42" RF Smoker Build

[morgaj1]

I think the size is fine. Do u think it will function appropriately as a rf smoker?

[Brewer]

Function as an RF: yes. Have enough space to satisfy your growing addiction: probably not, but I'd build it anyway.

[42BBQ]

+1/\ Brewer,

Chances are this will not be the only pit you make. You will probably learn a ton of chit during this build that will go into your base of knowledge for the monster reverse flow trailer pit you build next lol. I say build it, I don't think you will regret it in the end.

[BBQ Bandit]

The diameter will be the limiting factor... smaller the diameter, will leave a shorter depth for an upper shelf.

The Lang 48 - is 24 x 48, only had a partial wdith/partial depth upper shelf.
The Klose BYC - is 20 x 48, and also has a partial upper shelf.
[The Klose is just large enough to place hotel pan raised screens front to back... useful for wings - 15/tray]

Below is the actual dimensional breakdown (when I had to add a full width second shelf in the 60) showing the available cooking surfaces between the Lang 48 and 60. Note the upper shelf specs.


Lang 48 (listed capacity @ 10 butts)

Upper rack 13.5 x 33.5 452.25 sq. in. 3.14 sq. ft.
Lower rack 22.5 x 42.5 956.25 sq. in. 6.64 sq. ft.
total 9.78 sq. ft.

Lang 60 (listed capacity @ 20 butts)

Upper rack 13.5 x 35.5 479.25 sq. in. 3.33 sq. ft.
Upper rack 22 x 44 (new) 968 sq. in. 6.72 sq. ft.
(44.71%)
(double the size of original grate - bigger than the Lang 48 main grate)
Lower rack 23 x 52 1196 sq. in. 8.31 sq. ft.
(55.29%)

Lang 48 patio 9.78 sq. ft.
Lang 60 specs - 11.62 sq. ft -[18.9 % larger than the 48]
With new shelf - 15.03 sq. ft. [30% larger than stock 60]
[54% larger than the 48]

[morgaj1]

Thanks for the input guys. It took me about 9 months to find this pipe and they did not have any 24". So, I am going to continue. Knowing me, I will eventually want a trailer mounted 60" pit and will build one of those down the road

[morgaj1]

One of the questions that usually comes up in a build thread is cost. So, I thought I would post my costs so far:


Wheels, 4 $31.20
6" Daisy Wheel Vents, 2 $42.00
Expanded Metal, 4'x8' $50.00
Spring Handles, 4 $37.19
2" Square Tube, 14ga, 24' $33.90
4"x 18" Pipe $14.25
20"x42"x3/8" Pipe $61.60
Hinges, 4 $33.00

Total $303.14

I have 1" square tube (for grate), 1.25"x1/8' flat stock (for door edges), 1.5" angle (for shelf), and the drain pipe setup to buy. I am estimating about $500 total cost on this build. Final cost will also depend on how I paint it. I am toying with the idea of letting a local body shop paint it. If so, that will cost much more than a homemade rattle-can job.

[speers90]

Eric,

I think you should go ahead and build it! And, if like me, you decide you don't care for the 20" pipe, than build or buy a bigger one! I will be converting my 20" to a grill at some point.

Ryan

[morgaj1]

I had the day off, so I took a trip to the steel yard and came home and started on the smoker. Here is the base. The picture was taken at a weird angle, but I promise it's square:



I also had some time to make the fire grate and ash pan for the firebox:



You can also see the square tube and angle for the remainder of the build in the background. Also, I ran out of time and did not get the sheet metal cut for the bottom of the ash pan. Hopefully, I will have some time this weekend to work on it.

[morgaj1]

BTW, I could only get 36" of good pipe from the section I bought. So, the smoker will now be 20"x36".

[dealm9]

i will be following this thread. thanks for including the costs. it is greatly appreciated. good luck and thanks for the posts

[RevZiLLa]

Still following your thread

[Sammy_Shuford]

Still watching!

[vafish]

Originally Posted by morgaj1

Well, now u guys have me questioningy plan. Is the 20" pipe really not big enough?

How many folks have made a smoker out of a 55 gal drum? They are what 22" ID?

[Sean "Puffy" Coals]

Originally Posted by vafish

How many folks have made a smoker out of a 55 gal drum? They are what 22" ID?

Yup, but they have more verticle space for additional grates. If you find a domed lid that fits, you could feasibly have 3 cooking racks in 1 unit.

Still, 20" diameter, 36" long is about the same dimensions that most "beginner" offsets are that Kmart/Walmart/Target sells. They may not even be that big.

[morgaj1]

Finally got to the meat of the build today. The door is cut:



The smokestack is made and the counterweight cut:



And, got the end plates and firebox plates back from the fab shop:





The pipe is rusted pretty badly, so I have decided to take it to the sandblaster tomorrow. Maybe he can get it done before the weekend (fingers crossed.)