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Q-talk *ON TOPIC ONLY* QUALITY ON TOPIC discussion of Backyard BBQ, grilling, equipment and outdoor cookin' . ** Other cooking techniques are welcomed for when your cookin' in the kitchen. Post your hints, tips, tricks & techniques, success, failures, but stay on topic and watch for that hijacking. |
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09-17-2011, 11:44 AM | #1 |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 11-17-10
Location: Oroville, Ca
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Building a reverse flow smoker
We are building a reverse flow smoker out of an old 250 gal tank. the tank is 31 inch wide by 8' long. My question is what size fire box should I build for it. should I just make it square and build a 31" box or go smaller. This is the only real hang up I am having before we get on with the build any help would be great.
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09-17-2011, 11:52 AM | #2 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 01-11-10
Location: Sylvan Springs, Al
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Here is a pretty handy firebox calculator. Enter the size of your tank, then all you have to do make sure the green boxes match.
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. |
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09-17-2011, 11:52 AM | #3 |
Knows what a fatty is.
Join Date: 01-24-10
Location: Troy, NC
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Perform a google search for firebox calc. Several came up. You can enter the area of your cook chamber and the calc gives your minimum area for your firebox. I have one on my computer but dont know how to get it on here . Hope this helps.
V
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5 UDS's :becky: 2 Uni-Flame Kettle's Charbroil Gasser [LEFT][COLOR=#000000]Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. ~ Thomas Edison[/COLOR][/LEFT] |
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09-17-2011, 12:11 PM | #4 |
Found some matches.
Join Date: 11-17-10
Location: Oroville, Ca
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Sounds good thank you guys. It looks like I can go a little smaller witch works for me I didn't want to have to make a forest fire ever time I lit the thing.
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09-17-2011, 07:16 PM | #5 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 09-06-09
Location: Wilson, NC
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You ought to think about fully insulating that firebox. It will help greatly with the fuel efficiency of the cooker.
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Rec Tec Bull Rec Tec Bullseye |
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09-18-2011, 07:36 AM | #6 |
Quintessential Chatty Farker
Join Date: 06-29-11
Location: Greeneville TN
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The firebox calculator is a good reference but I would go a tad bigger. Definitely insulate it. The bigger box and the insulation will cut fuel by 2/3.
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09-18-2011, 09:42 AM | #7 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 10-28-08
Location: Frontenac, Kansas
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If your tank is a propane tank, then it is 1/4" thick. I built a square firebox and used 3/8" steel plate and have been really happy with the results. I also when a little larger than what the calculator said I needed. I heard somewhere that bigger is better
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CBJ #31626 UDS Lots of Weber Grills Traeger Texas Pellet Grill My cooking blog [URL]http://babyboomerboyscookinblog.blogspot.com/[/URL] |
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09-18-2011, 10:07 AM | #8 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 06-06-11
Location: Brookings Oregon
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That calculator is nice. I used it to calculate my current tank and fire box, it confirms what I already know from two years of use, that my fire box is small for my tank. I would like to build another one someday. From my first experience I would definitley error on the side of to big verses to small. My current fire box is made from 1/4 steel I am watching it slowly corrode away from use and rust inside, the outside I keep painted. So my dream firebox would be 3/8 steel plate or stainless steel which I can not afford at the moment. The other thing I wish I had considered is making it so I could put a grate on the top of the fire box for grilling stuff.
My biggest wish is I had found you guys here before I built my first! Good luck with your build.
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3 UDS, One charcoal eating fire breathing home bulit trailer pit, |
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09-18-2011, 03:54 PM | #10 | |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 09-06-09
Location: Wilson, NC
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Quote:
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09-19-2011, 07:48 AM | #11 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 10-28-08
Location: Frontenac, Kansas
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Thanks for the information. The tag on my tank says it was made in 1967 so I figured they all were 1/4".
__________________
CBJ #31626 UDS Lots of Weber Grills Traeger Texas Pellet Grill My cooking blog [URL]http://babyboomerboyscookinblog.blogspot.com/[/URL] |
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09-19-2011, 09:26 AM | #12 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 05-16-05
Location: Elgin Oklahoma
Name/Nickname : Eric
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Cool Site
Check out smoker-builder.com. Frank has an awesome rig and there is some great info on there.
Eric |
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09-19-2011, 10:46 AM | #13 |
is one Smokin' Farker
Join Date: 10-09-09
Location: Maryville, TN
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Not to hijack this thread, but I noticed that in a lot of cases folks that built Stumps clones used 1/2 or 3/8 inch steel for the chute / burn area. Isn't that also overkill? Aren't most wood-burning stoves just 1/4" also? Is there something about the stumps/charcoal design(s) that really need 3/8 to 1/2" metal? Thanks!
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