What size expanded metal do most use for offset smoker smoke chamber grates?

[forktender]

3/4' x 9?
I would like it to be one size heavy gauge than normal, so would be heavier or lighter 3/4 x 13?


Thank you.
Dan.

 

[JckDanls 07]

#9, 3/4" Flattened Expanded Metal is what I use... #13 would be thinner... The higher the guage the thinner ... Same thing with wire guage...

 

[forktender]

#9, 3/4" Flattened Expanded Metal is what I use... #13 would be thinner... The higher the guage the thinner ... Same thing with wire guage...

As far as the gauge size goes, I had it backwards.
I didn't even think about wire sizing for some reason.

Another question is why does everyone like the flattened over round? I was actually looking for the round mesh, but it seems like everyone likes the flat stuff.

Thank you.
Dan.

 

[seenred]

Keith has you covered, Dan. I use #9 3/4 too.

I suppose opinions vary, but I like the flat expanded for cooking grates. I always figured the flat would make a better cooking surface...but that may not matter.

Red

 

[forktender]

Keith has you covered, Dan. I use #9 3/4 too.

I suppose opinions vary, but I like the flat expanded for cooking grates. I always figured the flat would make a better cooking surface...but that may not matter.

Red

The new to me offset smoker I got was used two times by my friend that bought it. He only had a 19'' piece of the 26'' grate in it now, and I want to make it right by adding a 26' grate, He must've had the 19'' piece lying around his shop.

I'll look around town for metal wholesalers, there has to be a few around, with all the refineries we have. Worse case, I'll order a piece off Amazon.

Thanks guys.
Dan.

 

[LanceR]

Flat is a lot easier to season and clean. And it's easier to weld. 3/4" #9 is by far the most common choice.

Any steel supply house will either stock or have access to flattened expanded metal. And it is pretty common on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist around here.

 

[chopsaw]

There was a good thread on here showing the difference between the 2 types , and how it was made .

I'll look around town for metal wholesalers,

Should be pretty easy to find like said above .
We used to get it from a Drywall supply house . " Security mesh " , same as flattened . 9 ga. x 3/4's . Used to put between layers of drywall for holding rooms , and cash rooms at stores .
If you still know someone working commercial , might ask them if you can't find it .

 

[forktender]

I found a 1/2 sheet, now I just need to find my side grinder, it's been missing in action since our move. I bet you anything that it's in the one cabinet that has everything stacked in front of it. me,

 

[JckDanls 07]

I'll bet your right... I seen it in there...

 

[forktender]

It's either there, or my brother-in-law "borrowed" it without telling me, and "forgot" to return it.

 

[JckDanls 07]

It's right where it stopped rolling (used last) ...

 

[forktender]

It's right where it stopped rolling (used last) ...

Ha, that was at our last house, I sure hope it's not, but I'm getting C.R.S. so you never know.