"Baron Von Schwein" 120 Gallon Horizontal Tank RF Build. QVIEW!

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cororumrex

Fire Starter
Original poster
Jun 26, 2011
30
15
Lancaster. Pennsylvania
Let me all introduce you to "Baron Von Schwein" Working name.

Alright, Just to preface my brother and I are doing this build together, because our sister is getting married in June and she is doing a "Country Fair Theme". She requested that we smoke a whole pig for the main food. 

We started by getting a 120 Gallon Horizontal Propane tank for cooking chamber and a 100 Gallon vertical tank for the firebox. We also grabbed a 2ND 100 gallon tank to make a ash tray out of. ($170)

7a901f4d_Propane1.jpg


Neither me or my brother have any experience with cutting steel, welding or cooking a whole pig. So this could get interesting.

We have secured the help of our Uncle who knows all things mechanical and the use of his space and tools.

My brother is a Solid Works pro. Here is what we have planned so far...

97426b08_PhalicSmokerfront.jpg


08efa21d_PhalicSmokerside.jpg


eb65ba4c_PhalicSmokertop.jpg


582cacf5_PhalicSmokeriso.jpg


We are still up in the air about building it on a trailer or not.

We are also considering building it with either a BBQ Guru or Stoker.

Open to feedback or suggestions.

Jordan
 
I'd just be careful before cutting into those propane tanks. Make sure you look up the proper venting, soaking procedures, etc... I'm sure it's no big deal, but I've heard horror stories...
Looks like it'll be a pretty cool smoker. Your sis's lucky to have brothers willing to jump in and help. Congrats on her wedding.
 
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Thanks for the Advice Mdboat. I bought the tanks from some Amish guys that refurbish propane tanks, so he told me how to soak, clean & cut the tanks safely. I appreciate the look out though! No one want a Noob to blow them selves up:)

Jordan
 
Woo! Let the build begin! I'm the other brother by the way...

Does anyone have any feedback on door size/location? I have read that you should avoid cutting the bottom of the door any lower then half way down the front of the tank because fat could run down the door and out the bottom. The reason we would like it lower is to maximize height. Does anyone know about what height would be required for a 150-200 lb pig?

Thanks in advance for all the help!
 
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I cut my door at the halfway point, and it drips when you first light the smoker.  Stops when the smoker warms up, and no issues during cooking.  Our last pig was better than 5' long, and im gonna guess it took a minimum of 14-16" on height.  Could get by with less if you split it and lay it down flat.
 
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I would suggest 2 things. (1) put the vent stack on the other end of the tank away from the heat source and (2) make sure you do a test run BEFORE the wedding. There is nothing worse than all smoke and no pull. 
 
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Veritas. I might not be understanding what you are saying. But with a reverse flow smoker doesn't the stack go on the same side as the fire box?

We have plans to do atleast one test run with a whole pig, maybe two. Plus I am sure we will do some butts as soon as its compleate.

Jordan
 
Looks like a project indeed. My two cents says put it on a trailer.

I'm looking forward to the build and completion. Once that's done,

you're off to the races. Remember the pictures...James
 
the ash tray looks like a good idea, I would go for a trailer rig for that size then you could add a charcoal grill or some burners.

You might want to move your stack down to the level of the lower grate to get a good pull of smoke across the lower grate.

lol I keep trying to rotate and zoom in on your model
icon_lol.gif
 
Sunman,

We are having issues procuring a trailer. Used utility trailers go for no less then $400 in our area. Any advice on finding one cheaper or any other mobile options?

We will definitely think about lowering the smoke stack. Ill have to look around at some other RF builds...

I have attempted to rotate the images many times as well.
 
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Thanks guys. The more we think about it the more we think a trailer is goin to be the way to go. My brother has now decided that he is going to try and build a temp control system with an induction fan. Just to add another level of complexity. :)

We will be sure to post as many pictures as we can for you guys too.

Jordan
 
That would be awesome Michael! I am planning on using an arduino uno as the controller. I'm currently taking an auto controls and an instrumentation class and have always had the itch to get into electronics. I will definitely hit you up when I'm ready.

THANKS!
 
Lowered the door to provide more internal height. Now at 14.25". Bottom of door is about 3" below center... is this going to cause any issues? Also lowered the smoke stack as suggested. Any comments?

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