Trying to Build a Rotisserie Smoker

[the reformer]

I need some Help with trying to build a Rotisserie Smoker. I would like the Shelves/Racks to be 72" Long x 30" Deep with 5-6 Shelves/Racks. How would I determine the diameter of the Gear/Sprocket I would need to handle these Shelves/Racks. I plan on Smoking/Cooking 4-6 250lb Whole Hog Running Style. Thanks for any Help.

 

[b-one]

I'm not smart,but hope you post build pics for us!

 

[fwismoker]

That's out of my wheel house but I can sure see it spinning.

 

[pabeef]

To start with you needed to know what your motor rpm (1725 ? ) and your final rpm of the spit. I used a 40/1 reduction gear box with a 1725 rpm motor and small gear the out put shaft of the motor to large gear on the gear box input. small gear on the output to large gear on the spit.
If you count the teeth on the gears 10 teeth and go to a 40 tooth gear you should have a 4/1 reduction for example. I think my final was about 1.75 rpm. that hog cooker was put on the hill along time ago so I don't remember the exact sizes I used.
You are going to have one heck of a cooker when you get done and that's going to be a lot of good pork.
This is what i did on mine so good luck and I will be following your build.
PABEEF

 

[the reformer]

Thanks for the info. For the shelves to be 72" L x 30" D how Deep and High do you think the Smoking/Cooking area Dimensions would need to be?

 

[the reformer]

Thanks

 

[pabeef]

Well you have to figure out how you will attach the racks on both ends and how much room that takes 4-6" so your length is about 8' probably 7'-8'wide you will have to lay out your spit try some cardboard to make sure it will turn inside your pit demsion.
Just a few question how often do you plan on smoking 4-6 hogs?
Each 250# live hog should yield a 175# Caracas and will feed roughly 150-200 people per hog that A big crew and takes a lot to cut up.
The most I ever cooked was 3hogs at one time and after that i did not want to do another for a while.

I will do one now if some one want a show other wise I prefer butts less work and less waste just my thoughts. you may want to think on a smaller scale and build More rigs
More for you to think about.
PABEEF

 

[smokin pastor]

To start with you needed to know what your motor rpm (1725 ? ) and your final rpm of the spit. I used a 40/1 reduction gear box with a 1725 rpm motor and small gear the out put shaft of the motor to large gear on the gear box input. small gear on the output to large gear on the spit.
If you count the teeth on the gears 10 teeth and go to a 40 tooth gear you should have a 4/1 reduction for example. I think my final was about 1.75 rpm. that hog cooker was put on the hill along time ago so I don't remember the exact sizes I used.
You are going to have one heck of a cooker when you get done and that's going to be a lot of good pork.
This is what i did on mine so good luck and I will be following your build.
PABEEF

Wow! That hurt my brain just reading it. I admire you’re ability to think that all through!!!

 

[daveomak]

You need to figure out the geometry... PABEEF is spot on...

 

[Geezerbill]

You need to figure out the geometry... PABEEF is spot on...

View attachment 366896
Great drawing! How is it arrived at? Just draw and redraw until everything fits, it is there a tool or guidelines that help figure out the proportion?
Thanks!

 

[daveomak]

Here's my FAVORITE smoker...... by rubbin butts

New Build Finally Finished

Tried updating my previous post and could not so started a new one. Finally got it finished and got a couple of Ques under my belt with it. I cooked last weekend for 120 people and got rave reviews for 2 days after the cook. After the first cook I added LP Gas injection for starting the...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[the1pearson]

This is my addition to the sum total of knowledge here. Currently refitting my trailer smoker with a rotisserie. 14in by 48 in racks, mounted at 5 positions 72 degrees apart on my 36 in diameter

circular flywheel. I have a 4ft wide by 7 ft deep and 6 ft tall rectangular cavity.

 

[daveomak]

Hey pearson, you got any real pictures to share ??? The whole shebang... inside and out...

Dave