Started a 180 gallon RF today

smootz · Posted: Wed Sep 19 12 6:54 am Post subject: Started a 180 gallon RF today

Finally caught enough of a break in the shop to start another cooker.
It will be 180 gallon classic style RF.

Got a good start today. Flushed and cut.

DSCF0611 by jsmootz, on Flickr

DSCF0615 by jsmootz, on Flickr

This is what was left over. Kind of torn about what to do with it. Another propane pig would be money in the bank but I am thinking of a Super Sized WSM clone. ????

DSCF0618 by jsmootz, on Flickr
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

Mahoney86 · Newbie Joined: 04 Sep 2012 Posts: 50

Looking good! Going to be one nice sized cooker.
I need to find me an old LP tank to start a winter build

smootz · Posted: Sat Sep 22 12 6:58 am Post subject:

Changing the order of the build somewhat this time. I've gotten tired of standing on my head and crawling into tight spots.

Some jigs may help future builds go faster/easier.
A couple of "spiders" are self-centering and hold the diameter.

DSCF0621 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Rails are going in before the RF plate and ends for easy weld access. This may bite me but we'll see.

DSCF0620 by jsmootz, on Flickr

I also rotated the tank to get the fittings towards the rear. I will put plugs in them and leave them for all the world to see. Welding them up chances warping the door opening. Been there / done that. Crying or Very sad

BTW - This is my forth tank cut with no door warp. Shhhhhh - Don't tell Murphy! Either I am VERY lucky or my rescue saw is kinder/gentler than a torch. Not bragging, just thankful.
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

k.a.m. · Posted: Sat Sep 22 12 9:24 am Post subject:

Gonna watch this close cause there is a real good chance when you weld on the end plates and cut the wagon wheels loose the tank is gonna go North, South, East, and west on you. Shhhhh..... Can you say Murphy at its best.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

smootz · Posted: Sat Sep 22 12 9:52 am Post subject:

Yeah, I know it's a gamble but I'm hoping that the four rails and my one piece fitted RF plate will stabilize everything. The "spiders" are actually not welded. The tank was really very concentric and I just put them in for that last 1/16" of perfection. Most machinists are O.C.D.

Stay tuned - No guts, no glory. Wink

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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

k.a.m. · Posted: Sat Sep 22 12 9:55 am Post subject:

Count your hairs now Brother. A lot o heat is fixing to happen on those end caps. Good Luck. Very Happy

Oh wait there is always Tadpole gaskets. Razz

_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

smootz · Posted: Sat Sep 22 12 10:01 am Post subject:

And Bolts! Wink

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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

k.a.m. · Posted: Sat Sep 22 12 10:05 am Post subject:

smootz · Posted: Tue Sep 25 12 10:24 am Post subject:

RF plate today.

DSCF0634 by jsmootz, on Flickr

DSCF0635 by jsmootz, on Flickr

DSCF0645 by jsmootz, on Flickr

DSCF0643 by jsmootz, on Flickr

DSCF0647 by jsmootz, on Flickr
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

smootz · Posted: Thu Sep 27 12 6:13 am Post subject:

Ends are on. Everything stayed straight. Yippee!

DSCF0657 by jsmootz, on Flickr
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

davefan360 · Newbie Joined: 01 Sep 2011 Posts: 69

my buddy and I our going to do our first build this fall/winter. i will be watching this as you go on. I like the good photos

SmokIan · Posted: Thu Sep 27 12 9:12 am Post subject:

Looking very awesome so far! I have a tank I am thinking of cutting in half & making 2 beastly smoky mountain clones from. Interested to see your work on this RF though for sure.
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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

smootz · Posted: Thu Sep 27 12 10:04 am Post subject:

Davefan360[/u] - Thanks. My goal on this one is simple and durable. It will cook 10 butts each week for the rest of it's life.

SmokeIan - Super Weber! That may be what happens with the drop from this tank. Dang man, you only live about 10 miles from me there in "Billy Ray" land.
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

smootz · Posted: Fri Sep 28 12 1:35 am Post subject:

Can't argue with door fit. No adjustments necessary. Murphy must be busy elsewhere. Won't be needing tadpoles today. Very Happy

Top

DSCF0662 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Bottom

DSCF0660 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Trays close but ran out of expanded metal

DSCF0666 by jsmootz, on Flickr
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

Logtrucker · BBQ Fan Joined: 28 Mar 2010 Posts: 366 Location: Dallas,Or

Its lookin good Scottie cant wait to see how you finish it Smile

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A 500 gal. R.F.

smootz · Posted: Fri Oct 05 12 5:57 am Post subject:

Hinges - gasket

DSCF0668 by jsmootz, on Flickr

DSCF0669 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Gonna hold off on handle and counterweight until I move it back down to operating level.
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

daddywoofdawg · Posted: Fri Oct 05 12 4:30 pm Post subject:

So do you have a break for that RF plate, and a waterjet to cut those ends so round?
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Good BBQ is all smoke and beers!
The Dawghouse Custom vertical Gasser
Custom Made offset smoker
Char grill smoker
Weber kettle

smootz · Posted: Fri Oct 05 12 6:15 pm Post subject:

smootz · Posted: Sun Oct 07 12 6:40 am Post subject:

Made some firebox parts today. 24 x 24 x 26 is just barely over the ci called for on the calculator. Going to go simple this time with a square box, single door, and free standing grate. Luckily I got everything out of a 48" x 96" with enough left for the door.

DSCF0685 by jsmootz, on Flickr

daddywoofdawg - Here's the brake I use. With only 65 tons and a 72" bed it is limited. I have dies to do about anything with 3/16" and down but a full bed of 1/4" is too much without getting a wider (and expensive) bottom die. It does fine with these shorter lengths of 1/4".

DSCF0683 by jsmootz, on Flickr
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

smootz · Posted: Fri Oct 12 12 7:12 am Post subject:

Firebox shell is on.

DSCF0697 by jsmootz, on Flickr

DSCF0696 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Firebox opening 129 sq. in.

DSCF0695 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Trays done

DSCF0698 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Fixed the "mousetrap"

DSCF0700 by jsmootz, on Flickr
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF