FNG ... Smoker build - 4-2-12 Update- Paint/Stainless top.

pyronoel · Posted: Mar 27 2010 Post subject:

First burnoff fire is lit ! ! ! It draws great!

I got the hole cut for the damper, but won't install until after paint.

Fire grate is in, might need to be lower, more burns will tell.

An hour into a really hot fire, and 245 on left, 275 on the right.

....not worrying too much about temps right now, fire is blazing, no dampers, and it leaks smoke.

Once I get it sandblasted, I'll glue on the door seals.

Jon D. Q. · Posted: Mar 27 2010 Post subject:

Congratulations, you are definately getting there. Is it an optical illussion or is it not sitting level during this first test burn? And were the temp readings from the top set of therms or the bottom set?

pyronoel · Posted: Mar 27 2010 Post subject:

Jon,

right side is 2-3 inches low

top therms. Not sure on the therm locations yet, might move them. Easy enough to plug weld the holes and relocate.

I let it cool off, just checked it, left to right was 20 deg diff at ~150

I think with with some dampers, and a consistant fire with everything warmed up, it will be pretty even.

pyronoel · Posted: Apr 10 2010 Post subject:

Between the weather, my wife having wisdom teeth out, and then my sinus infection from this wonderful spring weather... no progress in metal work.

BUT... I finally figure out exactly what to do with the 1,000 gallon tank... I put it back on Craigs list!

A guy emailed me who lives an hour away wanting to buy it, but didn't have a trailer to come get it.... "If your interested, I have a 300 gallon tank I'll give you to deliver it" SOLD!

Tomorrow I go pick up the size tank I WANTED in the first place to make the direct heat grill out of.

pyronoel · Posted: Apr 11 2010 Post subject:

Tank is home. After paying for the first one and gas, I broke even with a free tank Smile

pyronoel · Posted: Apr 14 2010 Post subject:

Tank #2 is welded to the trailer ready to get it's head cut off.

I ran the exhaust of the shopvac into the tank for half an hour before welding it. I think before I hit it with the plasma cutter I will give the inside a good hose down. - having a 2.5" hole at the bottom makes it nice.

Made a set of handles for the lid of the firebox on the smoker. I need to get some 1/2" rod for the middle. -will rebar work/look ok?

k.a.m. · Posted: Apr 14 2010 Post subject:

pyronoel, congrats on your first burn. Very Happy

I like your handles, very nice work. Rebar will work, I have used it before but I prefer round stock. Keep up the fine work, I will be watching for more updates. Smile

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daddywoofdawg · Posted: Apr 14 2010 Post subject:

Question:were you blowing the exhaust into the tank or sucking out the tank with the shop Vac?if you were sucking out DON'T! the motors on the shop vac can spark and and blow up any fumes inside the Vac and then....
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pyronoel · Posted: Apr 14 2010 Post subject:

k.a.m.
Thanks.

daddywoofdawg
Well aware of the shop vac dangers --- that's why I was blowing INTO the tank. But thanks for watching my back Smile

The ~2.5" port accepted the shopvac hose perfectly, and then there was a 2" and a 1" port at different spots that the air was coming out of. Once the air coming out didn't have much of a smell, I started welding.

pyronoel · Posted: Apr 21 2010 Post subject:

I took a vacation day yesterday and gave the trailer about 10 hours.

Rear storage area starting to take shape:

Big tank Cut and hinges on. It will need a counter weight, this thing is heavy!

The handle is going to wrap around the front and curve underneath. Picture yourself walking up a ladder when raising the lid.

The propane bottles and burners will be on the tongue, started to square that up. Looks off in the picture, but it is square. ---I hope, will find out soon.

Burner mock up--- This gives me plenty of room between the burners and the big tank.

pyronoel · Posted: May 03 2010 Post subject:

Got a little bit done this weekend.

Handle on the firebox is on. The 1/2" rod has to flex just a bit when pressed against the rope, makes for a nice tight fit.

Do most of you paint the spring handles, or leave them?

I painted the bar before I slid the handle over, and then tacked the end.
(picture taken before it was painted/tacked)

k.a.m. · Posted: May 04 2010 Post subject:

pyronoel, I like your handle and latch that is a good setup. Very Happy

The painters masked off the stainless handles on the R/F build. It is a nice contrast.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

pyronoel · Posted: May 04 2010 Post subject:

Thanks KAM, I think I'll leave it. I painted the rod first in case I didn't paint the handle. I can brush some rustolium on the weld and end to keep from rusting.

-And I'm glad I went with the rod instead of rebar, looks a lot nicer.

pyronoel · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

I got the damper on the flu today.

The bar has a 5/16 threaded rod (beheaded bolt) welded about 2" from the end, and then double nutted against a spring inside the flu to give it tension.

1/8" steel cable runs up to the back of the damper, gravity lets it fall down when the bar is moved down.

paint wasn't quite dry when I took the pic, it's all a nice flat grey now. I'm sanding/painting as I work on finished pieces now.

buzz_backer · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

pyronoel Great looking build you got going. You're gonna have a fine trailer once you get her finnished up.
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pyronoel · Posted: May 06 2010 Post subject:

Thanks Buzz.

Forgot to add Monday's progress, a flat spot on the front of the trailer for the friers to eventually live. They won't get welded into place until the rest of the trailer is done. -Anyone else notice how ADD I am on this project, constantly changing directions on what to work on from day to day... but an ultimate goal is in sight.

-Going to build a cage around the propane tankes, and run both burners off of 1 tank, so you can switch when empty. And put a piece of plate steel as a heat shield on the back, it's over a foot away now, witch is fine.

This will be the last of the progress for about 3 weeks. I started this in JANUARY because that's MY time outside (cold)..... now it's OUR time(warm), and I have other projects to knock of the honey-do punch list.

-#1 being that big wall you see behind a lot of the pictures- SWMBO wants it done.

As long as I can get this done before a trip I'm taking in Aug, I'll be happy.

pyronoel · Posted: May 18 2010 Post subject:

Haven't had much build time, getting ready for FIL's 65th surprise party at OUR house this weekend.

Hopped up on too much coffee on a monday, and sudafed for my allergies, I spent some quality time with my welder last night.

Lesson learned last night..... 1/2" bar needs to be a lot hotter before you bend it. Not sure if a bernzomatic with map gas is enough, or I just didn't do it long enough, might have to get some oxy/act.

1977scoutii · Newbie Joined: 11 May 2010 Posts: 32 Location: Austin, TX

When you angle the top of your smoke stack like that, do you have to have the trailer facing a certain direction depending on the wind direction to get it to draw? I havn't put my smoke stacks on yet is the reason I ask.
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pyronoel · Posted: May 18 2010 Post subject:

I haven't used the pit yet, so I'm not sure- but a good question for sure. Never thought about that.

k.a.m. · Posted: May 19 2010 Post subject:

[quote="pyronoel"]
Lesson learned last night..... 1/2" bar needs to be a lot hotter before you bend it. Not sure if a bernzomatic with map gas is enough, or I just didn't do it long enough, might have to get some oxy/act.
pyronoel, it takes a lot of heat in a concentrated spot to tight bend 1/2'' rod. O/A is what I would use.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker