RF Build Questions

H2ODR · Joined: 31 Dec 2015 Posts: 4

Hello,

I am starting a smoker project with a tank that is 36" diameter and 92" long and I have a couple questions for the more experienced builders here.

I originally thought the wall thickness was 1/4" only to find after cutting the firebox opening that it is 3/16" thick. I have stopped the build until I get some advise.

First of all, will this thickness hold heat well enough to make this build worthwhile?
This will be a trailer mounted rig once complete with several added gadgets for cooking and quite a bit of time and cost involved.

Will a thick baffle plate help hold heat and make up for the thinner tank?

I have been thinking of making one large door so that I could possibly cook a whole hog at some point, with the thinner tank I am afraid the door may warp if I don't reinforce it with some type of framework.

The question is will I be okay with one door or should I leave a 3" strip between two doors to help with door and tank integrity?
I have also thought I could tab and bolt in the center section between the doors, just a lot of trouble to remove during a cook.

This is it for now, I'm sure more questions will come up along the way, I plan on posting pics along the way.

Thanks!
Charles

SoEzzy · Posted: Dec 31 2015 Post subject: Re: RF Build Questions

H2ODR · Joined: 31 Dec 2015 Posts: 4

Thanks much for your input!

H2ODR · Joined: 31 Dec 2015 Posts: 4

Also, I plan on building a double wall insulated fire box, will 1/4" inside plate 1" gap/insulation be sufficient?

SoEzzy · Posted: Dec 31 2015 Post subject:

I would be tempted to up the inner wall of the firebox to 3/8" th s if you can find it.

Have you run the numbers through the calculator yet? http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20871

I've know 2 or 3 fireboxes that were built out of 1/4" plate that suffered somewhere around the 7 year mark, the stronger you build it now, the longer you can relax before you have to rebuild it.

There are solid insulation boards that are made, for the most part folks use the 2", available from McMaster-Carr.

Someone will probably supply a link, tonight or tomorrow AM.
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missionsusmc · Posted: Dec 31 2015 Post subject:

Smokin Mike · Posted: Dec 31 2015 Post subject:

Link to insulation: http://www.mcmaster.com/#high-temperature-insulation/=10h7lin

If you do things like line the bottom of the FB with thin firebrick and make a removable ash pan, it'll help preserve the bottom.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Dec 31 2015 Post subject:

The 3/16" wall on the tank will be fine as far as retaining enough heat to cook with. There is no real way of knowing what your door opening will do once it is cut. I cut a 50" wide door on my cooker and both the tank and door sprung so I designed my coffin lid door. You could go big opening with vertical hinged flat doors and no center bar this will allow you to not need counterweights and have a large opening for whole hogs.

1/4" thick fireboxes are the industry standard for the most part. If you are insulating it go 2" thick minimum or you are wasting time and material in my opinion.
I hope this helps. Very Happy

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Hybrid Cooker

H2ODR · Joined: 31 Dec 2015 Posts: 4

Great information.
Thank you all.