exhaust location question

Chasin' Tales · Posted: Dec 31 2006 Post subject: exhaust location question

I got my hands on a 6' long propane tank which I will soon be turning into a pit on a trailer. This is a first for me and I'm very glad I found this wonderful forum! The tank is a typical 24" x 72" propane tank. I will put a firebox on one end and exhaust on the other end. I was wondering if it's better to have the exhaust coming out the top or out the side opposite the firebox (see crude image below!) Also, I'd like to make the firebox big enough to have a grill grate on top to cook burgers and steaks. I'm thinking 24" x 24" x 24", is this going to be too big? I do realize the dangers of dealing with a used propane tank. All precautions will be taken prior to any cutting. Any other suggestions??? Thanks!

skybob · Posted: Dec 31 2006 Post subject:

I'd go with the exhaust coming out the side like exhibit A. It's along the same order of the mods that are done to the chargrills/brinkman offsets.
Just be very careful when you start cutting the tank, bad things can happen very rapidly.
Good luck

Rubit · Posted: Dec 31 2006 Post subject:

My opion, charcoal fire, use A, wood, use B
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Rub the Butt BBQ · Posted: Dec 31 2006 Post subject: exhaust location.

I built the same type cooker. Started with a stack from Plan B and found it was too narrow (4"). Added a Plan A stack (3"). Helped alot. I get alotta qts as too why 2 stacks. If I was to do it again I'd go with a 6" Plan A located at grate heigth. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with the build.

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Todd
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Rub N Smoke · Posted: Jan 02 2007 Post subject:

I prefer "B" due to the 90* bend in the chimney on "A". I would be afraid the bend would possibly get clogged with smoke byproducts. Twisted Evil

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BBQMAN · Posted: Jan 02 2007 Post subject:

I would also take a look at the firebox location and style of Travis' Diamond plate cookers. I like the design myself, and would go that route next time around. Very Happy

Rub n smoke, where is the exhaust located on that easy bake oven!? Laughing

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Robert 31320 · Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Midway, Georgia

Wouldn't "A" help retain some heat?

If I may, I've seen some smokers with the exhaust on the same end as the fire box. Would that prevent heat from being more evenly distributed?
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SoEzzy · Posted: Jan 02 2007 Post subject:

Robert 31320 · Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Midway, Georgia

BBQMAN · Posted: Jan 02 2007 Post subject:

Take a look at Lang Cookers, they have a very loyal following on the cookoff circuit!
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tonyg · BBQ Pro Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 628

Both smokers I've built have had style A. The distance from the cooker to the "90" bend has been about 2" at most. One of my cookers has a 4 1/2" exhaust and the other has a 6". No issue with it plugging. I couldn't ask for better performance. They need to be at or below grate level... Laughing

Feel free to pm me if I can help Cool

Tony

Chasin' Tales · Posted: Jan 04 2007 Post subject:

Thanks for all the great replies! Looks like I will go with plan A, centering the pipe with the cooking surface. I'm anxious to get started on this project and will post updates as it progresses.

Appreciate the insight!

mrcustomsteel · Posted: Jan 04 2007 Post subject:

A weldable elbow might draw better if you go with Plan A
http://kingmetals.com/default.aspx?page=item%20detail&itemcode=46-60-90

I'm all for the Diamond plate firebox location. Rubit's interior pipe system seems to work well too.
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Rub the Butt BBQ · Posted: Jan 04 2007 Post subject: ehaust location

C T,

I agree with D. Tillery's suggestion on the weldable elle. That is what i have on mine. Clogging has never been an issue. If you can go 6" on the diameter that would be my choice.
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Rub the Butt BBQ

Stumps GF 223
Custom Built Offset Stick Burner

Chasin' Tales · Posted: Jan 05 2007 Post subject:

LOL! I was actually planning on using a radiused elbow! I was a pipe welder for a couple of years so I think I'm really going to get into this project!

Thanks again for the help! Once this pit is done, y'all are going to have to drop by Pensacola for some BBQ!