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1/4 to 1/2" Gaps in Borrowed Smoker

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WYO_TX BBQ

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So I borrowed a smoker from a friend because my traeger is too small for an upcoming competition and the thing is full of 1/4" to 1/2" gaps everywhere. I am trying to tighten it up and I have used some hi temp cement and rope gasket but I still cant close the gaps. What do I do, just shove a bunch of foil in there? It was built pretty well using 1/4" steel but someone got it too hot and warped the entire thing. I have only cooked on it once and it holds heat fairly well but I cant control the fire what so ever. I would be glad to hear any suggestions. Thanks.
 

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It wasn't even built right. The builder didn't put the proper trim on the doors to seal it up. If he didn't even do that, you wonder what else is wrong.

I'd give it back to him a search for a different smoker to use.
 
On the gaps in the doors...foil is a good choice and temporary since the Q is borrowed...that way the owner won't have to relearn the Q after you are done repairing it...
I would drape foil over them and then a towel or blanket on top to hold it in place...for the fire box you can stuff foil in the gap too, then close the door on it to help restrict the air in....good luck...that thing looks like as beast...
 
Take it back and punch him in the nose I wouldn't spent a nickle on it. Then go build a UDS.
 
Would add straps to the doors.. that will help.. What i mean by straps; 1" border welded to the outside of each door.. looks like he has that on the inside already.. because the doors aren't falling in.. but i would burn those on.. should help significantly with retaining more heat..
 
Thanks for comments guys. I am committed to using it since I dont have much time until the comp and I need to cook on it again to get a better feel for it, so I am looking for a cheap remedy and I dont know how to weld. I think the welding blankets and foil may be a good combo.
 
Ditto on the welding blankets... Relatively cheap and effective.
 
WYO TEX BBQ...That pit looks like a fun challenge...Your in WY so fuel should be plentiful...Ive never cooked on anything that large..I like smoke and fire so that would be a fun weekend...I'm jealous...Show a pic of the fire area...can you use a shovel to load coals in it? If so...use an fire pit to get your coals from to load/feed one side of that beast and hold on...Good Luck...

Go get some more remote thermometers....
 
MeatCandy...yeah I can use a shovel, the fire box is huge. I built a charcoal basket last night 20"X20"X9" tall out of expanded steel. Im going to try it out this weekend and see how long it will burn...right after I jam every orifice on the damn thing.
 
A basket should help to keep things contained...

Get more temp probes...You may know this But, you can use both sides of the Mavericks to monitor the pit temp...the more the merrier...

Charcoal is going to have a tough time heating that big unit...You need wood...
 
You mentioned not being able to control the fire...One way to control the fire would be to keep the fire outside of the cooker...that way when you add coals, you will add heat but not fire...
 
Put foil duct tape over the seams. Something like this or they sell it at your local Lowe's, or Home Depot, etc... [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Aluminum-Foil-3311-Silver/dp/B000HBOYZO"]Scotch Aluminum Foil Tape 3311 Silver, 2 in x 10 yd 3.6 mil (Pack of 1): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific[/ame]
 
could use flimsy kitchen magnest cut in to strips to cover the gaps. As long as temps didnt get to high that would work. maybe?
 
WYO_TX BBQ said:
It doesnt look like those tapes are rated above 180 or 200 F. Have you used it before?
Click to expand...

I have

it might work for awhile, but you will have a hard time getting it to stick and when you open the door you would have to re apply it. It can stand a little more heat but the glue will melt but you need a nice clean surface to apply it to

Blanket is the best idea
 
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