New Build: Full Size Double Pan

[Zimbomike]

Loved my GF Mini so much. Have decided to build the double pan version. Will update as we go along.....

[Big T]

[Zimbomike]

A few starting pics. Decided to bend as much of the sheet metal as possible, managed to save 1/2 of a sheet.

A question to all....should I have the frame sandblasted before putting on the cladding?

thanks

[tinspark]

A few starting pics. Decided to bend as much of the sheet metal as possible, managed to save 1/2 of a sheet.

A question to all....should I have the frame sandblasted before putting on the cladding?

thanks

It shouldn't really rust any more since you are encapsulating all of it in insulation and then the external skin.

You can get a spray can of the Rustoleum brand "Rusty Metal Primer". That stuff is made to paint over minor rust spots and seal the oxidation in. I would at least do this.. Also, U might kick around at least hitting it with a wire wheel and a grinder, It would only take 10-15 minutes to give it a quick once over, then lock it in with a primer..

[Big T]

[Zimbomike]

Slowly getting it together. I did some modifications on the fabrication side to try and save some welding, and prevent warpage that I had while building my mini GF, and create a smoother look. seems that I can only get 4 or 6 inch pipe for the stack. I was leaning towards the larger diameter (6)... any thoughts one way or the other? If I do go with the 6 inch, should I cut the length to 7 inches vs 8?

[Dirtytires]

My understanding is that the chimney volume is not critical on a vertical smoker as the entire unit acts as the exhaust and creates the draw. With that theory, height or diameter is not important.

[Zimbomike]

OK, that make sense. Thanks. Think I will use the 6 Inch.. Just looks better..... Also was thinking about using rivets to put the outer cladding on vs welding. My concern is that moisture will make its way into the insulation. Has anyone secured the outer skin like this? Or simply better just to seal it up with welds.

[Zimbomike]

Some good progress finally. Capitalized on some experience with my mini build. I put pieces of 2" flat bar in the door to add support and limit distortion when welding. Made a jig to put easily put the tray rails in the smoker. They went in as a unit. Worked like a charm. Pics below. Tried my hand at bending where I could to minimize welding. Hopefully get doors mounted, wheels on tomorrow. With a over ambitious shot of Wednesday to the sand Blaster, Thursday paint... Thinking of doing this one in Red High Heat Powder coat.

Still thinking of rivets or machine screws for the outside.. Thoughts and advice appreciated.

[Zimbomike]

Nearly finished. Some cleaning up (welds), removing handles, then off to the Sandblaster... Any reason not to blast the inside as well, then season?

[Dirtytires]

Nope...be nice to clean up the weld crud before it is seasoned.

Nice build.....

[Zimbomike]

Finally managed to get the smoker into the sandblaster. Didn't realize how heavy of a beast this was.. Used forklift to put on my truck. Now in for high temp powder coating. Settled on a matte black finish. Here are some pics after blasting. Hopefully done on Tuesday... Will update with finished pics, and the test cook before it goes to its final resting place.

[towtruck]

Looks good

[Zimbomike]

Had a few issues with warping of outside panels and door plates. I guess the only way to overcome that is weld slowly, a few stitches, then allow to cool, making it a long process. Any other ideas? I also imagine if I used thicker plate (this was 16 gauge), I would get less distortion, then It would be too heavy.

[Dirtytires]

Warping is an issue we all deal with. In addition to stitching and thicker material, you might also toss in a few additional cross members to add a few more tack-points.

And wow...that sure filled up your truck!

[tinspark]

Thicker material and backstepping on the welds definitely helps with the warpage,,

[Tospy]

Nice build!!!!

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G780F met Tapatalk

[Zimbomike]

Finally painted , seasoned and put through a test cook. First Impressions:

1. Was able to reach and maintain (3 hours) 450F during the seasoning process, only used 3.5 large charcoal chimneys.
2. No Visible air leaks around the door frame, which was a big concern.
3. Firebox door seal melted due to the high heat during the seasoning phase. Will replace using a rope seal with glue.
4. Since the cook chamber is so big, it took quite a while to get up to cook temps (about an hour).
5. Surprisingly, once the cook chamber got up to the temperature difference between the racks was very tolerable. See pic .
6. Cooked a 7 kg pork butte/shoulder, took about 12 hours.
7. Let set in cooler box, and pulled this morning.

I would have to say given the size, this beast is not for everyday cooking but performed remarkably well with only 1 pork butte. I did put a water pan on bottom rack to help with the moisture. Need to figure out what to do next. A vertical 100 pound gas bottle smoker maybe.. Any ideas?
Thank again for the encouragement and Frank cox and crew for the good plans..
Cheers, Merry Christmas from Zimbabwe.

Mike

[Zimbomike]

Forgot to put the pics after painting..

[Pete Mazz]

[Dirtytires]

Nice build...looks like it turned out great.

[tinspark]

Very nice job!

[tinspark]

Finally painted , seasoned and put through a test cook. First Impressions:

I would have to say given the size, this beast is not for everyday cooking but performed remarkably well with only 1 pork butte. I did put a water pan on bottom rack to help with the moisture.

I usually pack my GF with more meat than I need and plan on freezing what we cannot eat in only a few days. Then freeze some for later in vacuum bags. Reheating is a snap in hot water and tastes about as good as originally smoked.. I have cooked 16 racks of ribs and 14 Tri tips in mine on less than a 20 lb bag of charcoal and a few splits in the ash pan for more smoky goodness. But will use the same fuel for just 2 racks of ribs by themselves, so I try to make the most of my fuel to an extent..

[Big T]

Congrats on the build and the cook. Merry Christmas!

[Zimbomike]

Said goodbye today to my Large Gravity Feed.... Off to a sports club restaurant. My Mini Gravity also went away last week to a friend. So... New builds...