Rookie Fab Mistake, Help!

morgaj1

morgaj1

is one Smokin' Farker
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
867
Reaction score
384
Points
0
Location
Alabama
Okay, I am quite possibly the stupidest welder/fabricator ever :mad2: I got the end caps welded on the main chamber of my reverse flow smoker and realized that my heat diffuser (17"x33"x1/4" plate) will not fit through the door opening (28"x15"). My thoughts are to cut the plate in half, get them through the door, and then weld them back together. Before I do this, anybody got a better idea?
 
Sounds that way... or knock out the lower 1/3 of the end plate.
Cut out the end plate (lower third), slide in the baffle, weld in the baffle while the end open.
Reweld the end plate patch in place.

Note: If you decide to cut the baffle, it will not be a 'visible' seam... being under the grates.
 
Last edited:
You might not want it welded back together so you can easily remove to clean out under there. Also are you going to have a drain for grease? The heat diffuser depending on your design might benefit from being even three or more pieces that can be moved to tune the heat by leaving gaps in the right places. Something to think about.
 
I have an RF and love it the only thing I dont have in mine is a grease valve! this would be the perfect time to cut your channel in and make a grease drain and then weld the other piece in place, I would suggest cut it 2/3 to 1/3.. If you arent planning on a grease drain plz take my advice and put one in your diffuser you will be glad you did!!!:thumb:
 
NorthwestBBQ said:
Got a pic?
Click to expand...

Here ya go:

Diffuser1.jpg


Diffuser2.jpg
 
Cut it down the middle and add in a piece of angle iron for the center section. You should be able to get it in there even if its split lengthwise. Otherwise you could go 1/3 2/3 length like Smokeyokie stated. It won't matter and you can grind it smooth with a small hand grinder and flapper wheel. Looking good!!
 
To bad you can't hit the back button!

Seriously I wish could weld and try something like that maybe some day

Good luck
 
cutting it straight and then either laying it in and leaving it in two pieces OR welding back together would be fine. Personally, I would clean the cut up so it matched up good and tight and would leave it in two pieces so I could remove it later easier if I needed too. Just remember not to try to weld it up all at one time if you plan on welding it because it will cause it to warp. Short welds maybe an inch or three and then move to another spot and that way the heat won't be so concentrated and you will be less likely to warp it.

Like I said though, I would just make sure the cut was good and clean and matched up tight and would just leave it in two pieces.
 
As a fellow Auburn fan, I must advise you of the damage you are making to our good name. Please change your avatar pic until this discussion is complete.

thank you

PS: I expect a sampling this year at one of the home games.

War Eagle!!!!!
 
Bluehawg said:
Like I said though, I would just make sure the cut was good and clean and matched up tight and would just leave it in two pieces.
Click to expand...

couldn't you just weld a overlap piece on top of one of the pieces to cover any gap?
 
AUradar said:
couldn't you just weld a overlap piece on top of one of the pieces to cover any gap?
Click to expand...
Yep. That's another good idea. That way they could still be two separate pieces in order to make for easy removal if needed. The overlap piece could just be tacked in a few places too.
 
Oh, and just for the record. I wouldn't by any means consider this a "stupid" mistake. Seems like just an honest mishap that could have several possible remedies. I know how it is to get "hung up" on a detail like this as I've had my share of learning curves on the one I'm building right now. BUT, I just explain what I got, what I want, and what I've thought of and wait for suggestions to rectify problem to roll in and then go with the best idea that funnels in or with something I come up with on my own after listening to how others would solve it. Thank goodness for this site and for the welding forum I'm on because there is no telling how much MONEY I would have WASTED if it wasn't for being able to get suggestions on how to make what I have available work rather than just scrubbing this or that and starting over.
 
Eric,

I had to cut mine in two to get it in because I used an old propane tank, not a big deal!

Basically it just comes down to do you want a grease drain? if so, then cut in half length wise add a piece of angle and your set. If not, then cut it 2/3 - 1/3 as mentioned above and then weld it back together.

I went with the 2/3 - 1/3 option because I don't have a need for a grease drain. I just use cookie sheets lined with foil and then throw the foil away.
 
Thanks for tall the suggestions. I ended up cutting it and welding it back together:

SmokerBuild1-31-12A.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

snadamo
Chicken disaster avoided and bonehead moment
Replies
13
Views
2K
Mike in Roseville
M
J
Chicken three ways/my drum story
Replies
0
Views
247
jsmorrow2s
J
Smoke on Badger Mountain
New build... Mostly. (pics)
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
Smoke on Badger Mountain
Smoke on Badger Mountain
M
Monitoring of 3rd party temperature sensors with a computer (Linux, Thermopro, Raspberry Pi, DIY with no soldering!)
Replies
6
Views
3K
Ron_L
Ron_L
R
Franklinstein's Monster
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
Mikhail
Mikhail
Back
Top