First reverse flow 500 gallon smoker build!

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Looks like it's coming along great! I may hold off on a final decision about your firebox location though. Having it in the middle was my original idea as well, but I was talked out of it by some other builders. I've been told that it can be very difficult to keep even heat with this set up and there is an issue with the air flow trying to move smoothly around both ends of the tank, its just not as fluid of motion as with a SFB or RF. Also, I'm no expert, and never actually tried it to see if the claims were true. I own a SFB which im considering converting to RF. With my build I ended up going vertical with the tank I had and am very happy with the results. Anyways, I would wait to see what others have to say before cutting in to the middle of the tank, but I also say theres nothing wrong with experimenting haha. I'd just hate to anyone be disappointed with a big build like this. Either way, looking great so far!
 
All I can think to say is: GINORMOUS
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Nice 500. I'm jealous.

I put my firebox in the middle of the smoker. I believe the center runs about 25 degrees hotter than the ends.

I finished it a couple of weeks ago. I fired it for seasoning purposes a couple of times. I smoked a turkey that came out great.

We're having a block party, smoked meats, this Sunday. I'm smoking brisket, ribs, tri-tip, chicken, and what ever else at the same smoke.

This will be the first big smoke so I'll let you know how she performs. I'm new to this but one thing nice I have found is the large firebox lets me keep temp. for 5 to 6 hours on one 40 lb. bag of mesquite lump charcoal.

I'm looking forward to watching your build progress.
 
Thanks! I was worried about the middle being too hot as well, but im wondering if I had some diversion plates to push the heat to the left and right and allow some thru the middle as well? Not sure if you can picture that or not lol.

I have looked at your thread numerous times, your smoker looks awesome! I would like to have your counter weights or something similar, they look awesome! I'm tackling the counter weight issue right now, trying to figure out what design works best and looks pretty cool at the same time! Looking forward to your update about the cookout
 
I havent decided if im insulating it or not? I was thinking of using the heat bricks to line the walls or something along that line. I might just leave it for now, fire it up and see how much heat loss actually occurs and what it does to my temps
 
Thanks! I was worried about the middle being too hot as well, but im wondering if I had some diversion plates to push the heat to the left and right and allow some thru the middle as well? Not sure if you can picture that or not lol.

I have looked at your thread numerous times, your smoker looks awesome! I would like to have your counter weights or something similar, they look awesome! I'm tackling the counter weight issue right now, trying to figure out what design works best and looks pretty cool at the same time! Looking forward to your update about the cookout
Hey Ryan. I'm not sure if this is the right place to post but....  The smoke came out awesome.

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The center and right side holds about the same temp. but the left side is quite a bit lower - according to the gauges maybe 40 degrees or so. But the meat cooks well across the entire smoker. I cooked brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, pork butt, chicken - thighs with skin and breasts no skin. Everything was great except the beef ribs were over done. The chicken came out moist and juicy. The best chicken I ever ate. A center fired smoker will work. And I think it looks better being symmetrical.  That being said I think the heat would be controlled better with the firebox in the conventional position - on the end. I think the problem I have could be the reverse flow plate is a couple of inches lower on the left side where the drain is located. You'll have to decide what works best for you.

I look forward to following your build.

If you want to know how I laid out the counter weights pm me and we can talk.
 
Hey! The food looks great! I have been thinking about the plate as well, and i think im going to bend it in the middle like a V, so my corners are even and hopefully the heat soak makes up for the middle being lower?
 
I havent finished it yet, got busy with other projects but I am back on the smoker! Firebox is all welded into place, door is on, and now trying to figure out the counter weight options! pictures coming soon!
 
Hey! The food looks great! I have been thinking about the plate as well, and i think im going to bend it in the middle like a V, so my corners are even and hopefully the heat soak makes up for the middle being lower?
Good thinking. That's how I made mine except mines from side to side, still I think it helps heat distribution and flow. So if you make yours the same way except back to front with your drain centered I believe you'll have a winner. Can't wait to see it and then hear how it works!
 
Update! Well i've been sick all week with influenza so today I'm finally back working on the smoker! Heres some pictures of the setup so far, getting the floor all welded up today and hopefully start on the counterweights tonight or tomorrow!

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The floor is just mocked up in the pictures, I will post completed pictures later today or tomorrow!
 
Here is the updated pictures of the tank so far! I managed to get the floor welded up, exhaust stack on, channel between cooker and fire box done and smaller cooker mounted and sandblasted!

 
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Today we are tackling the counterweights to finish those up and building our shelves and waiting for some pieces to show up so i can put the deflector plate in and shelving guides!
 
Well got the counter weights done, used 35 pounds of weight on each side, opens with one hand no problem! They turned out alot better than I had anticipated. The original plan was to get the pipes bent so they matched the curve of the tank but all the welding, exhaust places in town capable of rolling the tubes had about a 3 week wait so this is what we came up with!

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