100 gallon reverse flow build

[RaddisonA]

I got the bug and started building my new smoker. It is a recycled 100 gallon propylene tank. Here's a few pictures of what I have accomplished so far... it is all 1/4" with a 1/8" internal flanges my only question is should I put it on a trailer or not?

[mikemci]

Welcome to the BBQ Brethren! Looks like you're off to a good start. Only you can answer the trailer or not question. Think about how you will want to use it. It looks like it's a good size for a patio or trailer pit. Keep us posted on your progress!

[RaddisonA]

I would hardly ever need to move it but its just the fact that it is going to be over a thousand pounds. If I ever need to move it I might have a little problem

[Just Jim]

weight factoring.... make it portable... looks like a quality start.

[JHX]

With a smoker that big, you may find that friends want you to bring it.. Or they may even want to hire you for events? You may find you want to compete?

If that's something you're interested in doing, I'd certainly consider a trailer.

[RaddisonA]

It is 1/4"thick 6"ID pipe 24" long the pit calculator told me to make it 14" but I hear on a reverse flow a little bit longer chimney helps... can always trim it down to fine tune it later...

[RaddisonA]

Hole for the fire box

[Trailer Trash]

If you choose trailer, check Craigslist for a used boat trailer. You can pick them up for $200 - $400. Already licensed and ready for mounting. Another option would be to build it on large wheels/tires like the Yoder 1500. If you ever had the need to take it with, load it on a trailer and go.

[iamasmoker]

Nice looking so far. What are you planning on using for the smoke box? Are you making it from scratch or do you already have something you can adapt?

[RaddisonA]

I am using a 20"x 20"x 20" box 1/4" thick

[RaddisonA]

I have some casters like the yoder 1500 but with them the smoker would be a little top heavy...since my fire box hangs so low I am worried about heat and the pneumatic tires I would need to widen my frame so it doesn't tip over or melt a tire... at that point it would be as wide as a trailer so....

[iamasmoker]

RaddisonA,
Here are some pictures of my two smokers. I could not figure out how to attach them in a reply to your private message.
I have been thinking about doing a thread with photos throughout the build. Perhaps I will do it when I have a bit more time. Like I said, they are both very different than what you have started, but I hope the pics help.

[davefan360]

I am going to keep an eye on this build to see what you do for the cooking grates. I am building a dp clone and the cook chamber is the same size as yours. Good work so far.

[RaddisonA]

Firebox is made and cut in... hopefully this weekend i can get it welded on and door cut out

[RaddisonA]

Fire box door

[Waterboy12]

Looks good!

[RaddisonA]

Getting better

[iamasmoker]

Nice work! What did you cut the door out with?

[RaddisonA]

4.5" grinder with 2 cut off wheels

[RaddisonA]

Getting better

[RookieTJx2]

Flux core?

[RaddisonA]

Yep 120v welder .035 Flux core

[RaddisonA]

All welded up

[RaddisonA]

Temperature guage

[davefan360]

Looking good. I need to pick up a welder and start learning how to glue steel.

[Trailer Trash]

Been thinking a bit about your "stationary vs. portable" decision. I have a Meadow Creek PR60 that has wheels mounted one end and a handle to lift on the opposite. The problem is that it is too heavy to lift, pull, turn and move very far. I am looking at welding a removable hitch on the lifting end and utilizing something like this;

[RaddisonA]

Haven't had much time to work on on the smoker lately... here's what I did over the weekend. Fire box door latch
http://youtu.be/QdOxhikJ90g
Bronze washers so it will move freely and lock washers so it won't loosen up but didn't weld nuts so I can adjust with age

[RaddisonA]

Smoker: http://youtu.be/eAKiwudG2Pc

[RaddisonA]

Stuff: http://youtu.be/KkVuLpNchZg