looking to build a smoker

jacksonvillesmokehouse · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 24

Hello all, thank you all in advance for looking at my question.
I have for a long time wanted a smoker, and in my industry we come accross all types of goodies, and as of last week, I landed an old galvanized pressure tank (originally used for house water on a well)
It is an 80 gal tank (approx 4foot by 17 inches) and thought that it would make a great first smoker.
I have heard, and read a few places that galvanized metal has to be treated first, or not used. I was told by a few people that you can "burn" the tank (I am assuming after it is cut open) and it would make it "safe"
I would plan to paint, or otherwise coat the inside and out after this process, but I am stopping here, hoping that someone will take me under there wing and guide me!
I have no other specs, other than I am planning a offset smoker. No plan yet for a firebox, or anything. Can provide pic if needed.
This tank also has holes already in it, top, 2 on one side, and one on the other (180 degrees apart on the side)
any help is greatly appreciated, and beyond this, if it is not a viable tank, where could I go, and how much would it cost me to get the materials for a smoker ?
Again, thank you in advance!!!
Jax smoker

mds2 · Posted: Mar 15 2007 Post subject:

Two things:

1. Do not paint or coat the inside of a cooker.

2. Do not use a galvanized tank.

You can NOT burn the galvanizing off.
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The Saucy Lads BBQ Team

Alien BBQ · Posted: Mar 15 2007 Post subject:

Whoever told you that does not know what they are talking about or is not your friend. MDS2 is 100% right!

You from Jacksonville Florida?

I would shoot for a used (failed) propane tank. HOWEVER, if you don't know what you are doing, they will blow up when you go to cut the first hole in them for doors. Get a seasoned professional welder (who has done this before) It will cost you about $50 for the cut or maybe you could work out a trade.
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broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

mds2 is right. The galvanizing permeates the metal , it will release a little everytime you heat it and poison you and your family (literally) to death.
Sorry If this sounds grim but it is true. Cutting any tank is risky even if not combustible material. I think the next one I build , I will buy a sheet of 1/4" and have it rolled to the exact size I want. With that said There are thousands of freebies laying around that you can build a smoker out of
Just keep looking around at these threads and you will get plenty of Ideas.

William.
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Whether you think you can or
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Tony · Posted: Mar 15 2007 Post subject:

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

Sure Tony,

First off Tin is actually a type of metal and is not the same thing as zinc coated metal( galvanized) although most people call galvanized roofing Tin.
I know first hand that acute Fume fever can be helped by drinking Milk, I don't know why but i have heard that milk increases the bodies ability to use up zinc.
http://rais.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/zn.shtml
http://www.ead.anl.gov/pub/doc/zinc.pdf
_________________
Slow down we're in a hurry.
Whether you think you can or
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Tony · Posted: Mar 16 2007 Post subject:

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

No need to apologize. I got the feeling that you already knew the answer but didn't agree with mine. Whenever my ignorance is in question I am always glad to confirm it. Laughing

I Have been known to talk or type to much but wanted to be serious about the dangers.Some know very little and some know alot and some know nothing. I wasn't trying to sound like I knew alot or provoke anyone but If I tell what little I know and someone else tells What little they know We all get a liitle smarter. Smile

_________________
Slow down we're in a hurry.
Whether you think you can or
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Tony · Posted: Mar 16 2007 Post subject:

Yo...

Well Put, Dude! Cool

Best Regards, Tony Very Happy

mrcustomsteel · Posted: Mar 16 2007 Post subject:

The welders' wives tale is Shocked

BUTTERMILK Shocked

as an antidote to replace electrolytes after galvi fume inhalation. YUCK, I think I'd rather stay sick.

The data say that galvi should not boil off at smoking temps but my experience is that enough comes off to see and taste it if it comes in contact with food. I agree with both of you to stay away from it.
_________________
D. Tillery
Texan transplanted in Billings, MT
www.mrcustomsteel.com

Tony · Posted: Mar 16 2007 Post subject:

Ev'nin', D. Very Happy

You bein' in the business that you're in...and knowin' whatcha'all
know.I would venture ta' say,"Hey...It All Came From The Horse's Mouth!"

Thanks, Guy! Wink

Oh,and not 'fer nuthin,but..The Forecast down here (Exit #18,N.J.Turnpike)
is 8-12" of White! Hope Ya'll git' your stuff on/off early! Laughing

best Regards, Tony Very Happy

jacksonvillesmokehouse · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 24

this is a heated topic!!!
I am back at a standstill then until I find another way to get myself some way of SMOKIN!!
I unfortunatly do not have a torch, or welder (though I am sure I could aquire one)
but, what other tanks can I use >? Where to I go to procure one, and is it worthwhile for a first timer to go thru all of this, or just bite the bullet and buy a readily available smoker (such as the one at wally world for $138.00 (*Brinkman*) )
I have a Stainless Charbroil gas grill I love, but it doesn't do BBQ well... not like smoke/charcoal.
There is so much info on this forum, a newbie like me gets lost quickly!!!
all of your advice is welcomed, and appreciated!!

Rub the Butt BBQ · Posted: Mar 17 2007 Post subject:

I got my propane tank (freebie) from American propane on Talleyrand just down from Alltel Stadium.
_________________
Todd
Rub the Butt BBQ

Stumps GF 223
Custom Built Offset Stick Burner

mds2 · Posted: Mar 17 2007 Post subject:

Go my 250 gal propane tank for $90. You should try to find yourself one.
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The Saucy Lads BBQ Team

Alien BBQ · Posted: Mar 17 2007 Post subject:

I am a big Brinkman fan but I would not buy their newest version. If the one you see at Wally world has the wood tray out front and not the metal grate one, then pick it up. You can mod those to cook well and they will last about 10 years with a little care. If it is the one with the metal grate in front, run �don�t walk to the nearest Charbroiler dealer and but one of theirs (with the firebox already included.)
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broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

I know what you mean about getting lost in the begining. Afew positve things about buying :
1 narrows searches down to a certain model
2 Mods are probably fairly simple
3 Someone here is making great BBQ with whatever model you pick already.
4 When you decide to build You'll know exactly what you want and don't want.
_________________
Slow down we're in a hurry.
Whether you think you can or
not, You are right.

jacksonvillesmokehouse · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 24

I will do a little looking, and start with a commercially available one, I will look at charbroil, I have their gas grill, and love it (stainless, with cast brass burners, etc)
I guess I am one of those out there that isn't statisfied with what I can buy, and know I can make things better!
so I will take it a step at a time, will keep my eye out for a tank.
thanks again... will post back when I find my choice unit to modify!!

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

Let us know what you do and remember We love Pics.
_________________
Slow down we're in a hurry.
Whether you think you can or
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elk · BBQ Fan Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 328 Location: St. Louis

Galvinized / Tin coatings can be removed. I did it by having someone use a 20k psi waterblast gun with a grit injection nozzle.

jacksonvillesmokehouse · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 24

I just found a source for 55 gal steel drums, couldn't understand what the guy said the chemical is that was in them, I think it began with poly something... the company makes big rig frames, and truck frames. I think it might be either a metal primer, or some type of rust inhibitor (guy didn't speak too clearly)
but, the price is unbeatable... wanted to see if I was just crazy or something... $2 for each.
now, need to get a parts list going and see if I can come close or beat the cost of buying a retail version... any thoughts ? plans ? parts list with approx costs ?

I am excited now!!