DPP clone build

[dlockha]

I am starting a dpp clone build with a 335 gallon tank. It is 32 inches in diameter and 82 inches from end to end. My biggest question I'd should I cut the domed ends off or leave them on? There is 48" between the seams that weld the ends on. So the cooker will still be plenty big. My fire box is 20"x34" if that helps.

[k.a.m.]

Welcome to the ring dlockha, looking forward to seeing some pics of your cooks and following your cooker project.
If it were mine I would leave them. Drop some expanded metal in the dome ends and enjoy the extra space.

Your pic is to big for the ring. You will need to re-size to 640 x 480 or our moderator SoEzzy will break the link.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[dlockha]

Thanks posting from an iPad is hard to tell when I pull it up. Should I put the stacks out on the ends or in the main body? I'm looking forward to having a big enough pit to do a whole hog.

[k.a.m.]

dlockha, if your going to have a plate over your firebox openings or snouts like a DP I would place my exhausts on the rear just inside the dome welds.
I hope this helps.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[jess]

Welcome to the ring. That tank has hog cooker written all over it. Good luck with your build...

[dlockha]

I do plan on putting snouts in the smoke chamber. KAM is there a thread on how you make your hinges? I'm trying to decide on the type of hinge I put on the sc door.

[k.a.m.]

[dlockha]

The ones with pipe and rod. Is it one piece of rod or two bent in an L and placed in the pipe. I've seen hinges for sale but like the idea of making my own.

[k.a.m.]

dlockha, I use 1/2" SCH 80 seamless pipe 5" long for the barrel. I use 1/2" hot roll rod for the pin, yes it is one piece bent over into a 90°.
I apply my top strap then the hinges are placed about 3/8" to a 1/2" behind it and welded to the chamber. I then heat the rod to form over the strap and down the door. I like the rod to carry about 3" into the door past the strap.
I hope this helps.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[Wynnebear]

I remember when mine looked like that. I really enjoy my DP clone. Will never have anything else.


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Smokin Hot BBQ Custom Octagon
Smokin Hot BBQ 500 gal Custom
CharGriller Duo #5050
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Fastest Black/Flames Thermapen

[dlockha]

Thanks kam that helps a lot. Wynnebear that is a nice looking cooker. I hope that I can get it mounted on the frame today and get the fire box cut to length.

[dlockha]

I got my fire box cut to length yesterday. I have plenty of 12" pipe but haven't been able to scrounge any 6" would I have any problems with draw by putting in 1 12" and putting a diverter on it or should I keep looking for 6" pipe and do 2 into the pit?

[k.a.m.]

dlockha, I would look for the 6" or you could cut the 12" in half plate the top and use two 12" x 6" connectors.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[dlockha]

Thanks kam I never thought of that. Is there any advantage to putting dampers in the pipes from the fire box to the smoke chamber. Also on a dpp is there a door on both ends of the fire box or just one? I like the idea of one on each side for ease of cleaning.

[k.a.m.]

dlockha, I see no reason in putting dampers in the connectors. If memory serves me correctly yes there is a door on each end of the firebox.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[Wynnebear]

[dlockha]

Thanks for the replys guys I'm sure it won't be the last time I'm going to need help. This forum is so awesome for finding what you need to create good bbq. My wife thinks I have a sickness this is going to be my 3 rd smoker. I have a vertical smoker that my granddad had and never used. It works good but is small. I also have a smoke n pit that my mother in law got me for Christmas that I have modded but it too is on the small side. This is going to be kind of a community smoker since I work for a COOP and have gotten almost all of the parts from the scrap pile there.

David

[dlockha]

Just wanted to update where I have got so far. I got the frame built the tank mounted and the pipe for the firebox cut to length. The tank had legs that I moved to the top and got those cut off tonight. I hope things start to move along a little quicker now that I have the base made. I plan on cutting the doors tomorrow I'm kind of nervous when I was cutting the legs off I could feel and hear the tank popping. I plan to go slow hoping it won't spring too bad. Here are some pics so far.

The end view of the frame and tank mounted
here is where the mounts were Attached. I'm hoping the welds won't deter how the door works.

[k.a.m.]

dlockha, looking good so far. Good Luck on your door cut, don't sweat it 9 out of 10 doors need tweaking after being cut. I look forward to seeing some more updates.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[dlockha]

I thought that I would update where I am on my cooker. So far I got the door cut and hung and almost fitting correctly and just got my firebox built minus the doors and intake holes. I also have the fire box sitting in the smoke chamber but not tacked in yet. Hoping to get that done tomorrow and get the stacks on tomorrow also. How far into the smoke chamber should the snouts go I have them now about 10" from the front of the chamber?

Here is the snouts going into the chamber



Looking into the chamber