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View Full Version : New vertical smoker; need your input! w/PICS


royearle
05-17-2015, 09:17 PM
Hi all,

I picked up this curious little smoker through craigslist today for $40!

A few years ago I built and used my own UDS using the very informative info on this site, so I am quite familiar with them. I am trying to figure how this little baby is supposed to work and the best way to approach it.

Unfortunately the guy who bought it passed on and his son, who sold it to me, knows very little about it. Because there is no grease or good remnants on any of the grates or elsewhere, I wouldn't be surprised if its never been used. It is rus\sty, however.

Because it has two identical pans, I believe it is meant to be a charcoal water smoker.



Ok, here are my questions:

As you can see in the picture of the bottom end of the smoker, the charcoal pan hangs down into an OPEN BOTTOM of the smoker, as the whole smoker is raised up by metal legs. you also might notice that there are 3 equally spaced holes around the bottom of the smoker, just above the top of the charcoal pan. There is an adjustable vent at the top of the smoker for exhaust. IF THE BOTTOM IS ALL OPEN, HOW IS ONE EXPECTED TO REGULATE AIR INTAKE TO CONTROL TEMPS?

It also seems curious to me why there would be three UDS-style intake holes, if, again, the entire bottom is open to allow air in...?

I looked to see if somehow the bottom was meant to be closed by another piece of steel, but it seems to have been designed as is.

Is it possible that since this was meant to be used with the water pan, that the water system was supposed to keep temps so stable one doesn't need to restrict air flow at the bottom as long as you keep a set mount of coals in the pan, and the water pan full? I would find this suprising as even in a WSM using the water pan, controlling the air intake is important, isn't it?

OK, I have more for folks to ponder, but let's start there. Really hoping someone has seen one like this before and might have some input. No name brand could be found. I think the thermometer does not go with the smoker, as it only goes to 220, and has a red area between 160-170 (or thereabouts, I don't have it in front of me). There's no chance this was meant for cold smoking...?

Many thanks! This thing needs some TLC but it has tons of mojo...love the handles.

to give you an idea of size, the grill grates have only a 15" diameter.

Brad

SmittyJonz
05-17-2015, 10:38 PM
New Braunsfels from 90's- 2005ish ( they were bought out by Charbroil or CharGriller or one of the Cheapo makes in 2005-6-7-8 or about) ..yes one pan was for charcoal and one for water....... Hard to control temps with open bottom - I don't think they even came with thermometers.
I snagged one off CL but I'm going to weld a bottom on - cut from a Drum lid. Another fellar on here welded one to top of wood burning stove.


http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/bobjones79/84653C28-7237-4A23-B886-083A2D057E01_zpsvjm0ryys.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/bobjones79/media/84653C28-7237-4A23-B886-083A2D057E01_zpsvjm0ryys.jpg.html)

SmittyJonz
05-17-2015, 10:51 PM
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=202668

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56248

Google " New Braunsfel Vertical Smoker".

swamprb
05-18-2015, 05:30 AM
seal the bottom up and throw a pellet hopper on it!

creekwalker
05-18-2015, 08:53 AM
Someone should alert Dr. Greg Blonder to this. [He thinks a lot of tall and narrow.]

DouG M
05-18-2015, 10:32 AM
I have had a Brinkman Smoke'N Grill for over 20 years same thing open bottom but after many years of not useing it took legs off drum and set on ground (gravel drive way) set up intakes like a UDS, built a 8" square charcoal basket out of expanded metal with 2" feet on it. Put a 1 1/2" exaust in lid where factory gauge used to be. Nice domed lid, cooker works great now for smaller cooks.Sorry no pic.

Teleking
05-18-2015, 11:06 AM
One of the best cookers I built over the years.

royearle
06-07-2015, 11:35 PM
You guys are amazing! I really appreciate the input and how fast you were able to identify and tell me something about this smoker.

Here is the latest: Sanded exterior and added one coat of bbq paint. One more coat to follow. looks good. Since I'm not a welder and I can't seem to get any local welders to call me back to consider such a small custom job, I've decided to try to knock the feet off and sit the open bottom on some kind of stone or bricks--as opposed to sealing her up with a welded piece of steel.

I have a weber charcoal grate which is nicely supported by the metal tabs meant to hold the charcoal pan. I plan to put a ring of expanded metal on this grate to make my charcoal basket.

QUESTION--I want to make a bed of bricks or stone (not going to bother with mortar) on which to place this open-bottomed UDS style smoker. Should I use fire bricks for the bottom? Will any old bricks or gravel do the job? I am thinking of using fire bricks for their additional benefit of temperature stabilization.

Imagine a simple square layout of fire bricks on which I will put the open bottomed smoker (legs removed). I was then thinking of pouring a small diameter of playground sand around the smoker, on the bricks, to help seal the bottom. Does this sound like it will work well?

