old smoker advice

WillyB · Joined: 01 Oct 2012 Posts: 6

I have an old smoker 30 inch cooking chamber with a 15 x 15 box. I would like to clean it up and start using it again. But I want some advice on how to:

1. firebox is peeling off layers on the inside. How do I re-furbish the inside of the box. Almost looks like its rusted.

2. Whats the best way to paint the outside of the smoker. Type of paint?, number of coats, etc....

Smokin Mike · Posted: Mar 29 2016 Post subject:

How bad is the decay in the firebox? Can you punch a screwdriver through the side wall?

If the decay isn't too awful bad then take a scraper (putty knife) and clean it up as much as you can, then use it. If you wish you can line the interior with some 11 gauge or thicker steel plates. If you don't have access to a welder then you can bolt the sections into place. Make sure you use black bolts and not anything that is galvanized or zinc plated. That would be a temporary solution to your problem. Otherwise get a new firebox built and toss the old one. In case you didn't know, don't paint any interior parts.

Painting isn't a major big deal if you do the proper prep work. Get all the scale and rust and dirt off of there, a light sanding, and brush or roller on some Rustoleum high heat paint. This can be found at the big box stores and some hardware stores. One coat is usually sufficient with regular touchups as needed over time but apply two coats if you want. after drying you'll want to heat set the paint with a small to medium fire.

http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/specialty/high-heat-brush-on/
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biker.chef · Posted: Mar 29 2016 Post subject:

A 3M paint stripper brush on a drill works well.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Mar 29 2016 Post subject:

For the firebox the best way to attack the flaking rust I have found is a needle gun or a chipping hammer. You can also use a weed burner and heat the outside the rust will start to pop loose. But wear eye protection that stuff releases hard and fast.
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