Fire box fabrication

[Smokin1◇4fun]

Hi guy, Hope everyone is well. I'm a new member wiith a question about my first smoker build. I'm sure everyone is aware of the price of steel as well as lumber and gasoline. My local fabrication shop priced me over $600 for for a 1/4" 4'x8" sheet. That isn't in my budget so I started looking to scrapyards And was able to get A full 1/8" 4'x8' one full 1/16" 4'x8' and two pieces of 1/8" that probably make up more than a full sheet for $200. I'm at the point where I can start building my fire box so my question is can I double the 1/8" on the top, bottom and sides of my fire box and plug weld it without having issues of separation and/ or warping once i start burning fires? I appreciate any help and look forward to reading your replies. Have a good one guys.
Smokin1◇4fun.

[Dirtytires]

We have had guys try to sandwich steel in the past. I'm not a big fan of it as you will still have two pieces of steel that will heat/cool at different rates. Also, if you only weld one side on your edges, it is pretty easy to miss a full-bead on the inner layer. Long story short, it greatly increases the chance of the pieces distorting. Personally, I wouldn't do it....and especially not for a firebox.

I know steel is stupid priced right now. Read a 'steel futures' forecast that projected prices to drop drastically by end of the year as more capacity comes on line and imports pick up. Tho it's tough to wait, it might be a good idea to hold off and make this a winter project as it could possible cut your steel bill by 50-70% if prices settle back to the 20year average.

[Dirtytires]

On the flip side, I happen to have a half sheet of new 0.25" that I bought a few years ago. Bet if I looked up what I paid for it and calculated price to ship it to you, it would still be cheaper than current prices.

Scary thought.....

[dacolson]

Lol. Yes. Scary.

Recommendations on finding a supplier that sells cutoffs/drops. I’m still finding drops at .45/lb if you can wait for what you are looking for. Got some 3/8 and 1/4 at that price in the last month.


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[Frank_Cox]

I know steel is stupid priced right now. Read a 'steel futures' forecast that projected prices to drop drastically by end of the year as more capacity comes on line and imports pick up. Tho it's tough to wait, it might be a good idea to hold off and make this a winter project as it could possible cut your steel bill by 50-70% if prices settle back to the 20year average.

Brother, I hope you're right!
There are some places near steel mills usually that handle what I call "seconds" They are hard to find though.
If you are willing to buy larger sized sheets... like really big ones- say 96x240 and 1/4 thick you can usually get some real good pricing but that stuff get's gobbled up fast!

Good luck to ya Smokin1◇4fun

[Smokin1◇4fun]

Thanks guys. I ended up finding a used piece at the same scrap yard. He was asking $50 I just had to cut the welds holding a couple pieces of square tubing. He also priced me a 40" piece of 6" steel casing that I'll use for my chimney for $25 which I thought wasn't a bad deal.

[Frank_Cox]

Thanks guys. I ended up finding a used piece at the same scrap yard. He was asking $50 I just had to cut the welds holding a couple pieces of square tubing. He also priced me a 40" piece of 6" steel casing that I'll use for my chimney for $25 which I thought wasn't a bad deal.

That's a great deal!!

[Smokin1◇4fun]

Here's where I'm at on the build. I'm still straighting the corners on the top lid from warping when I welded in the patches where I cut the bungs out.

[dacolson]

Are you putting it on a trailer? Seems low to the ground. Love the design though.
I see these tanks online all the time. How was it to work with? How thick is the steel? Was it a pain to clean out?

[Smokin1◇4fun]

It's on temporary support right now. I would like to put it on a trailer but money is limited and steel prices have skyrocketed. If I dont, then I'll hoist it up, support it with cribbing and build a square tube frame with 10" pneumatic wheels for mobility. It's thin steel, 1/16". It's given me some trouble with movement and warping so I decided to name it trouble. I'm still fighting with the top lid reshaping it so it seals better. As far as cleaning the inside a wire cup brush and flap disc took care of it. It was in great shape when I got it.

[dacolson]

Thx for the details. I image with as thin as it is it would give you some trouble. Looks really nice though. Tons of room too.

[Smokin1◇4fun]

Many thanks. This is my first one.