Did you weld the wood grate in place ?? Cut it off at the ends... Add legs.... put it back in.... you want it removable in the event it burns out.... which will happen...
I think a test burn, no matter how you are putting it together, is a great idea. When I build my next one it will be getting several test burns....will be trying to avoid some of the mistakes I made on this one...I understand about not messing with what works. I came up with that all by my lonesome the idea I had was just to direct the ash into the ash drawer for easy cleaning. I will have to cut my wood grate in half so it can be removed for access to the bottom to clean. I am thinking though since I have it all in place maybe I should test it out to see how it does? I can always fire up the plasma cutter and yard it out if it causes any problems?
10-4 will do!
Now that the FB is in place, mark the opening, leaving a 1-2"" high dam across the bottom of the opening, then remove the FB and cut out the opening... The 1"high dam will prevent fat from running back into the FB when smoking a bunch of butts or brisket...
Question !! If you need to remove the grate will it come out through the door at an angle ? I see problems in the future with ash accumulation getting under those angled plates and no way to clean it out. The ash removal pan I like but would have made it the entire width of the FB and done away with the plates. On long smokes I feel you will need to be emptying the ash pan before you are done. Just my observation,
Gary
Thank you I am very happy with how it has gone so far. I am really glad I have taken my time and asked a lot of questions because if I had just jumped in and done what I thought would work I would have been very disappointed!
Love the build. It's pretty much the same as I was planning with the FB doors on the front and vents on the side.
Adam.