Looking for advice on first custom build

[figuredmeout]

Hey all,

I have recently came across a 36" diameter 62" long oil drum and am looking to try my hand at building the smoker I have always wanted.  I am looking for advice on where to get started I wanted to make a reverse flow offset and want to get everyones thought on a cabinet over the firebox. Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tanner

 

[figuredmeout]

Okay I have a question the calculator website that I have seen a lot of people here using is saying the I need 48" of stack if I use 6" diameter pipe does 2 stacks at 24" work as well as 1 at 48".  Thanks in advice 

Tanner

 

[figuredmeout]

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• figuredmeout
• Jul 11, 2014

Here is the tank I'm starting with

 

[lendecatural]

http://feldoncentral.com/bbqcalcula....35&fi=3,6,0,63.11,3.51&fc=14.64,20.70,168.30

The link above is the calculator with your tank dimensions, you will need to cut the tank 11 inches up from the bottom for the top of your firebox and that will be the height of your RF plate. At the end of the RF plate, you will need 250 sq-in of area where the air turns and goes up to the cooking grates. I plugged in the sizes based on the 100% firebox; however, you can make it as big as you want. It will need to be approximately 33 inches wide since that is how wide the cut will be if you make it 11" above the bottom of the tank. If you use a 7" pipe, you can get by with under 30 inches of exhaust stack height.

Hope this helps and keep us posted on your progress!

Len

 

[figuredmeout]

Cool thanks! I was planning on putting 2 racks one at the center 36" wide that a may on may not make slide out  and one 9" above that, that will slide out.  I'm thinking the bottom rack probably should slide out for easy access.  The RF plate being 11" up puts roughly 7" between it and the first rack does that sound correct?

 

[lendecatural]

You are correct, that should work out quite nicely. Good luck with your build, and keep us posted with your progress and someone will be along to help if you need more. There are a bunch of great folks here.

 

[lendecatural]

Deleted

 

[figuredmeout]

Ok I have read some threads where people were filling their tanks with soapy water or cutting the door with it full of water.  I assume this is to prevent any old fuel from igniting.  Is this the best way to do that? What other concerns should I have when cutting into an old fuel oil drum. Thanks in advance for your advise.

 

[figuredmeout]

image.jpg

• figuredmeout
• Jul 28, 2014

Working on my plans what are everyone thoughts and ideas about the orientation of the tank should I use the top of the tank as the top of the smoker more pictures to follow

 

[figuredmeout]

image.jpg

• figuredmeout
• Jul 28, 2014

This is on the side almost the bottom don't think I'll be able to get this off

 

[figuredmeout]

So I decided to put this build on hold till I can afford to do it the way I want. After further investigation the tank has 0.125" wall anyway.  So if anyone has any ideas for it please share.  Luckily it was free so nothing lost on it.  Thanks.

Tanner