going to start the smoker

Wreckless · Posted: Dec 18 2014 Post subject:

Since I build / run hybrids (Conventional and RF), tuning plates are the only way mine will work. At the same time, even if I chose to go with RF only, I am not completely comfortable with a pretty much set in stone welded in RF plate. At least not until I was satisfied with the performance / recipe. I do like the look of the single RF plate with its own grease drain but, once built, I have no intentions of kicking back and ogling the fine work on a daily basis. Tuning plates work fine for me and for those that may want to clean the cooker, getting a single plate out may be more than bargained for. There are many fans of the single plate, I myself have built a couple, that I understand, just doesn't work for me.
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Wreckless · Posted: Dec 18 2014 Post subject:

Asphalt Cowboy · Posted: Dec 19 2014 Post subject:

Wreckless and KAM you guys are awesome. Amazing wealth of info.

Mr Tony's BBQ · Posted: Dec 20 2014 Post subject:

Just another note on the gas assist...We lost a fellow smoker locally last week, [ Fon Du Lac Wi. ] who tried re-lighting his home built gas assist after it went out. Doors blew off in the ensuing explosion, hitting him in the head and killing him. NOT the kind of stories we want to see here or anywhere!!
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Asphalt Cowboy · Posted: Dec 21 2014 Post subject:

Asphalt Cowboy · Posted: Dec 25 2014 Post subject:

So I am kinda stuck. I have my fire/ warming box made. Was going to start on the basket. Now my box is 24 inch square and I'm not sure how big i should make my basket. Would 18x18x12 be to big?

SoEzzy · Posted: Dec 25 2014 Post subject:

You probably are not going to burn a fire bigger than 15" x 10" x 2.5", but a bigger fire basket allows you to move the fire base, from end to end or side to side.

The small hot fire, fed every 45 - 60 minutes, should keep you cooking in the zone you like to work in, and by maintaining the fire base the right size for your cooker, will be something you learn to do in the first seasoning cooks.

Better a smaller hotter fire, than a larger colder fire.

This is why good air flow on the intakes is important.
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Wreckless · Posted: Dec 25 2014 Post subject:

On my 24" cookers, my FB is typically around 24"W x 22 L, close enough to your 24" square for reference. So...my typical basket is 20" x 18". Prolly not any significant reason for these dims other than it seems to fit right. With 2" clearance per side, it allows the dampers nice breathing room to fuel the fire. Also, it seems the longest split I ever end up with is around 18" long, it drops in nicely thru the top load I build into my FB's. I re-load if needed, some lump mid cook via the end door, the basket pulls out just enough to allow the nasty lump dust to go up and outward rather than being drawn into the cooker. So, again, nothing scientific, it just works well. FWIW...the FB coal basket is heads and tails above a grate IMHO. The well contained coal base that the basket allows much better for provides a stable heat while the split provides more of the smoke eventually becoming the coal base. Many run just the original coal base adding only splits afterward. I at times re-add some lump, just what works for me. Especially noteable for those not running an RF plate or tuning plates. Not nearly the temp spike between an almost spent wood split and the introduction of a fresh one added having the coal base. Possibly another TMI from Wreckless but too little info is well, too little. Hope it works.

The basket pulled for a lump fuel reload

Basket in it's home

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k.a.m. · Posted: Dec 25 2014 Post subject:

k.a.m. · Posted: Dec 26 2014 Post subject:

For reference sake.
Bahama Mama's firebox is 27" square, my basket is 18" square x 6" tall.
I am cooking two turkeys and a Ham today, here is a pic of my coal base with her running at around 275°.

Look closely you can see the heat signature of a clean burning fire.

I hope this helps. Very Happy

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Asphalt Cowboy · Posted: Dec 26 2014 Post subject:

Dam i like that basket. I might have to do a couple of mods.

http://s1368.photobucket.com/user/John_Randel/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141225_114330_zps95c1f510.jpg.html?o=3

Asphalt Cowboy · Posted: Dec 26 2014 Post subject:

18x18x6 basket. ( might make a couple mods)

almost done with the fire box.

k.a.m. · Posted: Dec 26 2014 Post subject:

TrailerBuilder · Posted: Dec 29 2014 Post subject:

I look forward to following your build. I wont lie, I cringed a little, well a lot, when I seen air compressor tank. My X3 Build was a compressor tank and it ended up being my first experience at a square face cooker build. It was 3/16 wall and not 1/4 like yours, so hopefully that will be an advantage for you. I would NOT tack your hinges on before your final cut on the door. If your lucky, you wont have too many times with the door on and off the cooker beating it to submission trying to get it to fit right again. Don't be scared though, there is enough knowledge on the Ring to walk you through about anything you encounter. Your off to a good start, looking forward to seeing more pics and updates Very Happy

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Asphalt Cowboy · Posted: Dec 30 2014 Post subject:

k.a.m. · Posted: Dec 30 2014 Post subject:

You can always build a Coffin door. Wink

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k.a.m. · Posted: Dec 30 2014 Post subject:

Asphalt Cowboy · Posted: Dec 31 2014 Post subject: