New Guy and this will be my 1st Reverse Flow Smoker Build

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We do our NON removable    Don't want that door accidentally coming off

Gary
 
Been a while since my last update. Christmas and New Years out of the way and back at it. Just a few pics of my progress.



Start of the RF plate and drain.





Got the RF plates tacked in place.



Started work on the slides for the racks. Notice I have yet to hard weld the RF plates. I decided it may be best and possibly help avoid warp-age if I got weld the slides in first. We'll see how that works out.



Got my racks framed up and my expanded metal cut. Rainy weather here is keeping me from finishing the racks.

Thinking of getting started on my trailer before I cut the hole and install my chimney pipe, that way I still have the two pickup points attached.
 
Well after taking a good hard look at the trailer I purchased I've come to the conclusion that its way way too big. The frame width (spring center to spring center) is 67". If I put the smoker in the center to maintain the CG, I would not be able to reach the smoker standing on the ground to the side. I'm rethinking it for now and figure I need a 48" spring center axle.

So I'm back to the smoker and thinking about the exhaust stack. I have a few questions. Which is preferred, stack going straight down into tank top or building a plenum of sorts and putting the stack off to the end of the tank? How about dampers? Is there any reason (is it necessary) to add any type of dampers to the top of the stack or incorporate one into a plenum?
 
It is totally personal preference whether to use a plenum or put the stack through the top.
Usually a plenum is used if it makes room for a wider door or more rack space, etc.
The only damper you should have is at the top of the stack to keep the rain and debris out when the smoker is not in use. When smoking it should be wide open at all times.
 
As for the trailer, it is OK ( even common) for the smoker to be offset to one side. The trailer will still be stabile. Consider putting a wood storage box or other accessories next to the smoker.
 
Wow looks great you have some great skills. I wonder how heavy it will be when done? how ya gonna get it on to the trailer when done?
 
 
Glad I looked at the calculator. I noticed it got revised right after I posted my numbers. Therefore my

Volume in cubic inches X 0.017 = Exhaust Stack Volume in cubic inches, above the CC.... (ESV) 952.79

has changed to

Volume in cubic inches X 0.022 = Exhaust Stack Volume in cubic inches, above the CC.... (ESV) 1233.02

which means my stack that was

ESV in cubic inches_____________________________ ... = Stack Length in inches (36" +/-) 6"ID = 33.70

0.7854 X Stack Diameter X Stack Diameter

and has now changed to

ESV in cubic inches_____________________________ ... = Stack Length in inches (36" +/-) 6"ID = 43.61

0.7854 X Stack Diameter X Stack Diameter

almost 10" taller. I already have my 6" ID pipe so there's no turning back on the ID size. Luckily I had it cut at 48".

Now I'm wandering about the "Stack Length in inches (36" +/-)". I'm not gonna be close to 36". What do you guys think?

Dave, Is there a way, instead of just editing the thread in the future, that you can make a comment on the last page of the thread so it automatically goes to the top the list? I was not aware that the calculator had change until today's post by Brad.
The newest change was made because of some data that showed better "across the food rack" improved temps... I would go with the new numbers if it's convenient... the old numbers worked very well....
As far a updates, I try to remember to change the "heading" to reflect the current date...

FWIW.... be glad you aren't using the old feldon calculator.... what folks have done here to help improve a smoker is AMAZING.... smokers have come a long way on this forum because of it's members... hopefully we all will continue to improve on this "smoking meats" journey....
Quick questions Dave, is the 43.61 stack length above the smoker or does it include the amount I drop down into the smoker? Also, whats a good depth in from the top or height above top rack to end stack? I intend to cut an angle on the section inside the CC.
 
Not Dave, but yes above the smoker.    One thought, you have spent a lot of time and money and as far as I can see have a great looking smoker. You said you already had the 6" But.....

think about going with 8", if you don't want as long a stack, you are looking at almost a 4 foot long stack an 8" would be 25,28 "  think about what look you want, if you are OK with the long stack go for it. Get someone to hold your stack at both lengths step back and see what you think.  Both will work

Gary
 
So I set the 6" ID stack in place and yes it looks too tall to me. 


I have acquired a piece of pipe that is 8.625 ID and 9.125 OD and run the numbers per the calculator here on SMF and come up with 21.10". I think I like the shorter stack better, but maybe not that short. I figure a little longer can't hurt but that's a big a$$ hole in the top and on the end cap at that.

So what would be the worst case scenario if I went back to my original #'s on post 23, or maybe halfway between the #'s in post 29?
 
Well, don't get wrapped around the axle on the stack; a 6"ID stack at 36" will be fine.
The worst case scenario is wanting to change the stack later for the possibility of more even temps in the CC.
Bear in mind that is only a possibility. A larger ID stack does not guarantee more even temps.

As worst case scenarios go, that is a minor one; changing the stack is one of the easiest mods you can do on a smoker.
 
Hey imafishingfred. Nice looking smoker. Just wondering if your drain hole in your rf plate is big enough? Ive never smoked before but id imagine with the big volume of cook space you could have quite a bit of drippings. If its just oils probably be fine but maybe bits of meat might block it up? I was thinking about having 1 inch pipe and going straight down through the cc on my build.
 
Good looking build . I am planning my next build and was going to build on a trailer. Is 11ga steel a good size tubing for trailer frame? Mine won't be as heavy my tank is 150 gal.
 
Good looking build . I am planning my next build and was going to build on a trailer. Is 11ga steel a good size tubing for trailer frame? Mine won't be as heavy my tank is 150 gal.
That's what my frame is made of, 1/8 (11ga) x 2 x 3 tube.
 
Is there any good information on trailer building and placement of smoker on trailer on the forum I looked a little hadn't found it?
 
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