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[Jim.tucker]

I have a reverse flow started. The cook chamber is 36"l x 24"w x 25"t. The Firebox i started without knowing about the Pit Calc. is 24"l x 19"w x 24.5"t. That is with a removable ash pan the the fire basket sits about 4" above the ash pan. According to the Pit Calc my firebox is 155%. is this going to give me problems maintaining a constant fire? I am at a loss because right now there is not way to make it any smaller without starting over.
Thank you for your time.
Jim

[BitBucket]

I confess i'm not sure about if 155% is too much, other sharp folks on these forums will be able to give you guidance on that. If it's too much, a few thoughts.

It's hard to tell from the pictures--is that firebox single wall construction? You might be able to add a 2nd wall to the interior to bring the interior volume down? Insulate that with rock wool and you'll increase efficiency and bring the numbers a bit closer together. Much easier to resize the basket and ash tray than the exterior dimensions, but adding a 2nd wall at this phase might be impractical. If that doesn't sound good you could make a wedge shaped ceiling insert, lowest at the door and highest at the back mated with the throat at the top to reduce volume. I humbly defer to folks who do this more often if they say these are bad ideas, believe them vs. me.

[Jim.tucker]

Thank you sir, yes it is single wall construction so those 2 ideas are a great place to start if in fact it's too large.

[Big T]

155% is definitely too big and will cause you all kinds of headaches when you start trying to maintain temps. Both of the methods that Bitbucket mentioned will work fine. You could also raise the slide rails for the Fb and ash pan and put a simple false floor in the Fb to cut down on the volume if you don't want to insulate. I could be wrong but it looks like the intakes are high enough that you wouldn't need to move them. Make sure that you recalculate the size of your throat for the correct size FB.

[Chromeski]

A false wall/ floor on one side will be easiest way to go.
Another thought us that this smoker will last a lifetime the extra time spent now may be worth it to you in the ed ed

[Jim.tucker]

A false wall/ floor on one side will be easiest way to go.
Another thought us that this smoker will last a lifetime the extra time spent now may be worth it to you in the ed ed

Thank you sir. I sure do not want to put all this time in and have to fight it later on.

[Jim.tucker]

155% is definitely too big and will cause you all kinds of headaches when you start trying to maintain temps. Both of the methods that Bitbucket mentioned will work fine. You could also raise the slide rails for the Fb and ash pan and put a simple false floor in the Fb to cut down on the volume if you don't want to insulate. I could be wrong but it looks like the intakes are high enough that you wouldn't need to move them. Make sure that you recalculate the size of your throat for the correct size FB.

Thank you Big T for your input. It sure would be better to repair it now the. Have to fight it in the future.

[Jim.tucker]

From 155% to 113%. Thank you for your great ideas.

[Jim.tucker]

From 155% to 113%. Thank you for your great ideas.

[BitBucket]

Nicely done Jim!

[Jim.tucker]

Nicely done Jim!

Thank you sir.

[Big T]

[Chromeski]

It will be a better smoker now

[Dirtytires]

Nice fix. You will definately be happier with using it.

[Jim.tucker]

Thank you Big T. Also thank you for all your advice.