distance between cooking surface and tunung plates?

[offset grillin]

I searched through a lot of pages trying to find out how far below the cooking surface the tuning plates need to be for my cbss. I found one reply which stated about 2 3/4 to 3 inches below the cooking surface. I was going to start out at 2 3/4 and trim the plates smaller if I need to go lower. Can anyone confirm this or comment on it. My uncle is a sheet metal fabricator and I wanted to give him the measurments to cut them this weekend.

Thanks

 

[shoneyboy]

I have no ideal, but would like to know for future reference....Wish I was more help...........

 

[tom c]

It depends on the opening from the fire box. Your tuning plates need to be around 1/2 inch abpve the top of the fire box.

 

[chef jimmyj]

You want the plates low enough to fit Drip pans for things like Turkeys and Beef Roasts. Maybe 4-4.5 inches? Measure a pan you would use, I don't remember how deep Disposables are...JJ

 

[daveomak]

I do not know how to answer your question....... but.... Here is the theory and a schematic..... Someone may have numbers that are cast in stone but this should help figure it out...... on another thread , HoityToity suggested using an infrared therm to adjust the plates for even heat distribution...... What a great idea..... Dave

 

 

[sprky]

Good info here

 

[offset grillin]

Thanks for the suggestiions. I'll have to get my mods done this week because last weekend was spent with this.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/116152/1st-boston-butt

 

[chefrob]

i just posted a thread on how i did mine....

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/119651/bar-b-chef-baffle-and-tuning-plates#post_791694

 

[offset grillin]

Chefrob

Thnks for the reply. Do the lower grates work well as heatsinks? I had thought about using firebricks for heatsinks in mine but i made my baffles and plates out of 1/4 in steel and was going to try that first.

If you have a chance please read http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/119648/need-help-to-finish-modifying-my-cbss#post_791664  and give me your opinion. I hope to finish mine soon and post some pics.

 

[chefrob]

Chefrob

Thnks for the reply. Do the lower grates work well as heatsinks? I had thought about using firebricks for heatsinks in mine but i made my baffles and plates out of 1/4 in steel and was going to try that first.

i think the do since they are thick heavy metal. 1/4" steel should help as well as the fire bricks...........

 

[offset grillin]

I had one too many plates cut so I'll eaither place it in the bottom or on the opposite side of the firebox to help temps recover faster when i have to open it. Each plate weighs a few pounds so they should work great for holding the heat.