First Pit With Pictures

[james275]

Well... I have decided that I like BBQ way too much not to have the best way to cook it. After my last trip to The Outback I figured I needed a way to cook ribs the right way. Being a die hard do-it-yourselfer with way more time than money, I started looking for parts. Thanks to all the info found here in "The Smoke Ring", here is my first attempt along with some pictures of my smoker. Let me know what you all think. Propane tank is 20"D X 66" long. Firebox is 18" square, chimney is 6"D. I am looking for some experts with some pit building experience to let me know what they think, and how to improve.

[loomis1228]

James,

Let me be the first to tell you that I think that you have a nice looking rig there. I would even like to see more close-up pics but my philosophy is that some are better than none. Did you do everything by yourself? Are you mounting it on a trailer? Are you going to paint it? Have you fired it up yet? Let us know. We love seeing pics of food and pics of pits. Great job and welcome aboard.
_________________
Jesse Gabbard
--------------------------------------------------------
"Layla"--customized towable pit
"The Bone Barrel"--Weber Smoky Mountain
Hasty Bake Surburban
Weber Performer
Weber Gas

[james275]

Thanks
Yes I did it all myself. Believe it or not, the only tools I have are a 4.5" angle grinder, Lincoln 175HD Mig welder, and oxy/act torch. The only thing I used the torch for was the circular cuts. Like I said before "more time than money". I think though that I have built a ship in a bottle. I had no idea how heavy this thing would be and just built it on a square tube stand with no wheels, I am not sure how to get it out of the garage. Wheels are definatley a must. I just finished it yesterday and weather permitting I need to fire it up, season it and paint it.
I still have the half circle I cut out of the fire box and was not sure if I need a damper between fire box and pit? This cut out would work great if needed. I can't wait for RIBS. I will keep all informed as it progresses.
Thanks.
James

[Alien BBQ]

We used two furniture dollies to move mine.
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeloberry

[elk]

Nice work! Are you going to use tuning plates?

[zilla]

The tuning plates are in there. Middle pic on the right. Nice looking rig you built there brother.
_________________
Zilla

GIANT BBQ

[james275]

So far I have three tuning plates across the bottom. Each is 5/16 inch steel that is 13.3 inches wide.


Tuning plates


fire box end.
I hope this is enough...Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Thanks

[mrblue]

I like it
Did you use the grinder to cut the doors ??
I would sure like to hear about the propane cutting technique you used..

[james275]

Yes I used the 4.5" grinder to cut everything (yes, I went though a few disks approx 10). The only time I went to the Oxy\Act torch was to cut the half circle out of the back of the firebox. After cutting the notch in the tank I traced the outline of the tank onto to the 3/8" thick firebox back with soapstone then free handed the cut (later found out you can buy a circle cutter attachment for the torch $60.00) oh well.... Then welded the plate onto the fire box and box to the tank.

[mds2]

That is a really nice looking pit, looks like you did a very good job.

So when are you going to fire it up?
_________________


The Saucy Lads BBQ Team

[mrcustomsteel]

Nice work James. Did you make those hinges? Can you post a closer pic of one?
_________________
D. Tillery
Texan transplanted in Billings, MT
www.mrcustomsteel.com

[james275]

If you mean the hinges on the firebox, yes I custom made those. If you mean the top hinges, I got those off of ebay. There is an auction now for the same stuff Item #300086524031. The butterfly valve and hinges look to be cut by water jet. Very good stuff. I can post some closer pictures of both tonight. Hopefully this weekend I can fire it up.
Thanks

[james275]

Here are some pics of the hinges.


Top Hinges with stainless bolt.


Firebox hing with 1/2" pin (can you say "overkill")




smoke stack
I decided to make it a sweeping 90 degree to keep down on internal build up. I know the welds probabaly don't look the best but this is my first project and first time welding. I hope I get better with practice.

I will be installing the handles tonight and the thermometer this weekend and hope to fire it up.
If anyone knows where I can buy lump coal or even hard wood chunks up here in the Pacific Northwest let me know. I am in the Portland/Vancouver area.

[BBQMAN]

Nice job!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[Rub the Butt BBQ]

Good looking smoker. I especially like your avatar. I'm a 12 yr veteran of the US Army infantry! Got out as an O4-E.
_________________
Todd
Rub the Butt BBQ

Stumps GF 223
Custom Built Offset Stick Burner

[mrcustomsteel]

Nice work. It's always tough to decide whether to make or buy hinges. All those look good.
_________________
D. Tillery
Texan transplanted in Billings, MT
www.mrcustomsteel.com

[broncstomper]

great looking pit. i like those hinges.
_________________
Slow down we're in a hurry.
Whether you think you can or
not, You are right.

[Skyebiline]

So when are you going to make a smaller one for your sister??? (just kidding)

[sterlingsmoker]

Rub and James, Thanks for your service!!! Here's to ya!!!!
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Smokin Meat and Drinkin beer It don't get any better!!
2-WSMs
1-Cookshack 008
1-Bar-B-Chef Offset
2--UDS

[Rubit]

Looks like a pasion to me.
_________________
Vertical Brick pit wood burner
Converted Lazy Q Charcoal
Tank smoker Charcoal
Tank smoker wood burner
Tank Charcoal grill