Starting My First Build

[TruckSt4tus]

Hi all,

New-ish member here. Been smoking everything under the sun on big box store smokers for a little over ten years. Finally decided to get cracking on my own build. Picked up this 200gal beauty the other day and it's currently at the fab shop getting sand blasted and cleaned up. Not being able to work on this full time means this will be a few months project. But I've learned so much from scrolling through these forums and I'd value any feedback that comes my way.

I used Feldon's for my calculations which I'll list below - but if anyone has suggestions for improvement I'm all ears. The biggest thing I'm iffy about is figuring out door sizes for the cook chamber and how to keep those things from warping during/after cutout. Thanks in advance all!

Dimensions:
CC: L 81" D 24" (about 25 1/2" exterior so this is a close guesstimate before cutting)
FB: 23.25" Square
Chimney: L 32" D 5"
Smoke Collector: 8"x4"
FB Inlets: 3 Circles of 4" Diameter
FB to CC Opening: Halfmoon of 17" Diameter

 

[02ebz06]

Greetings and welcome to the forum from New Mexico.
Looks like you have quite the project ahead of you. Good luck with it.
There are several members here that have done builds (I'm not one) that should be able to help with suggestions and answer questions.

 

[JLeonard]

Looks like a great start. I’ll be watching!

Jim

 

[Brokenhandle]

I'll follow along too.
Welcome to the forum from Iowa!

Ryan

 

[SmokinEdge]

Welcome from Colorado. I’ll tag along too.
Here is the Forum calculator for reverse flow smokers. Lots of very useful information and formulas in there

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...eady-to-use-rev5-6-19-15.172425/#post_1264161

 

[JckDanls 07]

I too suggest using the calculator that SmokinEdge has referred too... I used it for my build and it works flawlessly...

GL with your build...

 

[TruckSt4tus]

Well, finally got the tank cleaned up and this thing is a beast! Valves are off save for one that is corroded over and will be cut off. Just got done flushing w/soapy water. Found this tag that was heavily rusted over previously. 1947! Tag says 140 net gal - but this is a fairly large tank. Taking it to the shop tonight and then the real fun begins!

 

[ReelFaster]

Looking forward to seeing the progress!

I am really debating on if I should build my own smoker or not. Trying to build up the courage! Complete novice at welding and metal working. However I took the plunge and bought a cheap welder and starting to practice welding.

I modified my OKJ with it, removing the old 3" stack and adding a 4" stack and elbow, came out great and changed the way the smoker now cooks for the better.

To do a whole smoker build I'd need some more tools for sure. Best of luck!

 

[TruckSt4tus]

Slow but sure, progress is being made on behemoth. Chopped the end caps to give it more clean lines (personal preference), and got the firebox tacked on today. Tomorrow we'll get the welds all solid and start cutting the doors.

Told my buddy that by the time we put the smoke collector on, it's going to look like a big fat piggy with how we worked the legs!

 

[seenred]

Looking good! That thing's gonna be a monster for sure - you'll be able to feed an army outta that pit!

Looking forward to watching your progress!

Red

 

[JckDanls 07]

I'll be sitting on the top bleacher in the back (hiding my drink)... Observing from there...

 

[Winterrider]

Will also be following. . .

 

[Newglide]

Off to a good start, That thing is gonna be huge, are you going to put it on a trailer or put wheels on it?

 

[phathead69]

Looking forward to seeing the progress!

I am really debating on if I should build my own smoker or not. Trying to build up the courage! Complete novice at welding and metal working. However I took the plunge and bought a cheap welder and starting to practice welding.

I modified my OKJ with it, removing the old 3" stack and adding a 4" stack and elbow, came out great and changed the way the smoker now cooks for the better.

To do a whole smoker build I'd need some more tools for sure. Best of luck!

It's a fun project to to do. You get to claim the good and own the bad, lol. I'm no fabricating pro at all and built my vertical offset 10 plus yr ago. Still running meat thru it when I can. Go for it, get the tools and enjoy.

 

[TruckSt4tus]

Off to a good start, That thing is gonna be huge, are you going to put it on a trailer or put wheels on it?

Right now I have on these heavy duty 2.25" casters. When all's said and done it'll weigh about 900lbs , so it's mainly going to be a backyard warrior. I did want to leave the original propane tank stands as part of the legs though so that it easier to strap down on a flatbed trailer if/when I need to move it somewhere.

We are using this first one as sort of a trial and error. I have three more tanks waiting up on my pop's property that I already have designs in mind for. One will definitely be a trailer-only build that we get to make a custom trailer for so that will be fun as well!

 

[TruckSt4tus]

So, finally completed this behemoth. 7mos later and we have a beast of an offset. Definitely learned A LOT through this process and mistakes along the way. But I'm pleased with some of the liberties we took with design and problem solving. This won't be the last offset we out together, but I'm proud we got through the first one. Thanks all for following along and giving advice. Now I have to go burn this thing out and get ready to cook tonight!

 

[seenred]

That’s a monster alright! Nice smoker sir! Looking forward to seeing some cooks in that beast!

Red

 

[Winterrider]

Wow , I hope it works as anticipated. Your neighbors probably do also