Newbie build questions

[FlaMtnBkr]

Just like to first say Hi as this is my first post!

I am looking to build a smoker (or 2) and have been reading here and now have a few questions before I get to cutting.

I got some propane tanks recently in different sizes. I got a 19" diameter that is 41" long. A 32" dia x 44", 30" dia x 60, and two 24" dia x 68" (as best as I could measure)

I am thinking of using the small tank as a smoker for the house that is smaller to figure things out on and then use a larger tank and put it on a trailer.

I am thinking of a horizontal smoke box with an offset firebox. I was not planning on putting in any tuning plates but can always come back later and add those.

I will list a few questions I have and then some of the tips/ ideas that I have read and will try to incorporate. Any thoughts, suggestions, or tricks to building these would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

*Is there a suggestion on how to bend the flat stock for the door seals to match the curve of the tank? (This is my biggest concern at this point)

*I have thought about taking an old hose and putting it into the tank and then holding it to the exhaust of something to fill up the tank with exhaust that has no O2 before cutting? Seem safe?

*Is a damper between the fire and smoke box a must have?

*I have read to cut 1/4 of the circumference to make the doors. Can a door be made bigger to accommodate multiple sliding racks?

*Is there a suggested height off the bottom of the smoke box to bring the fire box in at?

Those are my main questions for now but I'm sure I will think of more as time goes on.

Here are some tips or design features I plan on using. Let me know if you have others or see flaws in these. Thanks again!

*When cutting the doors don't cut all the way to the corners and finish with a saw to keep the heat from distorting.

*Have the smoke exhaust come down to just below the lowest rack to keep heat in.

*Make the fire box 1/3 the size of the smoke box

[BabyHuey]

1st Question - Get some 3/16" thk by 1" or 1-1/2" wide flat and just roll it around the tank and then cut it to length. You can tack weld one end to the tank before bending it around. It is more simple than you think.

2nd question - I am no expert but the damper between the firebox and cooking chamber is not necassary. In fact most cookers do not have one.

3rd question - Yes, you can. of course the thinner the material the less you want. But with 1/4 you will be ok with up to almost 30%

4th question - between 1/3 and 1/2 tank height.

Everything else should work fine.....IMO

OH YEA! Welcome the to Board
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[k.a.m.]

FlaMtnBkr, I use 1/8'' by 1 1/2'' flat for my door seals it is a lot easier to work with, I split the diff. on the tank and door. I have never found a need for an adjustable damper on an offset unless you wish to make your fire box a grill and use it to shut off the exhaust and have an auxiliary exhaust on your fire box. On the O2 exhaust idea I have read about that and it makes sense, most people just wash them out with a lot of dish soap and then cut. But do what you are comfortable with. On the larger diam. tanks. you can cut on 1 and 4 that will allow for two grates. bring the fire box up high enough to allow for enough square inches of intake and about a 1'' ledge to prevent drippings from going into the fire box.

[Grassman]

Be sure to post some pics. I have a build going right now also, I am at a stand still at the moment.

[FlaMtnBkr]

Thanks for the replies. I am sure I will have more as I get working on the first one but I guess I just have to jump on it until I get to a question. Thanks again!

[Forkin Pork]

Have you checked out Vexters1 Pit build posts, they seem to know what they doing, I think?
http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24495&sid=939c62f5244717dfa3520e6d9158895e
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