Help Me Build an Old School BBQ Pit!

Boshizzle · 01-04-2013, 10:47 PM

I was in such awe when I visited Lockhart, TX and Lexington, TX, I didn't really take a good look at how the great, old school pits at those places are constructed. So, brethren, I am asking you all to help me build an old school pit in my backyard. Here are some pics of what I have in mind. The 1st one is of Scott's BBQ in South Carolina. The 2nd one is one of the pits at Smitty's in Lockhart, TX.

I can't promise you a timeline, but I will update the post as the build progresses. This has been a dream of mine for a while and I think one of these pits will be the closest I can ever come to a real, old school Southern BBQ pit short of digging a hole in the ground. But, the hole in the ground thing is not exactly the most healthy thing nowadays plus I will have to deal with it filling up with water. So, building a pit like the ones at Scott's and Smitty's is a great compromise.

I want a pit that I can cook BBQ on directly over coals just like in the pics I posted. That, to me, is the essence of real, American, old school BBQ.

Any brethren have any blueprints or suggestions?

gtr · 01-04-2013, 10:59 PM

No help or suggestions here, but I'm right there with ya on that - having a pit like that is definitely on the bucket list. I'll be watching this thread with a great deal of interest.

And as for the hole in the ground thing - that's something I really wanna do too. I think I'm evolving backwards.

T-Man · 01-04-2013, 11:25 PM

Bo , Check out The Book "Holy smoke the big book of NC BBQ " It does not really give plans to build a traditional pit . It has good info on Old school BBQ . Especially the chapter on Ed Mitchell out of Wilson NC...

Boshizzle · 01-04-2013, 11:41 PM

I have a copy of that book and will check it out. Thanks!

gtr · 01-04-2013, 11:42 PM

I have a great photo book called "Texas BBQ" that has some of those pits in it. Great pix in that book.

Militant83 · 01-04-2013, 11:44 PM

I too have thought this idea over and my thoughts were to build the structure from congrete block then line with fire brick. Leaving a hole in the front big enough to shovel coals into it and using corrugated metal sheets to cover the top and the opening in the side. And have a grate made or make a grate for it.

http://vimeo.com/9923940
This is a real good watch if you havent seen it.

HeSmellsLikeSmoke · 01-04-2013, 11:46 PM

I have had the same thought. I didn't measure the pit at Smitty's, but it looked to be about 4' wide and 4 foot high. The key to it working is the 4' square smoke stack at the intersection of the two pits, which protrudes through the roof. This creates a good draft.

Kreuz's has a metal top protruding over the end of the firebox which seems to diminish the amount of smoke that escapes.

I noticed that the section nearest the fire is too hot to use, but is necessary to the length calculation. Kreuz's pits are much longer than those at Smitty's so there is more cooking area.

Bbq Bubba · 01-05-2013, 08:11 AM

The pit at Scotts is fueled by burnt down logs or pure embers.

The pit at Smittys is actually cooking with heat and smoke from burning logs.

2 different styles of cooking.

Boshizzle · 01-05-2013, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bbq Bubba

The pit at Scotts is fueled by burnt down logs or pure embers.

The pit at Smittys is actually cooking with heat and smoke from burning logs.

2 different styles of cooking.

Yep, the one I want to build will have capability for both styles.

Bludawg · 01-05-2013, 09:40 AM

Carolina style pits are normally shovel fed the ones in CenTex are more like an off set design it is pretty easy think of a Fireplace and chimney laying on the ground instead of brick/block on the upper face of the chimney it is a Metal cap.

These two videos will give you some Ideas

Boshizzle · 01-05-2013, 12:11 PM

I'm thinking something along the lines of the pit that inspired the artist that drew this political cartoon from around 1830. I think it should be pretty easy to have access in the center for spreading coals and an opening on the end for a fire to cook Texas style.

I want it to have a brick veneer but I'm not sure how to build the floor or the sides. I figure a metal lid and doors could be made for the side and end fire access so they can be closed while cooking or when not being used.

LT72884 · 01-05-2013, 12:13 PM

here is what i have drawn up for mine..

cheap and it works great.. make it a we bit bigger and put fire to the side. or even a side box that looks like tha main box but smaller

Bludawg · 01-05-2013, 12:38 PM

You need to dig the base out 12" deep pack the bottom with sand to 4" lay down some wire mesh( old cattle panels work good ) fill with concrete to a deph of 6", let it set for a week. Lay down fireplace mortar and top the slab with fire brick then start up the walls two bricks wide. frame the openings with 3" angle iron an put "T" channel in around the perimeter at grate height, go up 2 more rows and add a top cap. The lid can be made from 11ga. with a counter weight system.

Pitmaster T · 01-05-2013, 01:21 PM

Smittys does not cook over coals so that one is out.

