Started a 180 gallon RF today

[smootz]

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]

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

[smootz]

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.

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.]

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]

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.
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

[k.a.m.]

Count your hairs now Brother. A lot o heat is fixing to happen on those end caps. Good Luck.
Oh wait there is always Tadpole gaskets.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[smootz]

And Bolts!
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

[k.a.m.]

[smootz]

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]

Ends are on. Everything stayed straight. Yippee!


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

[davefan360]

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]

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]

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]

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

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]

Its lookin good Scottie cant wait to see how you finish it
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A 500 gal. R.F.

[smootz]

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]

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]

[smootz]

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]

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