Hey GO for it!  We sold our tavern going on 3 years now and ever since I keep thinking there is room in the area for a good BBQ restaurant.  If your location is good you should do well.  If nothing else, people will stop by to gawk at the equipment!

 

[ribwizzard]

Thanks guys, going to be busy for me for a lil bit, but I'll be sure to post pics as I get it set up.

The property is just one of those places that you just couldn't ask for a better spot. There is a fruit stand already there ( they shut down when the bank started closing in) but from what I hear from the locals, it was always packed with business.

I'm still wrapping up business where I'm at, but should be ready to start developing the spot towards end of next month. I only have two pits and my patio cooker right now, and one hasn't even been cooked on yet, but I'll make due.

This is going to be fun for me, and I hope somewhat interesting for y'all..

 

[JckDanls 07]

Yeah Gary, just no interesting pics, just fine tuning the burner and finishing racks. And I been playing around building a dragster mini bike ( don't laugh, it was something new) and a home made tubing bender.

But the big news this week, about the time I've just about given up on owning a BBQ joint, a friend of mine just bought a business in a very, very good location, with several acres of unused property, and has offered to let me put a BBQ shack on it. It's one heck of a location!

Thinking hard about it right now.

Is that in Orlando or Tampa ??