Thinking of Building Mini-WSM

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danbono

Master of the Pit
Original poster
OTBS Member
Feb 19, 2012
1,702
115
North New Jersey Paramus
Hi All Been reading a lot lately about the Mini-WSM.. Was thinking of maybe putting one together. Is there a list of parts and instructions that are needed to put one together..I don't have much tools to work with either..I can get the 32 Tamale pot and Smoky Joe at Walmart.

Question is there only one size Web Smoky Joe? Does it hold temps well?

Should be able to get started once in warms up here in NJ. Just like to get the information ahead of time and round up what is needed.

Thanks Dan

PS I have COS and a Cheap  Electric Vertical smoker. 
 
Lots of great builds here and there are multiple ways to go. To answer your question, yes they hold temps like a rock. For tools you can get by with a drill with a step bit that goes up to 1" (harbor freight has a cheap step bit set for under $20) and a cheap jigsaw with a metal blade (once again you can buy a cheap jigsaw at harbor freight for right at $20.

I have built all of my mini's using the SMJ silver. I found mine cheap on Craigslist. If I hadn't I would have bought the silver as the stores in my neck of the woods don't have the gold. Here's a quick list of parts you may need if using a silver, minus the pot and the BBQ.

Ash deflector - tin can with holes or small stainless pet food dish

charcoal basket - 1 x 2 sheet of expanded metal for the sides. You will use the charcoal grate that comes with the Smokey Joe for the base.

Side air vents (SMJ silver only) - (2) 3/4" black pipe nipples, (2) 3/4" ball valves

Heat deflector - (not required but useful for low temp smokes) 10" terracotta planter tray cover in foil.

(3) nuts and bolts to make supports for rack.

There are a few other items that aren't really required, therm paint, etc...

As for builds I'd read through the forum and take in all that you can.
 
if you get the gold smokey joe all you need is to attach the lid to the bottom of the pot and cut a hole thru both (this is optional but highly recommended); I have the imusa pot so I had to bolt it on. Charcoal basket is also optional but recommended. Then drill three holes about four inches down for bolts to support the grill. I also made a lower grill support by wiring some leftover expanded metal, 12" diameter and three inches high, from leftover expanded metal from making the charcoal basket. I use the steamer insert as my heat deflector.

Very easy and great smoker.
 
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      Thanks Dan
 
  • Hi All Many thanks for for the great info on the Mini.
  • Question would my 12x12 charcoal basket that I used in COS fit in the Smoky Joe? Think it will be to big.. the grates are about 12" diameter.. and that's at the widest part of the cooker.. where the basket sits it will be smaller
  • Gold or Silver what is the difference.. silver's vents are on the bottom.. Gold is on the side ...
  • Are the ball valves necessary? I don't have anything to drill 1" hole..I can drill 3/4" holes maybe for 1/2 valves, if needed.. not necessary at all ... for the silver you will need to do the dog dish (ash cover) mod. The gold, they say you don't need any ash cover since the vent is on the side... I have a silver with the ash cover and no extra air vents... works just fine... Others like to put the extra air valves in for higher temps (350')
  • This pot should work? http://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?570...r-order-22&s=353cfaaf6a4b88d0b723d5b817688f5b
Yes... I have the same pot ...
      Thanks Dan



This is my build ...

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/124570/my-version-of-the-mini-wsm
 
 
  • Hi All Many thanks for for the great info on the Mini.
  • Question would my 12x12 charcoal basket that I used in COS fit in the Smoky Joe? Not sure about that. 
  • Gold or Silver what is the difference ​Silver has the vent on the bottom. Gold has the vents on the sides eliminating the issue of falling ash plunging up your air circulation. Get the gold if you can afford the extra 10 bucks. 
  • Are the ball valves necessary? I don't have anything to drill 1" hole..I can drill 3/4" holes maybe for 1/2 valves, if needed I do not use valves and mine cooks just fine. Many do use them for a bit more precise temp control. You can always add them later. 
  • This pot should work? http://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?570...r-order-22&s=353cfaaf6a4b88d0b723d5b817688f5b  Yep. We use that one and another that is branded Vasconia.  http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aac...g/default/v1390031164324/images/0/5031546.jpg
      Thanks Dan 

No problem.  Good luck.

B
 
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if you get the gold smokey joe all you need is to attach the lid to the bottom of the pot and cut a hole thru both (this is optional but highly recommended.

Don't understand this part?

THanks Dan
 
Be sure and let us know what you wind up with and Pictures !

Gary
 
 
if you get the gold smokey joe all you need is to attach the lid to the bottom of the pot and cut a hole thru both (this is optional but highly recommended.

Don't understand this part?

THanks Dan
Don't worry about attaching the lid to the bottom of the pot, don't need to do it.

I get plenty of fuel in the basket without the extra height.
 
I have a problem with the pot getting stuck to the bottom of the sj .. It's an industrial aluminum pot like a 1/16 of an inch thick..
I tryed to spray Pam around the bottom but once it get hot it's stuck .. Can lift it off to put in coal or wood!!!
 
I have a problem with the pot getting stuck to the bottom of the sj .. It's an industrial aluminum pot like a 1/16 of an inch thick..
I tryed to spray Pam around the bottom but once it get hot it's stuck .. Can lift it off to put in coal or wood!!!

If you attach the pots lid to the bottom of the pot this is no longer an issue.





And you can stack multiple pots if you feel inclined to do so.
 
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Hi All So far I can't find the Gold Smoky Joe in my area.. Might have to settle for the silver.I thougth the smokey joe's might be bigger

So they really hold temps well?

Do you still the charcoal grate?

Ribs how many?

Thanks Dan
 
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Hi All So far I can't find the Gold Smoky Joe in my area.. Might have to settle for the silver.I thougth the smokey joe's might be bigger
So they really hold temps well?
Do you still the charcoal grate?
Ribs how many?
Thanks Dan

I had the opposite problem: I wanted a silver but all I could find were golds! I already had a mini with a gold base but wanted a silver so I could get air flow from below the charcoal and not the sides. Craigslist was no help but Walmart finally got some silvers in a couple of weeks ago and I grabbed one.

Yes, they hold heat great.

Yes, you still need the charcoal grate and I highly recommend getting some expanded metal to make a charcoal basket.

If you have two racks you can do two spares at the same time laying on the grates. If you have two grates and two rib racks you can do four ribs at the same time.
 
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