Insulation covering

[slat]

I'm going to insulate the bandera with some ceramic fiber blanket insulation, problem being it isn't weather proof. Need some opinions, and I know I can find them here. I plan on making a jacket for it out of some light gauge galvanized steel or aluminum. The steel is approx. 22 ga. and the aluminum is approx. 20 ga.. What would you use? I think the workablity of each is about the same. I'm kinda leaning towards the aluminum, but just not real sure.

[BBQchef33]

I know this will bring back memories. This was MY high tech solution. It only insulated 2 sides, but still helped get up to temp which wasnt possible before I installed it. YES, I am serious.

http://tinyurl.com/yvob5


I think BigAl did some testing with various material to insulate. Maybe he will chime in. Yooo hoooo AL!!

[slat]

I have a moving blanket on it now on two sides, but want to actually cover it with something more solid and less flamable. I haven't set the blanket on fire yet.

[parrothead]

Brian just turns the gas up.

[2Fat]

either would be just fine---have seen a couple of bandys done that way--they looked so good it was hard to tell it wasn't stock when all was pop riveted together
. When I was using mine more I cut that foil backed insulation and fitted on 3 sides and top---used duck tape to hold it together--it was weather proof but looked cheezy

Buzz

[slat]

My hope is to make this something that is easily removable so that I can take advantage of that black paint job on the Bandera in the summer sun.

[buckarmadillo]

That is one of the problems in North Mexico (N.M.) in the summer. We have no clouds .......ever...in the summer here. The temperature in the Bandera is around 130° before starting the wood. I only have to bring it up 80 and it's good to go.

[slat]

I don't see where the help of the sun getting you to 130 degrees before starting is a problem. I suppose this thing I am trying to construct would keep the temp inside from rising in the summer as well as keeping it warmer in the winter.

[2Fat]

My hope is to make this something that is easily removable so that I can take advantage of that black paint job on the Bandera in the summer sun.

The ez solution to that would be to paint the cover black--then you can leave iot in place

Buzz

[brdbbq]

Brian just turns the gas up.

Especially aftre all them peanuts.

[BigAl]

I know this will bring back memories. This was MY high tech solution. It only insulated 2 sides, but still helped get up to temp which wasnt possible before I installed it. YES, I am serious.

http://tinyurl.com/yvob5


I think BigAl did some testing with various material to insulate. Maybe he will chime in. Yooo hoooo AL!!

I covered the complete unit with cut to fit foil backed 4x8 ft sheet of 1 inch thick styrofoam. The foam melted off the fire box and the right side of the smoke chamber....Don't do the styrofoam mod. :oops:

I ordered samples of BNZ Materials and the one I would try is ZelieBlok 2000. It is 1 inch thick and is designed to withstand 2000 deg F. It is light weight, easy to cut and drill, and has a high R factor. A 4x8 ft sheet costs $150, so I havent tried it.

Black on BBQ units is the worst because it radiates heat into the air faster than any other color. That why it is used as a heat sink on your computer componets.

[slat]

Hey Big Al go to www.mcmaster.com and search for ceramic fiber insulation blanket and let me know what you think. This is what I'm thinking of using with either an aluminum or galvanized sheet metal covering.

[Heath]

I like the idea of something removable but in a permanent way. I think a "sleave" built about 1/4" or 1/2" bigger than the smoke chamber. It could slide over the top and ideally seal itself at the smokestack and near the door. This would leave a small gap between the chamber and the sleave. You cant get much better insulation than trapped air. It would give you a double wall effect and should help keep the fuel burn rate to a minimum.

[cheez]

Al, I used the same foil backed 1-inch stuff, and was pleased with the results. I did not, however, try to insulate the firebox (I assumed it would melt). I only did the smoke chamber. The right side of the chamber I cut the piece short - it stops maybe 10 inches short of the firebox lid. the remaining sides are full length, and the top is cut to fit. I joined all the pieces with duct tape. It's not pretty, but it works well, and it is easily removable for the summer. I even used the tape along the hinge side of the door, so that I can open and close the door without removing anything. Insulating the firebox sounds more difficult, though I do like the idea someone had of putting a sheet of steel inside the lid so the heat will go into the chamber instead of up into the "dome" first. Not sure what effect that would have on my preheating wood, though I suspect it would greatly decrease the shouts of "Dad, there's a fire on top of the smoker again!"

[slat]

But my question still remains galvanized metal or aluminum as an outside covering? What do you guys think. Which would be better.

[Mark]

Aluminum

[BigAl]

But my question still remains galvanized metal or aluminum as an outside covering? What do you guys think. Which would be better.

Galvanized gives of toxic stuff when heated per the guys at the local welding shop, not sure at what temp this starts at, but it has caused guys at the shop to get sick.

Aluminum will cost more but should be better.

[slat]

But does it matter whether it's aluminum or galvanized being it's on the outside of the smoker?

[Mark]

Aluminum is easier to work with

[slat]

Ok I'm using .032" Aluminum. Found a 4' X 10' sheet for under $40.00. I will construct it this weekend and hopefully use next weekend. Using half inch insulation with the aluminum covering. Any last minute suggestions would be welcomed.