My first build, help me please! reverse flow

[jwsimpleville]

If I recall that tank is probably close to 18" in diameter, I've always used a rule of thumb that my exhaust won't exceed the tank diameter in length.
Using that rule you should have a 3.5" pipe at 18" long, my guess is that your chimney may be to long and narrow to promote the temps that your looking for.
Don't forget the gases will cool as they rise and cool exhaust will restrict the flow.

 

[jwsimpleville]

This is the build I finished 2 weeks ago and sold for $1600, the tank is 21" diameter and the stack was 25" to keep it above 6'

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• jwsimpleville
• Aug 5, 2015

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• jwsimpleville
• Aug 5, 2015

 

[busmania]

If I recall that tank is probably close to 18" in diameter, I've always used a rule of thumb that my exhaust won't exceed the tank diameter in length.
Using that rule you should have a 3.5" pipe at 18" long, my guess is that your chimney may be to long and narrow to promote the temps that your looking for.
Don't forget the gases will cool as they rise and cool exhaust will restrict the flow.

Interesting.  Yes, the tank is 18" in diameter.  I will keep that in mind as I continue to perfect the smoker!  The exhaust is actually 25" tall but I have been using a 5" extension to make it 30".  I may take off that extension for my next smoke.

 

[busmania]

Today was the first time using this smoker that I feel like it is functioning correct! Making some beef short ribs that I am going to cut and make imitation burnt ends. I am about to cut up the meet after a 6 hour smoke. My problems seemed to be a combo of things. I was using too much wood causing an oxygen starved fire causing "bad" smoke. Today I kept my splits to about an inch wide and only put one it at a time. Held 250 degrees like a champ and only nice blue good smoke 95% of the time. Fixing my exhaust and air vents seemed to be a major improvement too. I finally feel like I didn't waste my time on this!5 hours in

 

[busmania]

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• busmania
• Aug 9, 2015

 

[lendecatural]

Congrats, smokers have their own personality, you have to learn what they like and they will exceed your expectations!

 

[gary s]

Congrats on figuring out the bugs. After several more smokes you will have it smoking perfect

Gary

 

[busmania]

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• busmania
• Aug 9, 2015

Dang! Turned out very tasty!

 

[lendecatural]

I'm a huge beef bark fan, and that does look delicious! Great Job!

 

[smokejumper]

Imitation burnt ends from short ribs is such a great idea, and it looks damn tasty!

Just now got around to reading the last few days of posts, and seems like a smaller fire (less fuel) was the ticket.

Starting with a half chimney of charcoal is also a good way to get up to temps prior to adding wood for a clean burn.

 

[busmania]

Smaller fire was the ticket along with letting the log catch fire for about 30 seconds before closing the door.  It ran sooooo much more efficient.  I used a total of 3 logs for the 7 hour cook.  Before the changes, it would have been 6-7 logs of white billowing nasty smoke.  It all makes sense now....but I am sure I will have more questions along the way.  Pork butt next.  I have to redeem myself from the one I cooked last week for a friend and his family that are in a time of need.