Started my first build today!

[gary s]

Do you ever try to regulate your heat just using the FB damper ?

Gary

 

[crazyq]

Do you ever try to regulate your heat just using the FB damper ?

Gary

This is the true way of adjusting heat and fire. Choke ur fire by starving it of air not by smothering it with exhaust stack. When u smother it you no longer are cooking with clean smoke but rather stale smoke.

Yes ill post up some pics of several ive done.

 

[crazyq]

 

[uga fan]

Thanks for the pics, I may try and cut some out tomorrow. As far as closing back on the firebox dampers, yes I have tried that. It just seems my exhaust pulls so much, when I close them back it only increases the velocity of the air. I may experiment with it more on the next cook. But I never choke back enough on the exhaust to stale the airflow completely. Just enough to limit the amount of draw on the firebox dampers.

 

[daveomak]

CrazyQ, evening..... If you would grind the rust off the steel, it would be a lot easier to weld.....


Bart...... That is a good way to use the choke plate..... Thumbs Up

 

[crazyq]

CrazyQ, evening..... If you would grind the rust off the steel, it would be a lot easier to weld.....


Bart...... That is a good way to use the choke plate..... Thumbs Up

i usually hit em with the flap wheel before running full beads. but when tacking in place it never hurt anything. i tend to weld a little on the hot side anyways to burn through whats left.

its all just surface rust anyways, nothing bad.

 

[uga fan]

20140228_160544.jpg

• uga fan
• Feb 28, 2014

Was able to get the bottom frame built, still waiting on some metal for the firebox..

 

[crazyq]

so it has begun hahaha

 

[uga fan]

Yep! Hopefully I can get some hinges cut out tomorrow weather permitting.

 

[uga fan]

Ok, got a good bit done yesterday and today!! Got some metal for the firebox and the reverse plate yesterday morning. Built the firebox and welded it together last night. Today I worked on the cooker. Removed most of the paint on the CC with a Rotozip tool an a 80 grit stripper wheel. It was a little slow, but seems to me doing a good job! Cut the CC out and mated it with the firebox. Then I cut the firebox to CC opening out. Welded the wheels on to the frame, welded the firebox to the frame and welded the CC to the firebox. Next step will be the reverse plate I guess so I can measure and build my cooking grates. It's coming along tho!!

IMG_2198.jpg

• uga fan
• Mar 6, 2014

 

[gary s]

Nice, looking good   you'll have smoke coming out in no time.

Gary

 

[lendecatural]

You got a bunch of work done for two days, looks great!

 

[uga fan]

Thanks, I was pleased with what got accomplished in a little time. Im trying to decide how I want to build the firebox door. If you guys can post some pics of doors and a description as to how u made them I would be much appreciative!

 

[uga fan]

Yesterday I built and installed the firebox door and the coal rack. I found some extra door hinges laying around and used them instead of making/buying new ones. Has anybody ever used household door hinges on a build? Was curious as to how well they will take the heat.

 

[uga fan]

Got the flanges welded onto the smoker lid. Haven't put hinges on it yet because it's warped really bad. Not sure how I'm gonna pull it out to the correct shape. Open for suggestions!!

 

[crazyq]

I straighten my doors with a bottle jack and a chain. You would need to do that before the flanges though or the chain will bend the flanges. I also install my hinges prior to bending the door back. That way keeps the top of the door flush with the pit and then you just bend the bottom lip in.

 

[uga fan]

Well my door wasn't warped before the flanges went on.. I checked it thoroughly. Pretty sure the flanges springing back straight caused it to warp, not from heat

 

[crazyq]

How thick is ur door and flanges?

You can probably still use the jack and chain but you may be redoing the flanges.

 

[uga fan]

My door is 3/16" and my flanges are 1/8x2"

 

[uga fan]

The lid seems to fit good down to about 3" from the corners. It's the same on all 4 corners too, maybe about a 1/4"-3/8" gap between the lid and the cook chamber. I've debated on trying to heat and hammer the corners down.