NooB - You'll never believe how I got started

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

harmoman

Newbie
Original poster
Mar 31, 2008
9
10
Grandview, MO
Hey smokers!
My neighbor passed away about a month or two ago, and the family left his house to the bank... So, I asked the guy who was gutting the place if I could have his smoker.... I think it's custom made, because This thing weighed a TON... I couldn't even budge it to try to tip it over...I unbolted everything I could (the door, grates, lid..)

..So there I was rolling a 300 lb rusty metal box across my back yard...My wife asked me, "What the hell is that?!?"

"Hon, It's a smoker" I said... When she pointed out that I had never used one and asked how do you use it, I felt a little overwhelmed... Sure, the concept is fairly simple... and in my most megalomaniacal voice I told her how it's done....

So, here I am... Now what?
More specifically,
The grate on the smoker is rusting... Is it safe to smoke on? or is there a way to make it safe? A co-worker told me about a heat-safe spary paint... any thoughts?

I'll head over and read some of the help docs.
Thanks!
Harmoman
 
Welcome Harmoman! You definitely came to the right place......with all the good folks and endless sources of information on this site, you'll have that smoker seeping the thin blue in no time!

Once your wife gets a taste you'll surely have another item on your "Honey-Do" list....
PDT_Armataz_01_28.gif


Again, Welcome Aboard!

L8r,
Eric
 
Welcome to SMF Harmoman...how about a few pics of the smoker so everyone can get a better idea of what you re working with? And please dont spray the cooking grates with paint of any kind.

Enjoy your time here...you have come to the right place!!!
 
Welcome Harmoman, glad u found us. first off I would think taking a wire brush to the rust,getting it as clean as u can-U don't want to paint anything inside your smoker. after u got it cleaned up maybe hose it out-let dry and season it up-spray the inside with a good coat of pam-or a wipe with evoo and fire it up-let it burn all the oils off, maybe do a second time if it's in bad shape.as far as the grates they just need cleaned and reseason and start useing them-after a few smokes the wife ain't gonna mind u lugging home somthing 300#s again-unless (wink) u know! and ya a couple pic's would be nice.
 
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you found a lost treasure. A bit of TLC, some reading here in the forum, some questions...... and you'll be smoking.
We are all here to help if we can.

Just watch out for this place................It's addicting...LOL
Andy.
 
Welcome Harmoman, As u have read SMF is the right place, Clean grates with a wire brush,spray with pan spray or if u know somebody who might be able to sandblast it clean but wash the grates real good then season them, clean grates and season after each time I have been doing that to my smokers and still in excellent shape
 
Harmoman, welcome to SMF! You have alot of friends here, and they will help you impress the wife. Be patient, don't be afraid to ask questions.Everyone starts somewhere, sometime, with some smoker!
With a little work and effort, you may well have yourself a real treasure!
Remember the thicker the metal on a smoker/cooker, the better it holds the heat, and is more efficient.
You may not know how to do the pic stuff yet, theres alot of good folks here to get ya through that too!
Perhaps you could describe your smoker, and we could be more helpful.
wink.gif
 
Welcome to the SMF, you're on target now! You'll have plenty of feedback on your smoker.
 
Welcome to the site.............Lots of great people and info here..............We will have you smoking in no time.............Would love to see some pics of your new smoker................
 
Welcome to the SMF! As you can see there's lots of people already and willing to give you a hand....just ask away.
 
A good brushing and the seasoning with an oil coat is a start... no need to treat the firebox - just the smoking box and grates.

PIX please! Welcome to SMF!

On Edit: Re- the firebox... you DO want to remove any loose rust/old crud ash tho.
 
Welcome. If it isn't too bad you can just try steel wool, if not try wire steel brush. If you know anyone with a sandblaster that would be easier.
 
Yep, clear your schedule for Saturdays... this stuff is addicting. I've been talking all day about what I'd like to smoke this Saturday.
 
Welcome the the SMF. You did the hard part. Getting the smoker to you place. You did the smart thing, logged on the the SMF. Now for the fun part. You get to clean and watch your prize become one of the family.
Yea, you was hooked when you noticed the smoker in your neighbors yard.

Clean, oil'er down and fire it up a few times, then read how to do a butt. Don't forget the finishing sause either.

Jeff has a great 5 day smoking course for ya and it's free.

geob
 
Wow! You guys are great! You've been helpful already.
I can tell already, this is going to get fun!

Harmoman
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky