Well guys, I started on this journey about 4 years ago, I am been into smoking meat for quite a long time with smaller rigs, electric units, etc... I decided I wanted to learn how to weld and build a large smoker. I built a tandem axle trailer from 2" X 4" tubing and 4" channel that I have been slowly chipping away at as I get a little more skilled at welding.
I will openly admit that k.a.m. aka kam59 has been the source of my inspiration to go on this adventure - so thanks
I think I have every single pic from both of your big builds from 'The Smoke Ring' saved and I use them to get my wheels turning on how to do this.
I just recently finished everything structurally on the trailer and got the jack installed so I am ready to start marking & cutting the tank.
The tank is from 1954 and is an old butane tank - it's OD is 41 and OAL is 103. The heads are .230" and the shell is .344". I had previously removed the fittings and filled with dawn dish soap and water a few years ago - so it has just been sitting and waiting for me to get off my rear.
I have measured the marked the tank at 3, 6, 9 & 12. If I use the space between 12 & 9 for my door opening it puts my door height at 32 1/4". I think I will need to a split door since the counter weight I'd need with one may be a little ridiculous - but that is a bummer since I won't be able to do a large door on the opposite side for a whole hog due to the configuration on the trailer. Interested in everyone's thoughts on that.
I have a friend with a plasma cutter and that's what I plan on using for cutting the doors, firebox and the firebox cut-out. My math has the top of my cut-out for the firebox at approx. 14" which includes a 2" grease dam. Firebox will be 34 H X 38 W X 36 L.
Please let me know if anyone sees any wrong turns I'm making before I go cut the tank, I sure do appreciate everyone's input and wisdom. Thanks in advance.
Something I am struggling with is how to mark the cut out the firebox opening at a perfect 90 degrees so it fits tight, I am sure there is some special trick I'm not thinking of.
I will attempt to add some pics:
Here is my rough "vision".
I will openly admit that k.a.m. aka kam59 has been the source of my inspiration to go on this adventure - so thanks
I just recently finished everything structurally on the trailer and got the jack installed so I am ready to start marking & cutting the tank.
The tank is from 1954 and is an old butane tank - it's OD is 41 and OAL is 103. The heads are .230" and the shell is .344". I had previously removed the fittings and filled with dawn dish soap and water a few years ago - so it has just been sitting and waiting for me to get off my rear.
I have measured the marked the tank at 3, 6, 9 & 12. If I use the space between 12 & 9 for my door opening it puts my door height at 32 1/4". I think I will need to a split door since the counter weight I'd need with one may be a little ridiculous - but that is a bummer since I won't be able to do a large door on the opposite side for a whole hog due to the configuration on the trailer. Interested in everyone's thoughts on that.
I have a friend with a plasma cutter and that's what I plan on using for cutting the doors, firebox and the firebox cut-out. My math has the top of my cut-out for the firebox at approx. 14" which includes a 2" grease dam. Firebox will be 34 H X 38 W X 36 L.
Please let me know if anyone sees any wrong turns I'm making before I go cut the tank, I sure do appreciate everyone's input and wisdom. Thanks in advance.
Something I am struggling with is how to mark the cut out the firebox opening at a perfect 90 degrees so it fits tight, I am sure there is some special trick I'm not thinking of.
I will attempt to add some pics:
Here is my rough "vision".