Look at this....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boshizzle

I was in such awe when I visited Lockhart, TX and Lexington, TX, I didn't really take a good look at how the great, old school pits at those places are constructed. So, brethren, I am asking you all to help me build an old school pit in my backyard. Here are some pics of what I have in mind. The 1st one is of Scott's BBQ in South Carolina. The 2nd one is one of the pits at Smitty's in Lockhart, TX.

I can't promise you a timeline, but I will update the post as the build progresses. This has been a dream of mine for a while and I think one of these pits will be the closest I can ever come to a real, old school Southern BBQ pit short of digging a hole in the ground. But, the hole in the ground thing is not exactly the most healthy thing nowadays plus I will have to deal with it filling up with water. So, building a pit like the ones at Scott's and Smitty's is a great compromise.

I want a pit that I can cook BBQ on directly over coals just like in the pics I posted. That, to me, is the essence of real, American, old school BBQ.

Any brethren have any blueprints or suggestions?

Pitmaster T · 01-05-2013, 01:25 PM

IF YOU DO WHAT TO BUILD THE SUPERIOR AND BETTER RUNNING OLD KREUZ PIT (Joke) then contact againstthegrain. He runs a pit similar to them in Galveston and either he or I could take plenty of pictures for you.

01-04-2013, 10:47 PM	#1
Boshizzle somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 01-26-10 Location: Virginia	Help Me Build an Old School BBQ Pit! I was in such awe when I visited Lockhart, TX and Lexington, TX, I didn't really take a good look at how the great, old school pits at those places are constructed. So, brethren, I am asking you all to help me build an old school pit in my backyard. Here are some pics of what I have in mind. The 1st one is of Scott's BBQ in South Carolina. The 2nd one is one of the pits at Smitty's in Lockhart, TX. I can't promise you a timeline, but I will update the post as the build progresses. This has been a dream of mine for a while and I think one of these pits will be the closest I can ever come to a real, old school Southern BBQ pit short of digging a hole in the ground. But, the hole in the ground thing is not exactly the most healthy thing nowadays plus I will have to deal with it filling up with water. So, building a pit like the ones at Scott's and Smitty's is a great compromise. I want a pit that I can cook BBQ on directly over coals just like in the pics I posted. That, to me, is the essence of real, American, old school BBQ. Any brethren have any blueprints or suggestions? __________________ Operation BBQ Relief Founding Member - I am Obsessive Compulsive about BBQ. Google it.

01-04-2013, 10:59 PM	#2
gtr somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 10-16-10 Location: Culver City, CA	No help or suggestions here, but I'm right there with ya on that - having a pit like that is definitely on the bucket list. I'll be watching this thread with a great deal of interest. And as for the hole in the ground thing - that's something I really wanna do too. I think I'm evolving backwards. __________________ 50" Klose BYC, Spitjack XB85, 22.5 WSM, Backwoods Chubby, UDS, WRK, 26" & 22.5" Weber Kettles, Jumbo Joe, WGA, WSJ/MUDS, Kanka Grill, a piece of expanded metal I throw over the fire pit sometimes, Stealthy Black & Vol Orange Thermapens Displaced East Tennesseean Proud recipient of a Tick Former outlaw MOINK baller, now IMBAS Certified, but still lookin' over my shoulder. "Relax, it's only BBQ." - Bigmista, 2013 "Don't worry about playing a lot of notes. Just find one pretty one." - Miles Davis Avatar by my son! WTFWGALD?

01-04-2013, 11:25 PM	#3
T-Man is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 01-14-10 Location: South Louisiana	Bo , Check out The Book "Holy smoke the big book of NC BBQ " It does not really give plans to build a traditional pit . It has good info on Old school BBQ . Especially the chapter on Ed Mitchell out of Wilson NC... __________________ Med. Spicewine , Oklahoma Joe's Offset Smoker , Weber Kettle and a Cookshack O25 ...

01-04-2013, 11:41 PM	#4
Boshizzle somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 01-26-10 Location: Virginia	I have a copy of that book and will check it out. Thanks! __________________ Operation BBQ Relief Founding Member - I am Obsessive Compulsive about BBQ. Google it.

01-04-2013, 11:42 PM	#5
gtr somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 10-16-10 Location: Culver City, CA	I have a great photo book called "Texas BBQ" that has some of those pits in it. Great pix in that book. __________________ 50" Klose BYC, Spitjack XB85, 22.5 WSM, Backwoods Chubby, UDS, WRK, 26" & 22.5" Weber Kettles, Jumbo Joe, WGA, WSJ/MUDS, Kanka Grill, a piece of expanded metal I throw over the fire pit sometimes, Stealthy Black & Vol Orange Thermapens Displaced East Tennesseean Proud recipient of a Tick Former outlaw MOINK baller, now IMBAS Certified, but still lookin' over my shoulder. "Relax, it's only BBQ." - Bigmista, 2013 "Don't worry about playing a lot of notes. Just find one pretty one." - Miles Davis Avatar by my son! WTFWGALD?

