Good job on the smoker John!...
...Like that 'Pool Cue' handle too!...
From the
New 55 Gallon Horizontal Smoker Pics, I see that the pipe you're using as
the exhaust flue (smokestack) is too small.
This would result in a choked off air flow through the smoker, hence causing
temperature control problems.
To have a proper
draft (i.e. to
draw properly) the exhaust flue cross-sectional
area must be at least equal to the total cross-sectional area of the air intake vents.
There is a formula available which is useful in determining the proper flue size.
Using this formula, we find that the cross-sectional area of a 2.50 inch circular air
intake vent hole is equal to
4.91 sq. in. (rounded to 2 places).
Since there are two vents of this size, we need to double this number.
4.91 x 2 =
9.82 sq. in. This is the total cross-sectional area of the air intake vents,
and is the number we need in order to determine the size exhaust flue to use.
A pipe of 3.50 in. inside diameter would have an area of 9.62 sq. in. and would be
slightly too small.
A pipe of 3.75 in. inside diameter would have an area of 11.05 sq. in. and would be
large enough, but it's not a standard size.
The best alternative would be 4.00 inch clothes dryer vent (think sheet metal)
which would have an area of 12.57 sq. in. and will have breathing room to spare.
The exhaust flue will need to be relocated to a new position also.
One possible solution is shown in the graphic I've created for you below, of course, this solution
is assuming that you're going to continue to have your heat at both ends.
The exhaust flue could also be located higher, but the general concensus is that
when it is brought in at grate level, that it helps to even out the temp throughout
the smoker.
It could also be brought in slightly under the cooking grate, as there is some merit in doing this also.
Others here at SMF need to give their opinions on this to help out here.
At any rate...I hope that this helps you to get the temp control problems worked out!...
If there are additional questions, please feel free to call on me...I'm glad to help!...
Until later...
