The "Lil Joe" offset vertical smoker

[smokedstanley]

After building the last two smokers I have decided to build a smaller one. The "Lil Joe" an offset vertical smoker. I started the build last friday with a goal of smoking a brisket for new years eve. There will be 3 racks behind each door 24"X24". Making some good progress, and hoping to be ready for paint by tomorrow night.

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 27, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 27, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 27, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 27, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 27, 2016

 

[SmokinAl]

Looks like it's coming along nicely!

Al

 

[smokedstanley]

Thank you

 

[smokedstanley]

Today's progress, Fabricated the second door. Installed the drain. Made a side shelf for holding utensils, mop, pan, etc. Installed the rack rails and racks. Made a side handle for moving smoker. First coat of paint.

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 28, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 28, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 28, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 28, 2016

 

[smokedstanley]

The Lil Joe is done. Burn it in tomorrow and smoke some bacon. Saturdays brisket is in the fridge. Today was a casual day. Finished the stack, and paint. Made a fire grate out of 1/2" rebar. Cant wait to get it outside and lit. Also need to get some pics of the whole smoker, tough in the garage.

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 29, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 29, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 29, 2016

 

[wimpy69]

Really nice piece there. Will you have tuning plates also or is the baffle enough to even temps across bottom racks? Like to see how you fabricated your side rack if you ever get a chance. Good luck breaking it in. Have a Happy New Year.

 

[smokedstanley]

Since the racks are only 24X24 I don't think baffles/ tuning plates will be needed. As for the side rack it is just 1-1/2" sheet metal angle with a 12X24" piece of expanded metal. I spaced it 4 inches off the side to help keep anything on the shelf from getting to hot. I will give an update on both baffle and shelf if I find any issues with them.

 

[wimpy69]

Thanks, thought maybe you made it so it could collapse flat, all ways looking for ideas. The one pic looked like there is a baffle coming off fb outlet. Again, nice job.Later

 

[smokedstanley]

You are right. There is a small deflector, baffle plate. it is primarily to divert drippings away from the firebox opening and push the heat down before it goes up. I did think about making the shelf fold but didn't see a need for it since the shelf is over the firebox and can't hit anything when moving it. 

 

[smokedstanley]

Finally got it outside. Seasoned it with some bacon and the fat I trimmed off of tomorrows Brisket.

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 30, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 30, 2016

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• smokedstanley
• Dec 30, 2016

 

[jhsdigital]

Did you insulate the cabinet?

 

[smokedstanley]

The cabinet is made from 3/16 plate, and does not need insulation.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Great looks o king smoker!

Now let's see some smoke!

 

[jhamm]

so what would a smoker like this cost to build. I don't weld but may look at buying the material and having the metal shop in my school build one for me. This one looks better than any I've seen.

 

[icyhot]

I'm building one similar to yours. Was wondering how high you mounted the fire box, and how big is your opening to the cook chamber.

 

[smokedstanley]

Here is a shot at the fire, a few hour in, and the finished brisket. 

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• smokedstanley
• Jan 4, 2017

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• smokedstanley
• Jan 4, 2017

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• smokedstanley
• Jan 4, 2017

 

[smokedstanley]

I'm building one similar to yours. Was wondering how high you mounted the fire box, and how big is your opening to the cook chamber.

I welded the firebox  6" up the smoker. The opening is 3"X22". 

 

[smokedstanley]

 
so what would a smoker like this cost to build. I don't weld but may look at buying the material and having the metal shop in my school build one for me. This one looks better than any I've seen.

Thank you, and I think I spent around $700 in materials. 1/4" on the firbox, 3/16" on the body, 304 stainless for the racks, plus all the misc. 

 

[rstroup10]

Looks really good!! Thumbs Up

 

[smokedstanley]

Just a quick shot of some smoke during the snow this weekend.

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• smokedstanley
• Jan 9, 2017