This is how it starts

[spicewine]

My new personal rig has begun. I will post pix along the way for you to see my progress. Any features you would like to see?? Maybe I will put your good ideas to use since we are flying by the seat of our pants on this build.

Spice

[Solidkick]

Just about the right size for me a new hibachi..........offset firebox.........vertical chamber.........6 shelves........double thickness walls filled with insulation.......... dual Spicewine thermometers in the vertical.......need anymore ideas? :mrgreen:


Great start! Keep us posted!!

[rbsnwngs]

can you make me one like that

[417bullelk]

Git-R-Done Jay. Keep us posted on the progression. We should have a naming contest for it.

You need to work in a set of these......

http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Bulls_Balls/bullsballs_trucknutz.htm?OVRAW=truck%20nutz&OVKEY=truck%20nutz&OVMTC=standard

[BrooklynQ]

Don't forget the low jack so the police can track it if it ever gets stolen.
Satelite uplink webcam and laptop so that you can keep in touch at contests.
You could setup the first live contest webcam.

[nmayeux]

Don't forget the bun warmer!!
Noah

[willkat98]

Don't forget the low jack so the police can track it if it ever gets stolen.
Satelite uplink webcam and laptop so that you can keep in touch at contests.
You could setup the first live contest webcam.

Now that, is a great idea.

Just a suggestion, but a moderator should move this to Q Talk.

I think it will be fun to watch a rig being built here, and Jay asking for more Q related suggestions.

Oh yeah. If its moved, moderator please scrub out the Woodpile crap so we can have a QTalk discussion on the build.

Was it Midnight who shared his rig building with us? That was a great thread

[jt]

Good idea, Bill. I'd like to follow it in Qtalk and have the thread to go back to later. I'll probably stop by the shop to see it as well!

[brdbbq]

Applied AJAX and moved to Q-Talk any problem,s send m,e a PM and we will dis_cuss.

[spicewine]

More pix

[Solidkick]

You got the six shelves part right..............Looking good!

[dapittboss]

It looks beautiful so far. This is a really great thread, thanks for the pictures. It's really interesting to see how much work is involved in making a smoker from the ground up.

[smokincracker]

Needs Bigger Dual Exhaust!!!!!
Looks goods great Idea to post the build and share some of your unique ideas.

What will you do with the space between the two chambers? Will that hold a water tank for automatic water feed with two fill valves on the plate between the two cook chambers then plumbed to the two individual water pans.

[spicewine]

35 Sq. Ft. of cooking space in this Bad Boy! The space between will be insulated. If I had thought about it sooner I would have made the space wider and made it a warming cabinet . This will have a dual water feed system. Sorry Cracker--- I reserve the dual exhaust for your smokers.

[BrooklynQ]

Spice - can the chambers operate independently? With only one exhaust is that possible?

[midnight]

Was it Midnight who shared his rig building with us? That was a great thread

Yeah that was me. I am thinking of doing a "smaller" project again this summer. If I do I will post some pics again.

Great looking pit ya got coming together Spice W.

[spicewine]

Spice - can the chambers operate independently? With only one exhaust is that possible?


Chambers are separate. This way when we get to contest we don't have to fire up the whole smoker to do some pre-contest festivities ( Fatties, ABTs and Smoked Bologna) And the brisket and pork butt guys will be able to manage the heat with less charcoal consumption. The rib and chicken side can be started the next morning.

There is plenty of exhaust for each side.

[spicewine]

New Pix

[rbinms33]

Lookin good so far! I'd love to build my own smoker one day. I like the sliding shelves and the exhaust stack that sticks down into the cooking chamber so the heat has to stay up top before it can roll out. Gotta question though.....is there some kind of a rule of thumb about how much of an intake or exhaust you should have versus cooking chamber/firebox volume or is it a best guess? And yeah, the warming cabinet would have been cool but if you want to, you might still be able to do something like that. You gave me an idea when you mentioned firing up one side only. What if you put one (or two) 4" square tubes in to "connect" the two chambers? Put a butterfly valve or knife slide in to middle of the connector to bleed off the amount of warm air that went to the side not being used, shut off that sides exhaust and that should work as a warming rack, shouldn't it?

[spicewine]

I'm sure there is some kind of scientific method for judging the damper and exhaust size per cabinet. but I would prefer to go a bit larger if I needed to guess. You can always choke it down but you can't make it larger.

