Old school OKJ offset or new OKJ reverse flow?

[johnt]

Hi guys! I'm looking to jump into a offset. I have been considering a new reverse flow OKJ but found a original (1/4" steel) OKJ for sale for several hundred $ cheaper. It looks to be in decent shape, would need cleaning, paining fire box and a few rust spots on the wheels etc...
What are your thoughts? go for the thicker older one or the thinner reverse flow?
Thanks

 

[DougE]

Heaver steel traditional flow trumps new thinner steel reverse flow in my book. You can always mod the old one if you find it necessary.

 

[johnt]

That was what I was thinking. Plus the savings buys a lot of meat

 

[chp]

Hi guys! I'm looking to jump into a offset. I have been considering a new reverse flow OKJ but found a original (1/4" steel) OKJ for sale for several hundred $ cheaper. It looks to be in decent shape, would need cleaning, paining fire box and a few rust spots on the wheels etc...
What are your thoughts? go for the thicker older one or the thinner reverse flow?
Thanks

Lots of thermal mass usually means consistent temperature. It will likely burn more fuel, but I would also go old school. Good luck.

 

[Marknmd]

I agree with all. Get the quarter inch OKJ! Quick - before somebody else gets it!

 

[culpepersmoke]

I would go with thicker steel every time. Good luck

 

[johnt]

I've agreed to get the older/thicker smoker.
Don't think I can beat it for $200. Now to source wood locally.
Let the learning begin!

Thanks for the input

 

[tbern]

congrats on your new toy!! think that's a good price. enjoy it!!

 

[johnt]

After getting it home and doing a little research, this is not a original.
It looks to be an early camp chef version, SN 58033.
Steel is .1875" thick and the firebox and smoke stack are bolted on. Still thicker then the ones they sell now.
In the process of removing the rust from the legs and wheels. Already have 1/4 cord of white oak, all I could fit in the truck. Looking forward to the first fire and re-seasoning.

 

[Marknmd]

Yes - I heard about that in an old forum post on another site. OKJ got bought out and backed off a bit from the original 1/4 inch - still pretty thick though. Then after a year or two, they went down again to only 250mm thick which is about .1 inch or 3/32 of an inch which is a long friggin' way from a quarter inch. You still have great potential for a great smoker. Good luck