ok on to the next build

[ribwizzard]

With my party smoker almost complete, Im thinking about building a small reverse flow smoker for my townhouse. Maybe even using a 30 lb bottle for chamber, yes that small. Any body have any pics of any that small?

 

[daveomak]

RW, evening....  there will be plenty of pics as soon as you start your build and get it finished....   

 ...I'm in and waiting....  Dave

 

[cam-b-q]

Rib, do ever take a break or just like to weld?   

 

[frosty]

Good luck, it should be great!

 

[ribwizzard]

I always have to be building something, cars, boats smokers, whatever.

But the plan is a Mini-reverse flow. Thirty pound propane bottle for chamber and 20 pounder for firebox. Something just big enough to cook one slab of ribs or a chicken or a but on just a littel bit of charcoal and a few chunks of wood.  I want to get a good design worked out that easy to build and functions foolproof so I can start making them as Christmas gifts and such.

I think it will be a fun project, Id like to use as many off the shelf items as possible to keep the fabrication time down. Get where I'm going with this?

 

[cam-b-q]

Now I do like that idea.  I am moving into a appt that has a small deck, this might work well for me.  I want a rf but all that I have seen are way to big.

 

[ribwizzard]

Yes, and everything you get at home depot is junk and needs a million modifications to work half decent. I want to design an easy build, small reverse flow that works!

 

[thsmormonsmokes]

You sir, are a smart man.  That's an idea with potential.  The Traeger smoker has become a hugely popular item out here in the last few years.  You'll see it at Costco, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, etc... fairly regularly.  I think the reason for its success is that BBQ just isn't too well known in this part of the country (say BBQ around here and people assume you're grilling some hot dogs outside).  They've succeeded in making quality Q a pretty easy thing to achieve.  -At least as far as the heat and smoke are concerned, anyway.  With the right design, you might be able to create a coal/stick burner that fits into the same niche.

Best of luck to you.  If I had more to contribute I would.  I just don't have any experience in metal working.  But I think you're onto something worth pursuing.

 

[bluffton smoker]

I like the way you think....  I was planning on making a couple of larger RFs, and then start building back yard RFs. Something that could handle a single brisket (small), or a couple racks of ribs, or such.

I think there is a big local nitch. At least it is an untapped nitch around here.

You are on to something big if you want it to be... 

 

[ribwizzard]

OK, I have 7 20lb tanks, but Im still trying to get some 30lb tanks, as soon as I find one, the build will start. Thinking about just ordering a length of 12" or 14" 3/16 wall pipe if I cant find any. It would make it easier to build if I do. Could do the chamber 24" and the fire box 12" lengths. I got to check on prices.

 

[ribwizzard]

Getting a quote now on 14" pipe 1/4" wall, and having the steel company supply the 14" round caps 1/4" thick. If the prices are not too bad, that will cut down fab time.  Do you guys think 14" diameter would be a good size for this project?

 

[bluffton smoker]

I have a 16" offset smoker built of 3/16" pipe I've smoked on for over 20 years. I like the size & it holds heat well. I don't see an issue with 14". It would be just about right for Personal Q'ing.. As long as the math works out for the RF Plate, you should be good to go.

 

[cam-b-q]

I got to thinking about useing a 20lb tank for the cook chamber.  Useing the calculator it would require a 10"x10"x5" fire box.  Not sure if it would be to small but I am moving into a small appt with a smaller deck, and would like to have a small smoker.  Or do you all think that the 30lb would be better.

 

[ribwizzard]

I have a guy bringing over two 33lb tanks , I'll let you know how long they are when they get here. I originally was thinking 20lb for firebox and 30lb for cook chamber. I want it to be able to do a whole slab of ribs. Anything smaller than that I feel would be two small. And thats the issue with the small smokers at home depot, they will not do a full slab.

 

[ribwizzard]

If I get a good price on the new 14" pipe, I was thinking 24" lenth for cook chamber and 12" for firebox. That would make it no bigger than 3ft in length.

 

[cam-b-q]

That is true.  What kind of cost are you thinking it would be to build one?

 

[daveomak]

I got to thinking about useing a 20lb tank for the cook chamber.  Useing the calculator it would require a 10"x10"x5" fire box.  Not sure if it would be to small but I am moving into a small appt with a smaller deck, and would like to have a small smoker.  Or do you all think that the 30lb would be better.

Check apt. regulations.... some fuels are not allowed....  Dave

 

[bluffton smoker]

Yes sir.. My 16" smoker is 36" of Cook Chamber and 18" of Fire Box.. 

BUT

I only use the 24" in front of my door of the Cook Box and I built a charcoal basket that is 11"h X 11"w X 10"h, so I don't use all of my Fire Box either. I think the dude will heat up with just a little fire & hold it well...

 

[ribwizzard]

I want to keep them to $100.00 or less to build one to completion. If I go with the free propane bottle's, your talking alot cheaper than that, but labor will go way up.  Still waiting to hear back on the price of pipe. The only other thing I would have to buy would be Two spring handles ($10.00), hinges,(another $10.00) and thermometer , ($20.00) and paint ($5.00). All the round stock and agle would only end up being a couple of dollars per unit.

Im really getting into this project, if it works out good, there will be some people getting good christmas gifts this year.

 

[Dutch]

Ribwizzard, How small is too small. Here's our very own Smokn'Steve and his baby reverse flow smoker.