Scuba tank mini reverse flow - first build

[gary s]

Wheels are pretty easy, doesn't take long at all .  The paint, used a hand sander to knock of the rust, wasn't bad We used new steel plate, so mainly just a little surface rust. Used Rust- oluem High heat shot with a Wagner sprayer about 3 coats.

Gary 

 

[dirtsailor2003]

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• tobycat
• Sep 29, 2013

Looking great Toby! I can almost smell the TBS from here!

 

[tobycat]

Every time I think I am about done with this project I find something more to do. Today I decided to put a  couple welds on the inside of the hinge pivots attached to the firebox.  Of course after I did that the door would not shut! (I got a good laugh out of it)  spent some time with the hand file and all was good. I added some bolts with stainless acorn nuts to the firebox door to help hold the inner plate on and got the welds cleaned up a bit. I found a cheap pan for the lower shelf, looks "ok" for now.

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• tobycat
• Oct 2, 2013

 

[gary s]

Looking better and better

Gary

 

[gary s]

Did you do a test run to make sure it works likes to want?   First one we built we did a couple of test cooks to make sure it cooked good had to make a couple of tweaks.

Gary

 

[munxcub]

 
Did you do a test run to make sure it works likes to want?   First one we built we did a couple of test cooks to make sure it cooked good had to make a couple of tweaks.

Gary

Same here. I still have a couple yet to do...

 

[frosty]

Gotta say, I LIKE it!!    

 

[daveomak]

Toby, morning......  VERY COOL smoker......     

 ......

Dave 

 

[gary s]

You going all Black or a nice two tone ?

Gary

 

[tobycat]

Funny you should ask Gary! Just black for now but  yesterday when I was smoothing out the weld at the chimney Mrs Tobycat commented on how that area of the tank looks nice polished since it;s chromoly steel and asked if I could do the WHOLE tank like that!  It's a nice idea but I have polished a lot of metal and I am not going to think about all that work right now.  I have to say I do think it would look really nice and I am wishing I had used stainless filler wire. I could always polish it at a later date. I had actually thought about this awhile back  but this being my first smoker I thought it best to get it built and see if it cooks first

 

[tobycat]

LOL!! Gary the polished tank is a definite no go!  We have an exceptionally beautiful day here and when I rolled it out into the sun the light reflecting off the shiny spot on the tank nearly blinded me! I guess that's why the are not many chromed/polished smokers around!

 

[gary s]

I was thinking Black & Red  ?

Gary

 

[gary s]

If you get real creative you could cut out and paint a Diving flag attach it with some spacers Kind'a 3D look

Just a thought

Gary

 

[tobycat]

Gary, I Iike the idea of a dive flag off the chimney but a Jolly Roger would be more my style.

 

[tobycat]

A little wash up before paint, wish I had a rubber ducky to put in the cook chamber.

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• tobycat
• Oct 2, 2013

 

[tobycat]

First I would like to thank all the forum members that gave me advice and motivation to make this build a success, it really did help. I would like to especially thank Dave Omak for his help on the dimensions as I believe it made all the difference on this thing working properly, Dave this beers for you!

I fired it up last night for the first time. Started off with five briquets and then a few chunks of cherry. I could tell it was flowing correctly right away. It took about 45 minutes to get the chamber heated up and then it held a steady 225 according to the cheap meat thermometer that I used to monitor temps. I will see about getting some higher temps when I get a better thermometer.  I am going to do the first cook in a little while (ribs) and will post the Q-view. To say I am happy with the way this little cooker turned out would be a massive understatement. So here it is.

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• tobycat
• Oct 3, 2013

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• tobycat
• Oct 3, 2013

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• tobycat
• Oct 3, 2013

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• tobycat
• Oct 3, 2013

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• tobycat
• Oct 3, 2013

 

[munxcub]

Looks great!

 

[dirtsailor2003]

 

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• tobycat
• Oct 3, 2013

Great job Toby! I have really enjoyed following your build thread and cant wait to see the Q that you turn out! Cool Little Smoker!

 

[tobycat]

Thanks Dirtsailor! wanted to ask you if you know any of the landsailors from Santa Cruz? When I was building boats I had a co-worker that built some pretty fantastic land yachts, I've always wanted to try sailing on dirt.

 

[tobycat]

Thanks Munxcub ! I still giggle a little when I look at it.