"Biggy" sized WSM clone

[smootz]

I have this laying around. Little brother has suggested turning it into a super sized WSM clone.


DSCF0618 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Oddly enough, at 60" tall and 30" diameter it is nearly exactly proportional to his 18-1/2" Weber. Could it be so simple as to make a scale replica? I am guessing no but am seeking input.

Could be a fun project.
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

[k.a.m.]

[Huntin Smoke]

I made something similar and it works really well. It was cheaper than building a horizontal somke at the time and it is a big space saver.

[smootz]

[smootz]

[MacEggs]

Based on what you have built so far, I don't think you will have any worries.

If you are not satisfied with it,
then I will cross the border and dispose of it immediately.
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"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."
Pickled Eggs

The cookers (so far).
Some Weber kettles of various age, color and size
UDS & Mini UDS
Abby Normal ECB
Napoleon Propane Grill

[k.a.m.]

smootz, if you put hinges and a counterweight on the door then it is no longer a clone it is just another upright.
At 6'1" you should be able to handle the lid with no problem I would however see about a fireman's suit in your size they can handle those temps. Oh and go with spinners on the intakes not screw outs. The screw outs will further detract from the WSM clone process.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[smootz]

[M Phil]

Huntin smoke, that thing is freakin awsome looking!

[Pappy]

[smootz]

One thing is becoming obvious. Though it is possible to build an EXACT replica it may be smarter to build a WSM "based" clone. I will try to limit and/or hide as many of the changes as I can.

First part is a compromise:

Bottom clean-out instead of a removable bottom dome. It would just not be feasible to go get the forklift every time I need to empty ashes.


DSCF0713 by jsmootz, on Flickr


DSCF0715 by jsmootz, on Flickr


DSCF0717 by jsmootz, on Flickr


DSCF0719 by jsmootz, on Flickr

Bolts will be replaced with some sort of wing nut/bolt later.

Oh CRAP KAM !! I've barely started and have already contaminated it with bolts.
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

[TrailerBuilder]

smootz wrote:

[smootz]

[k.a.m.]

smootz, I wasn't kidding the lid is gonna be a pita to manipulate. Hinges and a counterweight make more sense if your base can stand the offset weight and not tip over. That is a big concern of mine, what the lid does to the cooker stability once it moves off center, couple that with the added weight to raise it and you could have a mess on your hands.
As far as intakes yes they are above the grate but the ring places the coals at and above the three intakes. Everything works together to complete the burn slow and steady.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[smootz]

The lid is definitely the biggest (no pun intended) obstacle but surmountable.

Thanks for the input on the intakes. I was seriously considering lowering them slightly until you spoke up.

I ran the numbers on this size tank. Up-sizing the vent holes by 67% would change the 3/4" holes to 1-1/4". Actual combined si of all three vents would be very close to the calculator's advise for a horizontal of this size so I should have a surplus of O2 while staying physically proportional to the WSM. In short, I will have more than enough flow and the capability to cut it down to zero.

I'm getting a little excited about this project. I had better come down to earth and finish the horizontal that is 90% done
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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

[Maniac]

smootz have a slide gate suggestion for you. we use them on ash conveyor systems. since you all ready have it welded out i'll give you a modified version. in pic #717 top plate gets same hole as bottom plate. in between both plates is what we call a frying pan. flat plate with handle. cap screws get longer with springs on them......don't need heavy compression just enough to make a seal. your mod will be a hole for your fourth bolt thru pan since it is already welded and tapped. ours have the tapped holes wider so pan slips between them.......sorry for the long post.
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RF Smoker
20" disc
uds

[Charro]

How about splitting the dome - think orange segments. Half the dome opens right, the other left? I've seen your work, you can do it.
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Is it still art if you can't smoke it?

Back yard offset

[Maniac]

[smootz]

Ha! Ha! Ha! Let's challenge Scottie!!!!

The slide gate gave me one of those "Why didn't I think of that" moments. I'm going to have to see if it is easier to adapt to the flange I already put on or cut it off and start over. BTW - Maniac I havn't figured out how to view your photo.

Splitting the dome is a really cool idea and would probably be an attention getter. It will be a trick to get everything to seal. Swinging out like an observatory would be so trick but I am think that splitting it and hinging each side to lift individually from the center might be more feasible. May even have minimal merit as a way to check food without opening all at once.

.Let's see - hydraulic power unit and cylinders, a few solenoids, limit switches, stepper motors, ----- Just kidding!


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150 gallon vertical
propane pig
180 RF

[4ever3]

I'm with Charro! Split it!

Oh and what about instead of hydraulics why not use steam generated from the fire box? Hmmmm?