Thanks for the good input. Please feel free to post more suggestions.

Spice

[icemn62]

That rig is coming right along. Looking very good, just wondering what would the cost of something like this be?

[chad]

Look out Jay! It'll be sold before you finish! :D

[spicewine]

More pix

[Aeynghus]

Schweet looking rig so far. You'll be able to do some serious Q with this!

[rbinms33]

I'm sure there is some kind of scientific method for judging the damper and exhaust size per cabinet. but I would prefer to go a bit larger if I needed to guess. You can always choke it down but you can't make it larger.


Very true....thanks for the info. I noticed another set of rails above the water pan. Optional 4th shelf?

What were you planning on using for the void in between the two chambers? Too bad it's regular steel. I was thinking if you could seal and water proof it, you could fill it up with water at a competition to use as a heat sink and hot water in remote locations. All you'd need is a spigot. But then there's that pesky little thing called rust. Don't have any stainless laying around, do ya?

Sure is a lot of room on the front of that trailer......I look at that and see two different configs. I see a catering config with a regular fajita grill, a couple of propane burners for fish, maybe a sink and a little mini-fridge or coolers up front for storage and a place to mount your LP tanks on the neck. And then I see the competition version. A top to cover the whole thing and a wall up front. Cabinets for storage mounted to the front with a sink, a cabinet top or cutting block on the side for prepwork, and maybe some drop down sides for those rainy nights. Were you planning on putting doors on the front and back?

[nmayeux]

Jay,
If your production smokers are built like this, I guess I'll be contributing to your toy funds!! These pictures are not doing much for my impulsiveness!! Keep it up, and thanks for the pictures,
Noah

[Solidkick]

Jay,
If your production smokers are built like this, I guess I'll be contributing to your toy funds!! These pictures are not doing much for my impulsiveness!! Keep it up, and thanks for the pictures,
Noah

Smokers don't cost ****.........it's that little "Spicewine sticker" that costs so much!! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

(Sorry Jay, I HAD to do it!!)

[nmayeux]

Damn, there goes my discount!!
Noah

[spicewine]

More pix

[nmayeux]

How's she looking now?

[spicewine]

Had to put it on the back burner for a day or two. We were just featured in a local Magazine and have had 5 smoker orders in the last two days. More pix probably Wednesday or Thursday.

Spice

[icemn62]

Any chance of getting to at least see a copy of your write-up from the local mag?

[smokincracker]

more pics?

[BigBelly]

That site almost brings tears to my eyes, Jay! I really like that layout but I could picture yet another two chambers set to one side of the tongue and a directing grilling box on the other side, wood bin in the center.

I can't wait to see it when it's finished! What color you thinking of painting it?

[icemn62]

Still looking for more pics of the trailer, hope everything is going okay with it.

[spicewine]

Sorry Bros. I just got a chance to start building on mine again. I have already missed one contest because of the delay. We just finished the insulation and are ready for the outer shell.

As for paint--- The trailer and fenders will be a metalic dark silver gray. The cooker will be Candy Apple Red and I have an Air brush artist that will paint realistic flames to pull the two colors together. There will also be chrome custom wheels, hood scoops and spoiler.

Pimp My Smoker Mod.

[Arlin_MacRae]

The trailer and fenders will be a metalic dark silver gray. The cooker will be Candy Apple Red and I have an Air brush artist that will paint realistic flames to pull the two colors together. There will also be chrome custom wheels, hood scoops and spoiler.

Ooh, she gonna be sweet to look at!

[Trout_man22]

If I only could get rid of half of the people in the house I could get Jay to make me one too. Problem is if we took a vote I would be the one voted out. :?

[dapittboss]

Man, that cooker looks cool. Must be fun to build, too. There's gotta be a lot of satisfaction using a smoker that you built yourself, especially one that nice!

[hrchdog]

How much charcoal and wood will it take to fire up one side and how long will it last before you need to stoke it? What about a drain on the bottom to help with clean out.

[spicewine]

2 chimneys (charcoal starters) to start it up and a hand full of smoking wood will last about 4 hours. Then 1 chimney every 4 hours from them on. About a 12 hour cook on one bag of charcoal.

All of the drippings fall into the water pan. We don't reccommend spraying out the inside of the smoker with water. The oils from the smoke and meat drippings keep it seasoned. If there ever is a build up we remove any excess carbon with a putty knife and a shop vac.

