Scuba tank mini reverse flow - first build

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tobycat

Meat Mopper
Original poster
Mar 20, 2013
151
13
Santa Cruz Ca.
Well after viewing this site for a long time I finally registered and said hi over at the roll call. You guys have really inspired me with all the cool builds I have seen on these forums, I decided to start small and after seeing the mini reverse flow from the fireman's air tank I decided to try one myself.  First thing I found out after starting to cut is that this scuba tank is made of chromoly steel and most likely had some type of hard coating inside.                                                                                                                                                                    

I don't weld but I do have a lot of stainless hardware from building boats. I decided to bolt as much as I can and use stainless hinges for the cook chamber door since it will look really nice against the black paint. Rather than build it on a mini trailer I am going to make it a scaled down version of a Horizon type patio with the steel (mini) wagon wheels. I am off to a good start but of course I have a lot of questions. 

1. will the Feldons pit calculator be accurate for a chamber this small? I am using the I.D.inside length and diameter 6.750" X 23" and not sure if the calculator is based on O.D.          

2. do I have to weld the baffle plate in and create a catch pan or just make a tight fit for the heat and smoke      

3. should I extend the chimney 1.750" X 6" into the chamber near the grate level and does the length of the chimney stay the same?  (not a lot of room in there already)                                                                                                                                                      

4. Afraid to ask but does anybody think it will be okay to leave the Galvy/Zinc plating on the outside surface? I know I will have to grind it off where the firebox and chimney will weld in but its a pain to remove.





Thanks guys I'm having a lot of fun with this

 
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That is a pretty neat looking idea there!

From my years in the HVAC industry I can tell you that the galvanized coating on pipes, ducts, etc. gives off toxic fumes when exposed to heat, which is why galvanized duct is not used for heating system exhausts & chimneys.  Having that coating on the outside won't hurt your food but it might make you sick standing near it!  I would remove the coating before lighting up the smoker.

Good luck,

Bill
 
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Looks-Great.gif
 
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Just thought I'd give you an update as this build has been delayed due to other projects . I have realized that I will have to do some welding to get this project done. After shopping prices from local fab shops  $80-120 an hour = arm + leg, I am researching buying a new welding unit. Got it narrowed down to a 140 MIG,my choices are a Lincoln 140, Miller 140 or Hobart Handler 140 all with gas. Any pro welders here feel free to give your input!. The firebox plate is all cut to size and ready to weld together. I have also bought some cool wheels for my SCUBA-Q from the good folks at Radio Flyer. They are spoked tricycle wheels which I think will look great after I paint em' black.
 
 
Just thought I'd give you an update as this build has been delayed due to other projects . I have realized that I will have to do some welding to get this project done. After shopping prices from local fab shops  $80-120 an hour = arm + leg, I am researching buying a new welding unit. Got it narrowed down to a 140 MIG,my choices are a Lincoln 140, Miller 140 or Hobart Handler 140 all with gas. Any pro welders here feel free to give your input!. The firebox plate is all cut to size and ready to weld together. I have also bought some cool wheels for my SCUBA-Q from the good folks at Radio Flyer. They are spoked tricycle wheels which I think will look great after I paint em' black.
 
All are a good choice...  I have Lincoln and Miller.....    Dave 
 
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Toby,

You can't go wrong with Miller or Lincoln.  Not sure if you are comfortable with buying a used one to save some $$.  I got a Snap-On (made by Century)  210amp MIG off of Craigslist for $300.  It is a well used machine, all it needed was a light bulb and new gun liner. I did also have to purchase a gas bottle.    I went through it, cleaned and tightened contacts, replaced lights and a busted meter.  It works like a champ for my hobby use.  

I got a Miller MaxStar 140 (Stick / TIG) almost brand new off of E-Bay for $600.  It was a pawn shop clearing his inventory. 

Most honest guys will let you plug it in and try it out.  I just took some scrap angle with me when i bought the mig. 

Good luck with your unique build, looking forward to seeing the finished product and some Q-views!

RG
 
 
There is a build on here where a guy used air tanks from Firefighter Back Packs.....    I looked for it but couldn't find it..... They were cool and worked well.....   If I remember correctly, they were RF and used briquettes.....    The tanks were the old steel tanks and they were upgrading to aluminum tanks... 

Anyone else remember that build....    seems to  me he built 5 or so of them....     

Dave
 
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There is a build on here where a guy used air tanks from Firefighter Back Packs.....    I looked for it but couldn't find it..... They were cool and worked well.....   If I remember correctly, they were RF and used briquettes.....    The tanks were the old steel tanks and they were upgrading to aluminum tanks... 

Anyone else remember that build....    seems to  me he built 5 or so of them....     

Dave

I remember it.. but can't find it ether...
 
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I am researching buying a new welding unit. Got it narrowed down to a 140 MIG,my choices are a Lincoln 140, Miller 140 or Hobart Handler 140 all with gas
I highly recommend the Lincoln , they really have these smaller welders down pat, and you can get parts anywhere .
 
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I have the Lincoln 110v, I use it with and without gas, have had it for many years. I did everything I needed on my smoker build.
I was under the impression, a gas wire feed gun required the gas for cooling.......  Guns that used flux core were designed so they didn't need cooling gas......    What am I missing ????   SmokerCT, learn me something here....   Dave

Also, do you change polarity to electrode negative when using flux core ???
 
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