Questions about new MWSM build

gulf shucker · Dec 1, 2015

Hello everyone,
I have been lurking everyones mini builds for a while and have finally acquired a silver (vent on bottom). I hope this is the correct spot for this thread and that I am not beating a dead horse. I have noticed everyones build is unique in their own way which what makes this a special project. This makes deciding between what materials to use difficult for me.
Christmas is around the corner and the wife is treating me to this project and I am to compile a parts list to order. I have already included a Maverick 72 on there (thanks for those reviews on it guys).
So here is what I have so far ...

image.jpeg

gulf shucker
Dec 1, 2015

And the next Item on the parts list is the tamale pot from Target:
http://www.target.com/p/imusa-32-qt-aluminum-tamale-steamer/-/A-10910892

I come to you all to help me complete this parts list for ordering. I also would like to use this thread to document this build from beginning to end. I would like this mini to be my go to smoker over my MES and would like to stencil logos onto it and paint black to finish. I anticipate everyone here will help me go all out on this build and guide me through to a quality finished mini. Thanks in advanced and happy smoking!

War Boar

dirtsailor2003 · Dec 1, 2015

If the tamale pot is in stock I'd buy it right now before it goes out of stock! I have 4 mini's and you can see all of my builds in htis thread look in the Mini section:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/191066/dirtsailors-mega-mother-of-all-cooking-links-index

For the silver I recommend installing side vents for more reason than one. Better air control, and you can take advantage of the side light method. If you do not install side vents then you need to make and ash deflector. You will also want to make a charcoal basket for the best efficiency. You can use the existing charcoal grate and weld or wire expanded metal to it for the sides.

Cut the bottom out of the pot. Don't even bother with drilling holes.

For tools you will need a step bit and drill(side vents)

tin snips or jigsaw with metal blade (cutting out bottom of pot)

Pliers (you may need to crimp the pot lid a bit to get the SMJ lid too fit.

gulf shucker · Dec 1, 2015

Dirtsailor, thanks for the quick reply, I have enjoyed several of your posts from the past. As far as the steamer pot I've noticed you attach the lid to the bottom of the pot? (This is the part that really confuses me) opposed to some who use a terracotta tray.

What size pet food dish was your ash deflector take, I will be using that idea for sure! Thanks for any other info for parts and where to find.

dirtsailor2003 · Dec 1, 2015

The lid attaching to the bottom has nothing to do with the diffuser. I attach the lid to the bottom because it makes the pot sit on the base of the SMJ better. Once attached I cut the bottom of the pot out. When I use a diffuser, it sits in the pot where the steamer insert goes. I set it right on the steamer insert. Many times I use the steamer insert as the diffuser by itself. When I need to use two racks, I set teh lower rack right on the diffuser.

Some of the new pots lids are different than the older ones so if you plan on using the lid on the bottom of the pot, make sure that it fits the bottom of the pot and the base of the SMJ.

The pet food dish I used was a little tall and I had to cut it down to fit. as far as around it was about 4" on the bottom and tapered to about 5" at the top. I got it at the dollar store.

Here's a photo of the lid attached and the bottom cut out.

8635426567_bf285b52da_k.jpg

dirtsailor2003
Dec 1, 2015

gulf shucker · Dec 1, 2015

Thanks, now as I understand the steam tray is used in place of the terracotta pan in this build, the lid is attached to the bottom of the pot and cut out. I assume you use the charcoal rack from the smokey to guide the cut. I will try to make all my cuts for this project with my tin snips.

So far on the parts list I have the 32 qt pot, food dish, step bit, 1'x2' expanded metal sheet, concrete rebar ties

thanks for all feedback!

dirtsailor2003 · Dec 1, 2015

I just leave an 1 1/4" ring of metal when cutting out the bottom.

8635425891_9fe75d5328_k.jpg

dirtsailor2003
Dec 1, 2015

dirtsailor2003 · Dec 1, 2015

Tin snips will work just fine. Drill yourself a large starter hole and snip away.

Don't forget to add (4) nuts and bolts for your upper rack support. I use bolts that are not long with an acorn nut. The nut sits flush against the side.

8290573932_b5fb67cd92_k.jpg

dirtsailor2003
Dec 1, 2015

The sides for your charcoal basket can be 3 1/4" tall. This will allow the grate to sit on the SMJ base for grilling.

8726374310_5c1122e6eb_k.jpg

dirtsailor2003
Dec 1, 2015

bdskelly · Dec 1, 2015

If I may humbly submit a link for a step by step build of a mini. Now this build is for the GOLD model. And you have a SILVER so you'd need to pay close attention to the side vent modification that dirt sailer wrote about.

And Case... This post was checked for grammatical errors! LOL!!!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...on-building-a-mini-weber-smokey-mountain-mwsm

Brian

dirtsailor2003 · Dec 1, 2015

BDSkelly said:
If I may humbly submit a link for a step by step build of a mini. Now this build is for the GOLD model. And you have a SILVER so you'd need to pay close attention to the side vent modification that dirt sailer wrote about.
And Case... This post was checked for grammatical errors! LOL!!!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...on-building-a-mini-weber-smokey-mountain-mwsm

Brian

No lying in this one I mean lions, no loins....

Speaking of lions we are designing a house firms client right now and it had to have room for a full lion mount and a full giraffe...

JckDanls 07 · Dec 1, 2015

If I may... You say your going to order a Maverick ET-72 ? I hope that was in error and you meant the ET-732 ...For a couple dollars more you can get the 732 which has 2 probes... I prefer the 732 over the new model 733 ... much user friendly... The only con for the 732 is the probes.. The 733 comes with the new and improved hybrid probes (which also fit the 732) ... So when the original probes for my 732 failed I just purchased the new Hybrid probes ...

Myself.. I used the silver without the extra air vent mods (for me, they seem to be bulky and cumbersome and have to worry about breaking them off when transporting) as I have no problems with temps with just the single vent on the bottom and the ash deflector (small stainless pet dish) ... my deflector/drip pan goes down past the steamer lip and sits in the very bottom of the pot.... this way I have up to 4 grates (load it up with ABT's) ...

If you haven't seen it yet... here's my build.... http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/124570/my-version-of-the-mini-wsm

gulf shucker · Dec 1, 2015

Thanks Brian, Im tore on which method to use with the diffuser since your terracotta tray turned out nicely as well. Which paint did you use to finish? Great use of the logo.

gulf shucker · Dec 1, 2015

JckDanls 07 said:
If I may... You say your going to order a Maverick ET-72 ? I hope that was in error and you meant the ET-732 ...For a couple dollars more you can get the 732 which has 2 probes... I prefer the 732 over the new model 733 ... much user friendly... The only con for the 732 is the probes.. The 733 comes with the new and improved hybrid probes (which also fit the 732) ... So when the original probes for my 732 failed I just purchased the new Hybrid probes ...

Myself.. I used the silver without the extra air vent mods (for me, they seem to be bulky and cumbersome and have to worry about breaking them off when transporting) as I have no problems with temps with just the single vent on the bottom and the ash deflector (small stainless pet dish) ... my deflector/drip pan goes down past the steamer lip and sits in the very bottom of the pot.... this way I have up to 4 grates (load it up with ABT's) ...

If you haven't seen it yet... here's my build.... http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/124570/my-version-of-the-mini-wsm

Yes, my mistake I am ordering the ET-72 model. Interesting you did not go with the extra vent. I am torn between several different builds and trying to list out all of my parts. Thank you for your input.

dirtsailor2003 · Dec 1, 2015

WB, what elevation do you use your smoker at? That makes a difference in the performance. I live in an area that is about 3600'.

I could never get above 265-270. Low and slow no problem. But hot and fast no go. I like to smoke poultry at higher temps and the side vents are the only way I could get the higher temps.

As far as being clunky and hard to transport, my Mini's with two side vents travel with us all the time. Even when we canoe camp (fuel rides in the pot).

I am a true believer in the side light torch method for getting the mini smoking. You waste no fuel and you get TBS in 5-8 minutes and no white smoke. I'd install a side vent just for that.

Just my thoughts. There are some who don't like the side vents, but they've never had them or tried them. When I built my first mini, I started with the traditional and added mods as I went. I've almost run out of things to do!

gulf shucker · Dec 1, 2015

Dirtsailor, the elevation here is 807. I am going with the bottom vent idea, the lighting technique sounds great plus I enjoy cooking my whole chickens at high temp as well! I found a post off this site (not to offend anyone here) but check this guys out.

http://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?42727-ChadRex-s-WSM-mini-Supply-List

bdskelly · Dec 1, 2015

WarBoar said:
Thanks Brian, Im tore on which method to use with the diffuser since your terracotta tray turned out nicely as well. Which paint did you use to finish? Great use of the logo.

High Heat Rustoleum. . Scuff your pot with a scotchbrite or steel wool to give the paint a good key to adhere to.

About the defuser....

I don't use a terra-cotta drip pan anymore. I now use disposable aluminum pie plates filled with water or sand. They are cheap and I just toss them in the trash after the smoke. Easy clean up! b

P5230008.JPG

bdskelly
May 23, 2015

dirtsailor2003 · Dec 2, 2015

I very rarely use a diffuser anymore. If I do it's the steamer insert. Most of my smokes I have the smoker running 265° and higher. I have used all sorts of things for a diffuser in the past. Lava rock, chunk of granite, 10"-12" terracotta planter tray, cast iron pan, etc. Just not needed for higher temp smokes.

Questions about new MWSM build

Smoke Blower

Epic Pitmaster

Smoke Blower

Epic Pitmaster

Smoke Blower

Epic Pitmaster

Epic Pitmaster

Smoking Guru

Epic Pitmaster

Legendary Pitmaster

Smoke Blower

Smoke Blower

Epic Pitmaster

Smoke Blower

Smoking Guru

Epic Pitmaster

Similar threads

Hot Threads