For those who like to spray out the inside, we will put in a drain at their request.

[smokincracker]

Were those comments about drains for me? A drain is a good idea!! It can't hurt.

I have 4 butts on one of my spice boxes right now.
Jay prefers to only introduce coal that has been started outside of the box but if you want to cook for 10-12 hrs straight using the chimney only once you can make one of these fire trails.

7:00PM we will be pulling these butts.

[Solidkick]

Damn, Cracker, you all got BIG BUTTS down in FL............they look GREAT!

[smokincracker]

from the cooler at wally world!!
O thats funny. You have no idea!!!

[spicewine]

That's the first time I've seen your extended burn Mod. Looks great!! I like the space for the wood in the center!!

[smokincracker]

Thanks Jay
It works well but the shoot could be a bit wider.
I sure am looking forward to seeing that smoker your building in action next month.

[hrchdog]

How long does it take for that wood to catch and start to smoke in that basket?

[smokincracker]

I usually line chunks of hickory against the wall on the inside and also throw some under the basket so as the coals drop embers on them. The wood will smolder right from the start.

[smokincracker]

Sorry Bros. I just got a chance to start building on mine again. I have already missed one contest because of the delay. We just finished the insulation and are ready for the outer shell.

As for paint--- The trailer and fenders will be a metalic dark silver gray. The cooker will be Candy Apple Red and I have an Air brush artist that will paint realistic flames to pull the two colors together. There will also be chrome custom wheels, hood scoops and spoiler.

Pimp My Smoker Mod.

Rollin on 22"s Big Pipin
Will you have the airbrush artist paint your truck to match?

[spicewine]

more pix of todays work. Too Damn Hot to be doing this and it isn't even August yet.

Suicide Doors Mod.

[MrSmoker]

Looking good Spice,very interesting :!:

[hrchdog]

It's been a week since last pics were posted have you had to put off working on it again? Looks good so far waiting to see it finished.

[muledeer]

What kind of insulation do you use?


Thanks,

Mule

[spicewine]

Things are jumping here!! I have to have our part done by Wednesday in order to get it to the paint shop then the Graphic Artist and back to the paint shop for a total clear coat in order to do the Boone County Fair BBQ Contest on July 22. I will try to post more pix soon.

Spice

[jt]

Looking forward to seeing it at the fair, Spice.

[spicewine]

More Pix

[spicewine]

More Pix

[Solidkick]

Where's the 'rita machine going? 8)

Heard you cooked on the "blue goose" a couple of weeks back......hope yours turns out as good.......well, almost as good. :twisted:

[MrG'sTeam]

Where does the Beer Kegger go?

[YLBILL]

Spice, I've lived in apartments smaller than that thing! Looks awesome.

[spicewine]

Off to the Body Shop for blasting and a fresh coat of paint!!!!

[MrSmoker]

Jay that's a fine peice of work,i'm sure it's going to get lot of attention at the contest.

[Solidkick]

Jay that's a fine peice of work,i'm sure it's going to get lot of attention at the contest.

The Belly Brothers will be sure to point it out to the crowds of people.....at the next site over from us......

[spicewine]

Pulled that Bad Boy to the paint shop last night. It is a hell of alot lighter than my old one. ( The old one was 4700 pounds).

Kick: Can't wait to try some of your Margaritas!!!

[roknrandy]

Spice, You can feel comfortable with dropping it off at my house for storage :mrgreen: I have a large back yard the has a tall fence to protect it :mrgreen:

[willkat98]

Are those Rim Spinners? That would look good

[dapittboss]

Are those Rim Spinners? That would look good

Now that would be sweet!

[chad]

Jay, that thing is looking N*I*C*E and isn't even painted!

So, you bringing it to Mobile next year? :D That's about as close to your area as I'm going to get!

[jt]

Dropped by the shop to look at it in person last night before it went to be painted. Very nice rig, Jay. It's obvious you looked at what you liked and didn't like from the last one and incorporated those thoughts into the new one. Now I wanna see it when the detail artist gets done!

[spicewine]

Are those Rim Spinners?


Those are just my " Mock Up " Wheels. The custom wheels don't go on until the painting is done.

[frognot]

Are those Rim Spinners?


Those are just my " Mock Up " Wheels. The custom wheels don't go on until the painting is done.

