My first attempt at a build.

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How high above the door strapping (seal) do the hinges need to be so the door strapping doesn't make contact with the CC when I open the lid? Is my pivet point in the right spot? Here's a picture of the design I have so far but it seems like they are higher than they need to be. Any input would be helpful.


 
If your door is the right side in the pic your correct because the pivot is behind the strap edge. As far as height from pivot to door I believe 1" is fine. Mine are closer to 2" and it causes my door handles to be high. I could be lower.
 
If your door is the right side in the pic your correct because the pivot is behind the strap edge. As far as height from pivot to door I believe 1" is fine. Mine are closer to 2" and it causes my door handles to be high. I could be lower.

Ok thanks once again. You're a huge help.
 
Not much more work done but I hardly have any free time. Both my son and daughter are on competitive baseball and softball teams and I'm prepping for a archery elk hunt so I can only get a few minutes her and there to work on it.

Cut and tacked the cooking grate tracks and anti flip thing.

 
I know it doesn't matter but I'm sure it looks better one way or another so I'll ask. I'm using expanded metal for my cooking grate. Which way will the diamond patter look better? Long ways right to left or long ways back to front?
 
I went ahead and did the diamond long ways left to right on the cooking grate. I also opted for the weld on bullet hinges only because I got so many recommendations on them. I had it in my head to fabricate my own hinges so it was a battle in my head until I finally decide to go with the bullet hinges. 2 for the lid and 2 for the fire box door.


 
I took some time off to chase elk with my bow. I killed a nice bull so it was time to get a little work done on the smoker. I got the stack welded on. CC and FB door hinges and door seals tacked on. I wanted to get all that stuff in place but I'll go back and put prettier welds on them later.

The FB intake is fabricated up but I need to drill a few holes and put the nut in. I can see the finish line nearing. It's not as near as I would like but its closer. The handle on the CC door is only temporary. I'm going to need a counter weight on the door because it's not easy to open.
 

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I got a few things done lately. Put on the intake wheel thingy. Also built the bottom rack to store wood. And whatever else. The finish line is nearing.
 

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I couldn’t stand how off my door seals were so I cut them them off. Starting over with 1 1/4” wide flat stock but I’m not sure if I’ll go 1/8” thick or a little thinner. I also cut out some new hinges. Giving myself more work damn it.
 

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I cut all new door seals again and put on the new hinges. Took forever to get the seals on straight and flush. All welds are on the inside. It was worth the time because it came out tight and looks good. The only weld on the outside is where the seal sides meet the top and bottom but I’ll grind those flush.


I also put on my intake handle but I don’t know if I like it. It’s elk antler. I like the elk antler but not sure I’ll leave the point on it. It sticks out a little far. I might just use a 3”-4” of a straight piece.
 

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Got the handle fabricated and welded on the lid. Made a damper for the chimney as well. All I have left is a handle for the fire box and to touch up a few areas with the grinder. Then I have to figure out how to paint it.
 

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