New smokin vessel build

[Big T]

I use 1x1x 3/16 angle for rack guides, 1x1 11ga square tubing for the grate frames and 3/4 x 9 expanded for the grates. I would use the 2x2x 1/4 for the stand since you already have it.

[Cole]

I like square tubing for the frame, but the round tubing would work great and add a different look.

[Rodcrafter]

Yeah that


Making memories!

[dportz87]

I used 2x2x1/4 for my racks and guides as it was free and number 9 expanded metal for my cooking grates

[jose-da-weldr]

Ok guys small update today. Got the CC and fb throats cut out today. I did change the opening to not have a 1in dam, which made it just a tad smaller, and welded the back plate to the fb on the inside. Also, somewhat figured out the bp gap. It calls for 2.38 inch gap with a 14.5in bp. With that measurement, it will leave me with about a 4in gap between bp, and cooking grate. I measured from center of weld towards in of CC 2.5 inched, which should give me plenty of gap for the bp. Set it on jack stands to see what it looks like, and I'm liking what I'm seeing.

Is there a problem if I leave too much gap for the bp?

Should I cutout the section where CC meets with the fb? I know it's not a big piece, just wondering if it helps.

If my numbers look wrong, don't hesitate to correct me.

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[Big T]

Your numbers look good to me. I don't think the cut out will matter either way so I would go with which ever is easier to fit. The BP gap is pretty critical, 100% of the throat is absolutely max for the BP gap. The gap can be up to 25% smaller than the throat and it won't cause any issues. I make mine equal to the throat and I've never had any issues.

[jose-da-weldr]

Your numbers look good to me. I don't think the cut out will matter either way so I would go with which ever is easier to fit. The BP gap is pretty critical, 100% of the throat is absolutely max for the BP gap. The gap can be up to 25% smaller than the throat and it won't cause any issues. I make mine equal to the throat and I've never had any issues.

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll make my cutout to where the grates sit behind the bp.

As far as for the door, do you normally cut it right at top dead center or do you cut it 1 inch wider than center? Trying to make as much progress I can at the shop, so I can bring it home and finish it here.

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[Big T]

I make the top cut 1'' past TDC and the bottom cut 1'' below 3 o clock. It helps with water run off on the top and it allows the bottom rack to be at the widest point of the tank, providing that you're building sliding racks. I know that RC does his the same as this is where I got my layout from when I first started building RF's.

[jose-da-weldr]

I make the top cut 1'' past TDC and the bottom cut 1'' below 3 o clock. It helps with water run off on the top and it allows the bottom rack to be at the widest point of the tank, providing that you're building sliding racks. I know that RC does his the same as this is where I got my layout from when I first started building RF's.

Awesome, thanks. I had already center punched the top 1" past TDC. When I go back, I'll make sure to make my mark 1" past 3 o'clock.

Question: since my CC caps are domed right in the center, does that affect my bp gap? I used a 2' square and came up with 1 1/2" end of cap to center of weld.

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[jose-da-weldr]

This is what I'm talking about. From end of cap to center of weld is 1 1/2". Would this affect my bp gap and numbers?

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[Big T]

It does make a difference and I believe there's a BP gap calculator at the top of the main page under the smoker builder calculators. If there isn't a calculator for that, I would tighten the gap a little bit just to make sure that it's smaller than the throat.

[Pete Mazz]

Use the bell end depth at BP height, not the overall bell end depth. In your case slide a 14.5" wide piece of cardboard or something up to the welds and measure to the middle of the bell end.

[jose-da-weldr]

Well, I didn't get to make it to the shop today, but I did end up getting some measurements and a template for my bp. Luckily I had a end cap at home that I had used for a vise stand. I flipped it over and did my layouts. Came up with a 5/8ths gap from bp to center of bell. Punched the numbers in for the calc and came up with a gap of 2.09 inches. Didn't think that there would be so much math to it, but at the end it's going to come out great.

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[Big T]

I'm glad that you got it figured out. I know what you mean on the math part, I built a few cookers before I found this site and always struggled to get them to maintain steady temperature. After I built my first one using the pit calculator I knew I'd never go rogue again.. lol

[Dirtytires]

You think it’s bad now....try to retro it after the plate is in! Nice job in working it out and great pictures to help the next guy out.

[Pete Mazz]

[jose-da-weldr]

You think it’s bad now....try to retro it after the plate is in! Nice job in working it out and great pictures to help the next guy out.

Thanks DT!!! I am gonna take as many pics as I can so, not only me but everyone else, can see the progress on it.

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[jose-da-weldr]

Got this badboy home today. Should've got it home sooner, but it's finally home. Made some makeshift legs for it today. Not the best, but they'll do till I make the actual frame for it. Still debating on what to use. Well, time to do work.

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[Rodcrafter]

Ok get busy! lol


Making memories!

[Dirtytires]

I agree...those legs gotta go.

Good to be home but don’t let that allow you to put it in the back of the garage and pile boxes in front of it.

[jose-da-weldr]

Hey guys, I know it's been since I've done anything to my build, and what I said wouldn't happen, did happen. I set it aside and I didn't touch it. Well, it's time to get back on it and continue the build.

I have a question, what do you guys recommend on how high should my bottom grate be when I open my CC door? I am 5ft 7in tall and 40inches is about right for me, but I don't know if there's a standard measurement for smokers or is it your own personal preference. Please let me know, thanks.

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[mp4]

I measured my gas grill and went from there. To me - 40" seems high, especially considering how high you'll have to reach to open up the cook chamber door. I think mine is set at 36".

[Pete Mazz]

[Chromeski]

Just went thru this thread. I definitely won't give you any welding advice. I know some may say it's over welded, but when your welder buddies come over for dinner they will analyze every inch. Can't wait to see the final product

[jose-da-weldr]

Hey guys, been trying to get back on my smoke vessel, but you know, life just happens. So it sat outside unfinished and untouched for a while. Got the fb on there but to me it seems small. After seeing all these smokers with overbuilt firebox, now looks like it needs to be bigger. What do you think, should I make it bigger? The way it is, it's at 100% of what the Calc calls for. Let me know, I do have a piece of 16 inch I can weld on there and make it 21 inches long. Let me know, thanks....

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