2,3 or more new backyard cookers (with pics)

[J.O.]

So, here I go again. First a story from real life. I am planning a big trailer build and were in need of axles, suspension etc etc. I checked the prices over here and just as I thought, the most expensive axles on the face of the planet! I sent a couple of pm`s to k.a.m. and trailerbuilder. They went overboard to help me out on this and I really have to thank them in public! There is still kindness in this world . Trailerbuilder set me up on a really nice kit but it turned out that the shipping was a killer so I had to let it go . I managed to work out a deal with a trailer company over here and are now waiting for my axles to arrive. But, what to do to finance this obsession? I sold my first smoker and built me a new one, then I sold that and had an order for a grill. Today I got an order for one more smoker so I guess I will be able to build my trailer and still feed my family.
I ended up without a smoker so I had to make a new one and figured I needed the practice before the big build. One more thing, the weather here has been really depressing, temps around 55 degrees in July!! I had to make me a Texas smoker this time. Dreaming of sun, cheap meat and large hats. I might have gone a bit overboard on this one but I like it. It is 20"X40" with an insulated firebox. Everything is 1/4" new steel. I know, overkill to insulate a smoker that size, but with the weather we have I had to do it to keep my sanity.
Anyway, hope you like it. It`s a bit fast forward pictures but you get the drift.


Working in the cold. Had to get some durable wheels.


A lot of work making these fit.




The door cut.


A VERY heavy firebox.


Firebox welded on. I used 6 wheels until I figured out that I could just pump the wheels up and use 4. I guess I have to buy 2 more and make me another smoker.


Just had to have a couple of these.




Tuning plates in.


Everything in place, before paint.


After paint.


Some details.






This is what I usually make when working with metal. Forging blades, making custom knives.


Both me and my wife was amazed how much easier it was to roll this into the garden, over the lawn. Never again thin, tiny , cheap wheels.






I ran some tests on it, WOW did I overdo the fire in there. That firebox will save me some oak!
Firebox door.


I think that thing is going to last a while.


So, all I need is some food in there. Chicken tomorrow, I guess some pork butts on saturday.
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[johnhall04]

Looks really great. I am trying to get a few finishing ideas for my build. I would like to know how you mounted your smoke stack exhaust lever (damper) in your stack.

[J.O.]

johnhall04, I welded a cut off screw to the end of a 1/2" rod, drilled a hole and fitted it in thru the chimney. I then made a plate fit in the hole and stuck my arm in from the cooking chamber, to hold the plate flush with the rod. I used a new stick and tacked the plate to the rod. Once tacked I could peek in and weld the rest into place. Hope that explains it. My english is not too good when it comes to the technical stuff
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[Tom C]

That's a fine build oun your smoker and the Knives are just pure art! nice work!
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Homemade offset smoker 24"x48"
Charbroil CB900 grill

[BluDawg]

J.O. that is a very nice pit. Super clean and well thought out build. A little off topic but the Flame Damascus on that Knife is about the most interesting & beautiful Pattern I have ever seen.
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Never met a cow that I didn't like with a little salt and pepper.
My Blog: http://acountryboyeats.blogspot.com
Char Griller Super Pro w/SFB
Webber 22 OTS
Memorial UDS "Big Jim"

[J.O.]

Thank`s fellas! BluDawg, glad to hear that you like the pattern. The edge is high carbon "explosion" damascus and the back is mosaic damascus. The handle is fossilized mammoth, whaletooth and stabilized burl. The blade without handle is a copy of an old italian boot dagger. Just had to add that, off or on topic
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[SmokIan]

First of all let me say... The craftsmanship on your knives is amazing! If you weren't in Norway I would be prchasing some of those, I love collecting knives!

OK, now, EXCELLENT job on the smoker! I love it! I think the insulated firebox is a great addition! Should save some fuel for sure, plus it looks really awesome.

Great job man!
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Weber Summit S650 Gasser
WSM 18.5
Pro BBQ Excel 20 (triple stack)
Chargiller Smokin Pro

Offset Build In Progress:
DPish Offset

[GF]

J.O., GREAT looking build. Looks like you paid alot of attention to every detail.
Did you plasma cut all the skulls, flames etc.?
The knives also look great, beatiful damascus pattern.
Now waiting for cook pics.

[TrailerBuilder]

Jan, very VERY nice work man! Wow, that smoker looks sweet! You have some great detail work. I really like the shades over the therms, I might have to borrow that idea We talked about this before, but I would trade you weather for a few days with no problems, we were 105 yesterday and looking like no end in sight for a while. Glad to hear that you found a source for your trailer parts, I will definatly be watching for progress on that thing. After seeing this build and some of the metal in the pics you have laying around, I will be keeping a close eye out for your progress

Keep us updated on your build, and you know how to get in touch with me if you need any help with the trailer.

Troy
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X2 Finished Build
Disco Time
Fire Pit

[johnhall04]

Thanks for the help on the stack. Awesome job on your smoker.

[J.O.]

[crb478]

Great looking pit! I love the covers over your thermometers. Great attention to details, really nice job.

[k.a.m.]

Jan, you out did yourself on this build she is absolutely awesome. I love everything about her especially your add on pieces, the new design long horn and flames are very nice.
I have to say your Knives are beautiful.True Craftsmanship their my Man. Nicely done on the cooker and knives.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[patruns]

That is one badass rig! Very nice job!
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Pat

Char-Griller Outlaw with SFB
Weber Smokey Joe
Weber Q 220
LIAR#49

[mds2]

Very nice pit!

how can I get one of those knives?
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The Saucy Lads BBQ Team

[RLane22]

J.O. let me start out saying WOW!!! That is one sweet build right there. You have done an amazing job on the cooker. You truly have an eye for beauty. I would love to add that knife to my collection not to take anything away from the new smoker but that knife is double WOW. Great Work Brother.
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Randy

Slow Down and take the time to enjoy the good things in life.

1st build

2nd build

[J.O.]

Thank you everyone for all your nice comments .
I am cooking up some chicken at the moment and the smoker runs on VERY little fuel and keep a dead steady temp. All fireboxes will be insulated in the future! (except the round ones). Glad you like the knives. I have a suggestion, if anyone is up to it. Me, my wife and our youngest (baby) are going on a BBQ trip to Texas from 3 oct - 24 oct. We really need a car, pick up or something Texas like for the period. We are arriving and departing from Houston int airport. I`ll swap the knife if anyone will lend us a car. Anyone?
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[J.O.]

Tested and done. The machine works! It ran for 2 hours on 3,5 medium oak logs. The chicken came out very moist and tender! Oh, happy days. Ready for some pork butt this weekend

Strange thing this insulated firebox. I was able to burn much thicker logs and still maintain a clean burn. I also used a minimum opening on the dampers. Go figure?





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[J.O.]

The chicken progress

They look kind of lonely in there. Plenty of room.


Smokin`


Plated up and ready to serve. Fall of the bone smoky, juicy chicken. The testrun turned out great.

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[jess]

What can I say, great build, fantastic attention to detail, nice plate up, & definitly not least some fantastic metal work on the blades ( from an old knife maker). Wish I was still in pasadena so I could help out, enjoy your trip stateside...