New insulated build...

[randya]

Excellent start. Keep the pictures posted. Going to school on this if you don't mind. My son-in-laws wants something like this. Thanks for sharing.

Questions. With not having 2 of the tire swivel, will it be hard to move around?

 

[kookie]

Looking good so far........Keep us posted...........

 

[pantherfan83]

I'm excited to see your build. Just one question. Are you really going to roll it much? I don't see how it will turn without picking up one end.

 

[beer-b-q]

Looks good to this point, I agree about the concern on the wheels...

 

[philly single]

Thanks for the compliments on the smoker and car ;)

As for the wheels...yup...you all are right. Not sure what I was thinking when I ordered the wheels, lucky they where not too expensive. As soon as I mounted them and moved it around....the light bulb came on.

Even though I don't have to move it around *too* much, yeah, I have to pick up an end to turn it :/ I'm pretty sure I will replace one end with swivel casters...since it's gonna weigh a good bit.

Oh, I also have the smoke chamber floor done and 2 walls - hoping to finish the chamber part this coming weekend, reminds me - gotta get some door hinges....

 

[got14u]

Looks like a great start !!

 

[philly single]

So, I welded up the back of the smoker chamber with a 4"x24" cutout to the firebox.

I framed out the opening, looked great...but...here's the rub...since I welded the entire length of the opening around the framing (to keep the smoke where I want it, I managed to warp the metal in the middle pretty good :/ -Lesson learned there....

Any thoughts on how to get it at least close to back in shape? Heat and try to bend or just bust out the sledge hammer and "finese" it back into a resonable degree of flat??

Jay

 

[jeffesonm]

What type of insulation are you using for your smoker? Is it fire-rated?

 

[hemi]

Use a block of wood and a BFH. That is how I do it. The wood will let it
''move'' without stretching it. Hemi.

 

[carpetride]

Looks good! Insulated smokers are very efficient, you will be pleased with the outcome.

 

[philly single]

Hey guys....Happy Thanksgiving!

jeffesonm - I'm using 8# kiln insulation...it's rated to 2300F - better work friggin great for how much they charged for it!

Well, I today I went to Home Depot and fended off the woman pushing "60 batteries for only $9.99" and got a 16lb sledgehammer...what a great tool. Hemi, thanks for the tip on using a block of wood - it worked great!! I know have the panel back in line and welded up.

Other than the cabinet doors, I have the smoke chamber done! Stay tuned for pics Saturday evening.

Carpetride - I sure hope so, it's a fun project, but I'm starting to learn why insulated smokers cost so much...ha!

Jay

 

[cheapchalee]

To make one end of it turn, take a piece of your tubing and weld your axials to the end of it to mount your wheels. Then take a piece of flat stock (sheet) about 8-10 square. Weld it to the bottom of your frame, drill a hole in the center, then drill a hole in the center of your axial, a couple of large washers, then it should piviot. Just think of one of the old red wagons that we got pulled around as kids. That should do the trick and it's cheap. Oops almost forgot, make it a little wider so that the wheels will turn, seeing as how the wheels are not under it, but to the side.

Charlie

 

[morkdach]

GOOD START TO THE BUILD
a few little set backs here & there are normal.
charlie has a good idea on the wheels
warppage is normal but when you weld long seams do a back stitch
a big dead blow and blocks should put er back in shape.
keep up the good work

 

[philly single]

morkdach - thanks for the welding tip! Learning alot on building and welding on this project. I already have the next smoker in mind after this one! ha...

Got some work done today, here are a few more pics - as always - comments and suggestions are appreciated!

Jay

Start of the firebox...ready for 2" insulation:

 

[rpmorey]

Looking good!! I see you got the minor steering issue solved. Keep the pics coming, I am planning my own build.

 

[morkdach]

looks like your on a roll now

 

[seenred]

Lookin' good so far, Jay! We're hooked, keep the pics comin'!

 

[Bearcarver]

Nice job----Keep the pics comin' !

 

[walle]

Jay,
Awesome job - just now getting to this post. I too enjoy all of the work by BBQ Eng, and everything else from everybody that is home built.

WHEELS - I see a few questions and suggestions on these, and see that you've rectified your manuverability issue. Here is my suggestion:

Go with solid wheels all the way around. Can't see where you live, but if it's anywhere cold, or hot, the tubes or tires are going to give you nothing but hell. Any local hardware store should have a good supply of 8" to 10" solid rubber wheels. By the looks of it, this baby is going to be part of the family for a good long while, and at some point you are going to have to deal with them.

Again, just a suggestion. I've been fighting my wheelbarrow and lawn tractor tires and opted for solid wheels on all of my torch carts and BBQ's.

Can't wait to see this baby fired up!
Tracey

 

[crackhead]

When I weld up frames, like how you are framing up the sides and back, Ill tack all the pieces down to my fab table then weld them all together.. Even then it doesnt always come out perfectly square, but when you weld the back to the sides and to the bottom etc, you can rack everything to square before you fully weld it.. One thing you really need to concentrate on when welding this thin stuff is to not weld too much at one time.. Weld one inch, skip one (or two) inches, and weld another.. This will help tremendously in keeping the warpage down.. Also, make sure your heat, speed, and wire diameter is good.. What thickness steel are you using? 1/8" or 3/16"? Looks really good thus far.. Ill def be keeping my eye on this one..

Wheels.. HF has 10" pneumatic casters, both fixed and swivel on the cheap.. Im putting a set of those on the bottom of mine pretty quick.. They are pneumatic, but you can throw 'em on and then shop around for solid wheels to replace 'em.. The hold 400# a piece I think so they should be plenty stable.. Again, great job so far man.. Smart move on having your steel yard cut everything for you..