"T" style smoker ----- IT'S ALIVE-----

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gunkle

Meat Mopper
Original poster
Aug 31, 2014
188
28
Connecticut
started the initial burn out of my new Smoker/Grill. It's 26 degrees outside with steady freezing rain. What better day to burn out a barrel? I'm planning to have it sand blasted and powder coated once its all done.



Printed out and taped together the template for the bottom barrel cut out. Hard to see the line in the picture but hopefully its correct. 


I'm going to follow the build here with some modifications. Planing to use ball valves for air intake and be set up for an Automated temp controller (haven't decided which one yet). Also going for dual purpose using the upper barrel as a charcoal grill for regular use. Also considering building the bottom barrel upside down so the locking ring and removable lid are on the bottom. Am thinking it will make for easier cleaning of the ash compartment.
 
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Keep us posted, I like watching builds

gary
 
Second barrel is burning now. Neighbor donated some seasoned wood since I ran out with the first barrel. I think he's hoping for an invite to one of the meals.
 
So I got the bottom barrel marked out and cut. Not the prettiest cut and I may have to get creative with the welder (maybe a hammer too) to fill some of the gaps. 

This is the only picture that wasn't super blurry. will have to take some more tomorrow. I have the fire door marked to be cut. I get about 15 minutes in the morning to work on it before I have to punch in for work. 


found a good one showing how hot it gets around the air intake during the burn out.

 
Damn snow has stopped this project dead. Keep looking at the barrels in the corner of the shop. Looks like anotherfew weeks before I get a chance to get back to it
 
Whooo hooo. finally got some time in on the smoker today. Got both doors cut out and hinged. and about half the flat stock welded around the openings. Only had like 2 hours so I didn't take any pics. Will try to get some tomorrow. I'm still pretty new to welding so I'm glad all that I'm welding now is on the inside so no one can see.
 
Here are some pics. I've been working on it for an hour every morning before work this week. I have both doors cut and hinged and flat stock welded around the openings. Tomorrow morning will be welding in angle iron for the cooking grate to sit on and maybe starting to make the grate. I bought 3/4 inch expanded metal to use as a grate. I'm gonna make it in 3 or 4 sections so I can remove it and maybe make some with smaller holes for use with smaller items. I plan to make another grate to slide in under the main grate to put charcoal on so I can use this a a grill too.



Noticed something no one mentioned on any of the build posts i've seen so far. I had to make little plugs to weld in to the ridges of the barrel so it seals up when the lid is closed. Since This is my first real welding project I'm not doing too bad. Not the prettiest welds but it won't affect the meat.

 
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You will have TBS coming out in no time

Gary
 
So I decided to sand the barrels myself and save a few bucks. Thought it would be a good time to do it before mounting the exhaust and latches and other things that would be challenging to sand around. Got the top barrel done inside and out and started the bottom. hoping to start welding the two together next week.


 
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Thanks. Definitely taking my sweet time with it. Unfortunately it will involve some persuasion with a hammer when I go to weld them together. I made the initial cut out of the bottom drum with a sawzall and after a lot of grinding made up some of that mistake but there are some bigger gaps then this thin metal really can take. I think I can get away with hiding most of it in the back.
 
Alright. Starting to make some progress. Got both barrels welded together, the intakes on and the exhaust on. Need to pick up one more pipe for the exhaust but the elbow is on. Next up handles and latches. Pudding for build to be done next Friday and paint next weekend.


 
Ready for paint.

-1 1/4" exhaust x 4
-1" intake x 3 2 caped 1 with a ball valve
-1" thread with cap on side to connect ammo box with AMNPS
-2 handles 5" and 7" for wood stoves found on amazon
-custom 3 piece grate made from 3/4 expanded steel and small angle iron
-2 12" thermometers cause I thought it might look good ;)

-latches from harbor freight. Have to see if rubber melts when the grill gets hot. Already plan to replace with a nut if needed.



 
Thanks timberjet timberjet almost wish I could keep it unpainted. But it would rust in days. And it would probably blind me in the summer sun. Gonna do the barrels with black 1200 degree grill paint and the handles, living rings and all pipes red while leaving the hinges and latches unpainted.
 
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