Offset Vertical Concept Updated!!!

Riskdude · Posted: Jan 31 2010 Post subject: Offset Vertical Concept Updated!!!

Ok, so don't laugh too hard.. I am not the most handy guy in the world but reading about how everyone is making their own cooker, I want to give it a try. After looking at various different smokers, I am leaning towards a vertical offset. I wanted to get an idea of how big it would be so I grabbed a roll of duct tape and some moving boxes and created:

I was surprised about how big it is. The vertical section is 20 x 20 x 40 and the fire box is 18 by 18 by 17 and the fire box opening is 8 by 18.

It will likely be an insulated cabinet but I have a couple questions, other than the obvious one: Will it work?

Is the fire box opening too big at 8 x 18?

The thing is huge so I was thinking of making it a bit smaller at like 18x18x36. With 4 racks, that should still be plenty big enough for a weekend smoker like myself.

Even though there will be a baffle plate, how far from the plate should the bottom rack be?

This is only in the concept stage and well, go ahead and laugh, my wife did!! Laughing

Thanks for any comments...

Riskdude

Cranky Buzzard · Posted: Jan 31 2010 Post subject:

Riskdude, you have lived up to your name!

If more people modeled their ideas it would make for MUCH less stress in the world.

In my opinion the model you have will work as long as you have the damper space and exhaust configured correctly.

The intake on the FB will need to be large enough to damper down or open up, depending on the cook temp required; and the exhaust will need to be large enough to allow a good draw even at TIGHT damper on the air intake.

Overall, I think you have a good design, and if you can manage the size I would say to go with the model! At table top height (31" or so) it will still be within normal reach, and the FB will be high enough off the ground to put it wherever you want it.

Charlie
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Jet_deck · Posted: Jan 31 2010 Post subject:

Maybe a grease drip pan, angled to a drain, just above the diffuser? Nice work, I think you will like it.
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SoEzzy · Posted: Jan 31 2010 Post subject:

Maybe it's just me but I'd keep an extinguisher on hand when you fire it up! Rolling Eyes

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Riskdude · Posted: Jan 31 2010 Post subject:

Thanks. I do have an extinguisher in the garage.. It IS ok to use indoors, right?? Shocked

I guess I should mention that since I have no welding skills, I was going to try to assemble with bolts and brackets. Lots of drilling. I may need to find someone to make a couple welds.....

daddywoofdawg · Posted: Jan 31 2010 Post subject:

Mocking up in cardboard is a very good idea.a thought whatever size you decide on look for your racks first, then make your smoker to fit the racks;If you don't weld or have a friend that does.
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BluDawg · Posted: Jan 31 2010 Post subject:

That is a good idea and your design looks pretty sound Gator pits builds a pit that is very similar to that you may want to visit their site and take a peek. They use a tube with an adjustable damper between the firebox and the vert. Good luck with the build and post pics often.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Jan 31 2010 Post subject:

Riskdude, I like your design and applaud you for the idea of making your template. Very Happy

Awesome idea my man. Very Happy

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andy_christy · Posted: Feb 01 2010 Post subject:

There are a lot of people that own propane GOSM vertical smokers & are adding a side firebox from an offset for burning coal. So I guess it's doable. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=23896&d=1264862837
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Teleking · Posted: Feb 01 2010 Post subject:

AAhhhaaaaa Aahhaaaaa LOL.

Thats funny right there, I don't care who you are.

Anyway you could save this one for a cold smoker Very Happy

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stetch · Posted: Feb 01 2010 Post subject:

if you aren't welding I suggest you find some racks on the open market, figure out the dimensions, THEN determine how wide your pitt will be. you were talking of going form 20" to 18", have you found racks that size yet?

just a thought. If you are going to bolt and bracket, I'd expect you will get a lot of smoke/air leaks, so it may be hard to keep @ temp as it will be very exposed to wind from all sides, etc.

and no, you can't use it indoors.

daddywoofdawg · Posted: Feb 02 2010 Post subject:

For racks look around for some oven racks could be free and can handle smoker temps.
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day_trippr · Posted: Feb 02 2010 Post subject:

Time to tip the apple cart - and see if it falls over Wink

Given the height of this pit design - and the fact that it will be intrinsically less efficient than if designed as a straight vertical - why build this as an offset?

Just wondering... Confused

Cheers!
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romex2121 · Posted: Feb 02 2010 Post subject:

Wreckless · Posted: Feb 02 2010 Post subject: Re: Offset Vertical Concept

swinebuck · Posted: Feb 02 2010 Post subject:

This is my Stumps SW223 Vertical Offset. It looks very similar to what you are tring to do.

Thanks
Mike
Swinebuck
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swatchie · Newbie Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 89 Location: Austin, Tx

What if you made it with 2 offsets on the bottom? One on each side? Very Happy

Seriously tho, it is an awesome ideaa. Like the cardboard.

What if you used a gas water heater for the build? The pipe is long and round, and sometimes free on the craigslist. Can also make lazy susan racks in it?

Riskdude · Posted: Feb 03 2010 Post subject:

Thanks for all the comments. I showed a couple people at work and have received some interesting looks and comments ("Now I know how people with no kids spend their time").

Day-Tripper, I think the reason I like the offset is I get to play with fire. I have a WSM which holds the heat as well as anything, but there is something about a good fire, blazing away that I like..... (Where are those matches?)

As I continue to plan, I see that there are a ton of cuts I will need to make so now my attention is diverted to "How the heck do I make all the cuts in sq tubing, angle brackets etc". I am looking at a metal chop saws. Any suggestions? My wife says any excuse for a new tool.

I am going to the metal store this weekend to ask some questions and I need to spend some time on McMaster-Carr website!

This is serious fun!!

romex2121 · Posted: Feb 03 2010 Post subject:

swinebuck,, how does she cook for you ????????
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swinebuck · Posted: Feb 04 2010 Post subject:

This is a Stump's Smoker and it cooks great. We also have an orriginal GF-223 which we use most of the time. My son (Too Sauced To Pork) took the offset cooker with him when he moved to Buffalo NY. He cooks on it up there all the time.
Thanks
Mike
(Swinebuck)
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