My New Cooker

jacksonvillesmokehouse · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 24

Its been a long time comin, and a lot of late nights, like this one!
I am putting the finishing touches on this modified version of a big smokie.
It consists of 3 barrels, of the 3, they all had the clamp style lids, so I cut the tops off of 2 of them, "mended" them together, to make a larger cooking area. I utilized the lid on the bottom, as a removable fire door, for ash clean up, etc. I sealed it with Silicone (RTV)
The firechamber to cooker dampers are aluminum flashing, 3 layers deep, and double sealed (via crimping over the seams) with cast iron dampers. The exhaust is a galv stack, and unfortunately, I wasn't able to find the 6" shanty top, so I have to use the 4" for now.

Anyway, the frame is all aluminum, and the inside trim, for the lid, since I used the cut out as the lid, from the cooker barrel cut out, is aluminum. Now, I know, there is a lot of fasteners. I am not a welder, and unfortunately, I don't know a welder. So this is my first go at it, and if it works, then I will be upgrading to a heavier guage metal, i.e. propane tank, etc. And learn how to weld, then buy a welder... LOL
But for now, this will have to do!

The firebox is layered with expanded metal on the bottom, ceramic briquettes, then the firegrate, another piece of expanded metal, holds the wood/charcoal.
I have to still cut in a damper, and am a little stuck there. Not sure how big or small to make it. I experimented with a small fire tonight, just to see where my leaks were, and how the fire held. I do have some leaks, but not bad. My firebox door is actually sealed pretty well considering I don't have any sealant or a gasket yet.

Anyway, it is unfinished, which I will be doing tomorrow, and another burn in.
My cooking grates were out, because I am still cutting them at the time of the pics.

Let me know what ya'll think... and go easy, it is my first time!

PS< thanks to those who helped in the suggestion process months and months ago!

http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/darenj1975/

SPOKANE SMOKER · Posted: Aug 22 2007 Post subject:

Good Job! That should work pretty well for you. It just goes to show ya that with some materials and a little creativity, anyone can do it. Now you need to practice building and keeping the fire. Good luck and send us some pictures of some of your smokes. Good Job. Smile

Kevin
_________________
Ya Gotta Luv That Pig!
WSM
Char-Griller Pro
Masterbuilt 40" ELECTRIC SMOKE
Imperial Komado #5
Smoke Pistol
Afterburner H

istock74 · BBQ Pro Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 965 Location: Logan, IA

Great Job. Thats a fine looking cooker.

jacksonvillesmokehouse · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 24

Success!!!! man, what a meal... all are in love with me!!
Had some trouble maintaining temp, but it ranged from 225, to 275... keeping the fire stoked was time consuming, maybe it was the lump I was using (cowboy lump)

but, here it is, food p*rn, along with final pics of the painted smoker, with shelf, and cooking grates.

http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd255/darenj1975/Smoker/
Thanks again to all who helped with suggestions!