01-04-2013, 11:44 PM	#6
Militant83 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 05-05-11 Location: Circleville, OH	I too have thought this idea over and my thoughts were to build the structure from congrete block then line with fire brick. Leaving a hole in the front big enough to shovel coals into it and using corrugated metal sheets to cover the top and the opening in the side. And have a grate made or make a grate for it. http://vimeo.com/9923940 This is a real good watch if you havent seen it. __________________ Pitboss 1100 Pro , 250 gal drum cooker, Weber OTG, Covert Black Thermapen ,Instagram- MilitantQ
	1 members found this post helpful.

01-04-2013, 11:46 PM	#7
HeSmellsLikeSmoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 04-02-07 Location: Warren, Vermont	I have had the same thought. I didn't measure the pit at Smitty's, but it looked to be about 4' wide and 4 foot high. The key to it working is the 4' square smoke stack at the intersection of the two pits, which protrudes through the roof. This creates a good draft. Kreuz's has a metal top protruding over the end of the firebox which seems to diminish the amount of smoke that escapes. I noticed that the section nearest the fire is too hot to use, but is necessary to the length calculation. Kreuz's pits are much longer than those at Smitty's so there is more cooking area. __________________ Jim - Another transplanted Texan Former KCBS CBJ Large and Medium Big Green Eggs , Black 18.5" WSM, Blue Weber Performer - Stainless, Green Weber OTG Kettle , Brinkmann SnP Pro, and a Stainless UDS. One retired Portable Kitchen grill. Red Thermapen, Maverick ET-732, EdgePro Apex Sharpener. Avatar is the original 1951 Weber Kettle

01-05-2013, 08:11 AM	#8
Bbq Bubba somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 05-03-07 Location: New Baltimore, Mi.	The pit at Scotts is fueled by burnt down logs or pure embers. The pit at Smittys is actually cooking with heat and smoke from burning logs. 2 different styles of cooking. __________________ Owner of Bubba's BBQ & Catering L.L.C. Beer Snob I cook the #bestbrisketnorthoftexas. Get over it. #detroitporkmafia BBQ Person of the Year 2013

01-05-2013, 09:40 AM	#10
Bludawg somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-04-09 Location: Jonesboro,Tx	Carolina style pits are normally shovel fed the ones in CenTex are more like an off set design it is pretty easy think of a Fireplace and chimney laying on the ground instead of brick/block on the upper face of the chimney it is a Metal cap. These two videos will give you some Ideas Hot to Build a Pit BBQ for $250 - YouTube Kentucky Open Pit Barbecue: Tim Russell Style - YouTube __________________ I'm a Proxy Vegetarian> Cows eat grass & I eat cows.
	1 members found this post helpful.

01-05-2013, 12:11 PM	#11
Boshizzle somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 01-26-10 Location: Virginia	I'm thinking something along the lines of the pit that inspired the artist that drew this political cartoon from around 1830. I think it should be pretty easy to have access in the center for spreading coals and an opening on the end for a fire to cook Texas style. I want it to have a brick veneer but I'm not sure how to build the floor or the sides. I figure a metal lid and doors could be made for the side and end fire access so they can be closed while cooking or when not being used. __________________ Operation BBQ Relief Founding Member - I am Obsessive Compulsive about BBQ. Google it.

01-05-2013, 12:13 PM	#12
LT72884 Babbling Farker Join Date: 05-07-09 Location: Draper Utah	here is what i have drawn up for mine.. Build a wood fired pizza oven bbq grill - YouTube cheap and it works great.. make it a we bit bigger and put fire to the side. or even a side box that looks like tha main box but smaller __________________ http://grillofmydreams.blogspot.com http://thebreadjournal.blogspot.com

01-05-2013, 12:38 PM	#13
Bludawg somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-04-09 Location: Jonesboro,Tx	You need to dig the base out 12" deep pack the bottom with sand to 4" lay down some wire mesh( old cattle panels work good ) fill with concrete to a deph of 6", let it set for a week. Lay down fireplace mortar and top the slab with fire brick then start up the walls two bricks wide. frame the openings with 3" angle iron an put "T" channel in around the perimeter at grate height, go up 2 more rows and add a top cap. The lid can be made from 11ga. with a counter weight system. __________________ I'm a Proxy Vegetarian> Cows eat grass & I eat cows.

01-05-2013, 01:25 PM	#15
Pitmaster T Babbling Farker Join Date: 04-03-11 Location: Texas	IF YOU DO WHAT TO BUILD THE SUPERIOR AND BETTER RUNNING OLD KREUZ PIT (Joke) then contact againstthegrain. He runs a pit similar to them in Galveston and either he or I could take plenty of pictures for you. __________________ I could care less if you pay attention - my 15 years of threads are here for the historical record before my impending death. ABOUT PITMASTER T Edict. Grace Jones Rubber Grabber Binder