Pimp My Smoker mod 8)

[BigAl]

Hood scoops are a nice touch!

What are the 2 red things?

[The_Kapn]

Jay, that thing is looking N*I*C*E and isn't even painted!

So, you bringing it to Mobile next year? :D That's about as close to your area as I'm going to get!
Chad--you are forgetting the AR--right "down the street" from Jay.

Fine looking cooker!
Sucker is so big a couple of hogs could just walk in there- save a lot of lifting :lol:

Great Job Jay.

TIM

[spicewine]

What are the 2 red things?


The Automatic Water Feed System ( Gravity Feed ) Gives you an additional 5 gallons of water for the water pan. So you don't have to re-heat a bunch of water on a long cook.


Chad--you are forgetting the AR--right "down the street" from Jay


Chad knew that I wasn't going to qualify for the Royal :lol:

[chad]

What are the 2 red things?


Looks like water cans for "moisture injection"! :D


Chad--you are forgetting the AR--right "down the street" from Jay.


Nope, I didn't forget - I said Mobile was as close as I'm going to get! :D Hell, I live 6 hours south of you - it takes me all farking day to get out of Florida! :D No way I'm driving to AR for a cook off unless somebody else pays the bills.

[The_Kapn]

What are the 2 red things?

The Automatic Water Feed System ( Gravity Feed ) Gives you an additional 5 gallons of water for the water pan. So you don't have to re-heat a bunch of water on a long cook.

Jay--is a water pan always necessary in your smokers? Have you tested without water? Just curious.
Nope, I didn't forget - I said Mobile was as close as I'm going to get! Hell, I live 6 hours south of you - it takes me all farking day to get out of Florida! No way I'm driving to AR for a cook off unless somebody else pays the bills.
Well, we are in 2 (and probably 3) qualifiers in the next few months.
So, I guess if we get an invite to the AR Invitational side, we need to pass?? :cry: :cry:

TIM

[chad]

So, I guess if we get an invite to the AR Invitational side, we need to pass??


As you well know I'm prone to changing my mind (or losing it!). I have us a place to stay out there and can probably get us a cooker - if lightening should strike! :D

However, I am not driving out there for the Open! :D

[spicewine]

Jay--is a water pan always necessary in your smokers? Have you tested without water? Just curious.


We only use the water during the cooking process. We drain the pan to finish and set up the bark . Dry heat mod. It is all personal preference. You could fill it with beer and brats if you wanted to.

[BigAl]

Jay--is a water pan always necessary in your smokers? Have you tested without water? Just curious.


We only use the water during the cooking process. We drain the pan to finish and set up the bark . Dry heat mod. It is all personal preference. You could fill it with beer and brats if you wanted to.

:shock: "Sand in the Water Pan" Brothers :shock: , please take note that he DOES NOT have any sand tanks on this Qing rig. :D

[Brauma]

Hell of a rig Spice. Wish I had the knowledge to use it. But that's why Im here. One day...

[The_Kapn]

"Sand in the Water Pan" Brothers , please take note that he DOES NOT have any sand tanks on this Qing rig.

I just want the newer members to know that many of us do, in fact, use sand or even "nothing" in the pan provided by the manufacturer.
And, we do it successfully and produce a quality moist product :lol:

My WSM has never seen liquid in the pan and I am thrilled with the product. I did one cook (Mobile) with sand and now I just use it for drippings and as a heat deflector.
My StudeDera started life with liquids, then I changed to sand. Worked fine, thank you. I am testing it now with "nothing" and am happy so far. Need to do a long cook with Brisket or some Beef to finalize my initial results.

Each approach has it's pros and cons and is useful in different ways.
This has been debated to death here and elsewhere.

To insist that any one approach is the "only way" is simply not correct--sorry :lol:
There is simply no fixed answer to this!

I understand and have respect for those who use liquid, those that use sand-type fillers, and those who use nothing. I have done them all.

That was the basis of my question to Jay about testing with no water--no reason to think it would not work except for pre-conceived notions :lol:

Just my nickle!

TIM

YEAH I Know--"Here we go again"--Sorry, but I cant let this pass :twisted:

[kcquer]

To insist that any one approach is the "only way" is simply not correct--sorry
There is simply no fixed answer to this!

