Last year towards the end of May I purchased a 22.5" WSM. Put it together, messed with the cheap arse door for awhile, put the cover on it and then it just set in the garage. This past Saturday I did the charcoal grate and temp probe mods. Haven't taken any pics yet, but I will. For the charcoal grate mod I purchased another grate and just used pieces of a metal coat hanger at 4 or 5 locations to secure the new grate to the bottom of the ring. Seems like it should work OK. For the temp probe mod, I used two threaded quick-disconnect metal air-fittings with two lock-nuts on each fitting, (for lower and upper grates) from which I removed the quick disconnect parts on both ends and then drilled them out big enough to get both ET-732 temp probes through it.
Then I came home. Drilled the two holes in the smoker and was able to screw in both fittings, put the lock nuts on on the inside and done. Couldn't have worked out any better, especially since this was a spur of the moment thing without any measurements or plans. I was going to smoke some butts this past weekend but the weather stunk. Hopefully next weekend I'll be able to fire it up and make some PP.
I've done some reading on temp control for WSM smokers and seen many guys recommend not to take off the lid or if you do, be quick about it because it will spike the chamber temps. I was wondering if anyone ever tried to close the lower dampers before removing the lid and then put them back where they were, when the lid is back on. I'm thinking this would/should help prevent a temp spike when the need comes to remove the lid. Also, I'll have to do a search for home-made temp control gadgets or go buy one that's on the market.
I've done some reading on temp control for WSM smokers and seen many guys recommend not to take off the lid or if you do, be quick about it because it will spike the chamber temps. I was wondering if anyone ever tried to close the lower dampers before removing the lid and then put them back where they were, when the lid is back on. I'm thinking this would/should help prevent a temp spike when the need comes to remove the lid. Also, I'll have to do a search for home-made temp control gadgets or go buy one that's on the market.
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