Reverse flow plate thickness

[pabeef]

Hey everyone I'm in the process of gatherings part/supplies for a new reverse flow rig.
So far I have a 200 gallon air tank in the yard. Now looking at steel for the fire box and reverse flow plate. I have an opertuity to get some 3/8 steel plate
Planing the 3/8 for the fire box. My question is would 3/8 be to to thick for the reverse plate?
Thanks for the help
PABEEF

 

[dave schiller]

I've never built a smoker, but 3/8" thick reverse plates seem excessively thick. Seems to me all you need is something like 12 ga., about 1/8" thick. If you plan to move the smoker around, think of the weight it would be.

 

[pabeef]

Thanks for the quick response Dave. It will be trailer mounted I'm to old to be putting a smoker in the back of the truck anymore. I figure 3/8 is over kill but wondering if the thermal mass is worth it's weight. There's a bunch of 3/8 plate on a online auction that is reasonable right now it's less than 1/4 inch at the metal shop.
PABEEF

 

[krj]

Well if the 3/8 is cheaper than the 1/4 I'd say why not? It'll be a little better of a heat sync, probably not much but I'm definitely not an expert.

 

[kmmamm]

If you have the capability to form and handle the 3/8” plate (a bit over 15 lbs/ft2 vs 10+ change lbs/ft2 for 1/4”)....go for it. As you mentioned, the added mass will provide cc temp stability and faster recovery.

 

[dave schiller]

3/8" will certainly be a hefty thermal mass, but it might take a long time to come up to temp. On the other hand, it'll take a long time to cool. But how much heat will the plate provide with respect to the heat from the fire? I think it's a bit of overkill.

 

[pabeef]

Well i bought the 3/8 plate for $.20 a pound so it was a good deal. I plan to use it for the fire box and am thinking I will go with 1/4" for the reverse flow plate from the suggestion on here .So now I should have enough extra for another fire box. If I can find another tank i might put a second smoker on the trailer. I will have to run that up the flag pole to see what my loving wife thinks. I may need to hunker down behind one of the 3/8 " chunks for my safety.
Thanks for the input
PABEEF