I completely disagree. The correct answer is until a level of familiarity is developed, a cooker with a waterpan should be used with water in the pan as it tempers a lot of heat spikes and aids in recovery time, both terribly important especially to a rookie cooker. With some experience under your belt, the gloves are off and the pan can come out or be filled with whatever.
I do believe the best quality product comes from a dry cooker whether it was intended to be dry or not.

[Solidkick]

To insist that any one approach is the "only way" is simply not correct--sorry
There is simply no fixed answer to this!

I completely disagree. The correct answer is until a level of familiarity is developed, a cooker with a waterpan should be used with water in the pan as it tempers a lot of heat spikes and aids in recovery time, both terribly important especially to a rookie cooker. With some experience under your belt, the gloves are off and the pan can come out or be filled with whatever.
I do believe the best quality product comes from a dry cooker whether it was intended to be dry or not.

I have to agree with KC.........a rookie cooker has more to worry about in the beginning than water, sand, or dry cooking. Get your technique(style) and rub down first, then start experimenting, if you feel the need.

[The_Kapn]

I understand and have respect for those who use liquid, those that use sand-type fillers, and those who use nothing. I have done them all.
This part of my post seems to have been missed.
I would never totally disagree with any technique in this area because I respect the opinions and position of the other Brothers.

I stand by my observations based on actual real-world testing.
TIM

[smokincracker]

Some more real world testing results

I’ve been using Jay’s cookers for about 6 months now and a large drum style cooker for years prior and I have only used the water pan to catch the pig fat. The problem with a water pan cooker with out an automatic feed system is that the temp will dramatically increase (spike) as the water evaporates from the pan. In my opinion using only sand or nothing at all will make the temp easier to manage especially for a rookie.
I don’t personally feel that water helps much with cooking moist meat like (pork, chicken, brisket) However I do use liquid when cold smoking fish. I do mist my meat with a spray bottle of juice on occasion during a long cook so the bark stays nice and right.
I look forward to seeing some of you guys on Friday July 22 at the Q contest in Columbia. Just look for the 2 Big ugly Florida Crackers and the skinny one-armed guy.

[spicewine]

More pix

[MrSmoker]

How sweet it is,are you going to be able to try it before the contest?Best of luck BRO.

[Solidkick]

SWEET! Can I touch it??

[chad]

OOH! AAH! :D

Right purty!

[spicewine]

Sorry ! Did pix 28 twice. Look real close and you can see the flames painted into the red. It looks better in person. I will send you shots when I put the Bling Bling on it and the Custom Wheels. See some of you this weekend!!

Spice

[Aeynghus]

I don't like it. The wheels don't match. :wink:

Farking schweet rig!

[Neil]

I want to see it loaded with meat and sweet blue rising from the stacks.

[smokincracker]

I look forward to seeing the bling & flames in person.....

[rbsnwngs]

i want one

[Solidkick]

i want one

I'll make you a deal you can't pass up.......meet me @ 3AM Saturday morning.....it'll be parked next to our spot.......I'll get the boys well into the 'rita machine.....they won't miss it until about 9AM.......you'll be 2 states over by then........ :shock:

[tommykendall]

Superb Spice. Still got my address? 8)

[frognot]

i want one

I'll make you a deal you can't pass up.......meet me @ 3AM Saturday morning.....it'll be parked next to our spot.......I'll get the boys well into the 'rita machine.....they won't miss it until about 9AM.......you'll be 2 states over by then........ :shock:

BOLO mod

"Feelin' we had pulled the biggest heist of our career
We're wanted men, we'll strike again
But first let's have a beer " mod (for Parrothead)

[Brauma]

"We were sittin the Crystal
About as drunk as we could be..."

Love that rig Spice. Can you post a pic with a rear view?

[parrothead]

BOLO mod

"Feelin' we had pulled the biggest heist of our career
We're wanted men, we'll strike again
But first let's have a beer " mod (for Parrothead)


But now I, wish I was anywhere other than here. Cause that great fillin' station hold up, cost me two good years.

Thanks frogsnot

[spicewine]

Dudes ---- I'm Sorry !!!! I have been to busy to respond.

Will contact you later!!


Spice

[icemn62]

Dudes ---- I'm Sorry !!!! I have been to busy to respond.

Will contact you later!!


Spice

Hope all is well, Just wanted to chime in with my Congrats on a great, beautiful smoker/cooker. Hope you have many years of success with her.