righteousdog
08-26-2011, 08:44 AM
Cleaned up the smoker after the last pig roast so decided to take some pics detailing the inner workings. I've had it about a year and a half now, although the sliding racks are recent.
Perspective showing side cleanout.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309392_2320028085746_1400856699_32662805_3029325_n .jpg
There are 3 interlocking frames that hold the fire block bed. The left and right frames have a 1/2 rod that keeps the blocks in position and everything comes out for repair/future mod. The upper angle is for drop-in 3/8 grates if I use the unit without the fire-block (original design/direct cooking).
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/309392_2320028005744_1400856699_32662803_3859959_n .jpg
View from below. The lower fire blocks serve to provide mass and extend the life of the drum. Taking lessons from camping, I don't use a wood/coal grate, once this baby gets going it's pretty efficient given the size of the "firebox".
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/309392_2320028045745_1400856699_32662804_7888594_n .jpg
Clearance between the baffle and the wall and lower rack slide. For a whole pig, I build 2 fires with a gap in the middle. This keeps the heat more or less towards the ends, although the blocks do even it out and the temp at the gauges is amazingly consistent side-middle-side. There are two 6 inch stacks about 12 inches from each end that are normally 50-60% open (can control side/end heat slightly by throttling). If I were to slide the baffle to one side (or add plates), build a fire on one end, and use the correct exhaust I could get more or less a reverse low setup, although I haven't used it that way yet.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309392_2320028125747_1400856699_32662806_7750339_n .jpg
How it comes together in the back corner. There is no gap in the block in front/door area, this serves to channel heat and smoke out the back as well as the end(s) if I don't install (or want) the rear baffle plate shown later. Also haven't made it around to cutting blocks to fill the gap yet.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/309392_2320028165748_1400856699_32662807_4558303_n .jpg
Here's the drip pan going in. It's the same overall size as the full block bed (22.5 x 54) and couldn't be much bigger or it wouldn't go in/out. Once it clears the door I can jockey it into position.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/185372_2320040006044_1400856699_32662826_7195934_n .jpg
Drip pan in and rear baffle plate.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/185372_2320040046045_1400856699_32662827_4144625_n .jpg
Rear baffle in position to direct grease and lower/upper rack slide.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/302892_2320138368503_1400856699_32662914_1691369_n .jpg
Assembled.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315557_2320090687311_1400856699_32662893_8333552_n .jpg
Spitballed many options for a firebox air damper, but from the get-go cracking the door has seemed to be fine. After a 1-1.5 hour warmup/stabilize it loves to run in the 225 zone. I stoke it 75% small wood splits and 25% unlit charcoal.
I need to dig up pics showing the stacks and counterweights.
Thanks for looking
Perspective showing side cleanout.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309392_2320028085746_1400856699_32662805_3029325_n .jpg
There are 3 interlocking frames that hold the fire block bed. The left and right frames have a 1/2 rod that keeps the blocks in position and everything comes out for repair/future mod. The upper angle is for drop-in 3/8 grates if I use the unit without the fire-block (original design/direct cooking).
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/309392_2320028005744_1400856699_32662803_3859959_n .jpg
View from below. The lower fire blocks serve to provide mass and extend the life of the drum. Taking lessons from camping, I don't use a wood/coal grate, once this baby gets going it's pretty efficient given the size of the "firebox".
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/309392_2320028045745_1400856699_32662804_7888594_n .jpg
Clearance between the baffle and the wall and lower rack slide. For a whole pig, I build 2 fires with a gap in the middle. This keeps the heat more or less towards the ends, although the blocks do even it out and the temp at the gauges is amazingly consistent side-middle-side. There are two 6 inch stacks about 12 inches from each end that are normally 50-60% open (can control side/end heat slightly by throttling). If I were to slide the baffle to one side (or add plates), build a fire on one end, and use the correct exhaust I could get more or less a reverse low setup, although I haven't used it that way yet.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309392_2320028125747_1400856699_32662806_7750339_n .jpg
How it comes together in the back corner. There is no gap in the block in front/door area, this serves to channel heat and smoke out the back as well as the end(s) if I don't install (or want) the rear baffle plate shown later. Also haven't made it around to cutting blocks to fill the gap yet.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/309392_2320028165748_1400856699_32662807_4558303_n .jpg
Here's the drip pan going in. It's the same overall size as the full block bed (22.5 x 54) and couldn't be much bigger or it wouldn't go in/out. Once it clears the door I can jockey it into position.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/185372_2320040006044_1400856699_32662826_7195934_n .jpg
Drip pan in and rear baffle plate.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/185372_2320040046045_1400856699_32662827_4144625_n .jpg
Rear baffle in position to direct grease and lower/upper rack slide.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/302892_2320138368503_1400856699_32662914_1691369_n .jpg
Assembled.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315557_2320090687311_1400856699_32662893_8333552_n .jpg
Spitballed many options for a firebox air damper, but from the get-go cracking the door has seemed to be fine. After a 1-1.5 hour warmup/stabilize it loves to run in the 225 zone. I stoke it 75% small wood splits and 25% unlit charcoal.
I need to dig up pics showing the stacks and counterweights.
Thanks for looking