Anyone have any other ideas for a ready-made (no welding, please) bottom for this puppy? I suppose I could use the lid to a 55 gallon barrel, maybe with a ring of wool high temp gasket for the chamber to sit on? Would like something aesthetically pleasing that "looks right" (PDS? haha).

Many thanks! updates with pics to follow.

SmittyJonz
06-08-2015, 12:21 AM
I would use firebricks or metal on top of reg brick or concrete as reg bricks and concrete can explode if they get too hot.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204498


Funny this thread popped up as I cut the top out of a barrel today to use for the bottom of the Vertical - taking it to work tomorrow to weld it on my lunch break.

Nuco59
06-08-2015, 07:19 PM
I think it'd be a cool little smoker if you could get a bottom welded in - and a couple of other minor mods. But I would not try to Jerry Rig it. Take it by the welder - or even a muffler shop- if they can see it, they might consider it a neat thing to do. I would not think it would take much time if you already had the insert cut out and ready to go. A few dollars and the promise of a finished rack of ribs will take you far :) good luck.

SmittyJonz
06-08-2015, 08:22 PM
I welded a bottom in mine today - cut out of a 55 gal drum top. Gotta weld legs on and clean it up and I'll season it the weekend. I don't know how to weld really so its UGLY but I don't care if it cooks good. :mrgreen:

royearle
06-08-2015, 09:57 PM
Thanks for the input. What do I use for the insert, and how do I cut it out?

royearle
06-08-2015, 10:05 PM
Congrats on yours, Smitty! I like the looks of these things. Today I actually bought 20 full size fire bricks I will use to make a little square in the yard, making it as level as possible. The plan is to knock the legs off, and sit the open smoker on the bricks. I was thinking of using the other bricks to go around the circumference of the smoker at the bottom (except where the air intake holes are) for extra stabililty. I might leave a little gap between the ring of bricks into which I can pour some playground sand hopefull to "seal" somewhat where the steel meets the brick.

Anyone see this not working? Remember, inside I will have a proper uds style charcoal basket, and three intake holes just like a uds.

Ooh...I just thought of that wool high temp gasket tape for the bottom seam, especially if it were hidden by the bricks...

SmittyJonz
06-08-2015, 10:45 PM
Congrats on yours, Smitty! I like the looks of these things. Today I actually bought 20 full size fire bricks I will use to make a little square in the yard, making it as level as possible. The plan is to knock the legs off, and sit the open smoker on the bricks. I was thinking of using the other bricks to go around the circumference of the smoker at the bottom (except where the air intake holes are) for extra stabililty. I might leave a little gap between the ring of bricks into which I can pour some playground sand hopefull to "seal" somewhat where the steel meets the brick.

Anyone see this not working? Remember, inside I will have a proper uds style charcoal basket, and three intake holes just like a uds.

Ooh...I just thought of that wool high temp gasket tape for the bottom seam, especially if it were hidden by the bricks...

That oughta work. I cut drum with a jigsaw.

royearle
06-09-2015, 01:01 AM
Ok, if the legs come off easily, I'm grabbing one of these:

http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/american-metalcraft/t2017/p386767.aspx

with gasket tape around the outside bottom diameter of the smoker, this oughta be a snug fit!

maybe could put the legs back on, through holes drilled in the pizza pan...?

I might be on to a good no weld option here...

SmittyJonz
06-09-2015, 06:52 PM
Bottoms in

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/bobjones79/03EBB074-D260-4237-9617-C76523C34ED0_zps3dje2v7z.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/bobjones79/media/03EBB074-D260-4237-9617-C76523C34ED0_zps3dje2v7z.jpg.html)

SmittyJonz
06-09-2015, 08:30 PM
First Burn


http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/bobjones79/3AA9E350-B1D6-4DCD-AA39-24478DF999E6_zps78l8enbs.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/bobjones79/media/3AA9E350-B1D6-4DCD-AA39-24478DF999E6_zps78l8enbs.jpg.html)

SmittyJonz
06-09-2015, 08:55 PM
http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/bobjones79/A21C20B6-12EA-4FE7-80D9-5A6E49A8E7C0_zpsqiixlwfs.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/bobjones79/media/A21C20B6-12EA-4FE7-80D9-5A6E49A8E7C0_zpsqiixlwfs.jpg.html)

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/bobjones79/18B3A91A-BF78-4E6D-A512-E91BC532B1DE_zpsiv9nlrth.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/bobjones79/media/18B3A91A-BF78-4E6D-A512-E91BC532B1DE_zpsiv9nlrth.jpg.html)

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/bobjones79/7FD6D669-B8CA-4535-89A7-AFDF2BBF4CB0_zpszqfsurys.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/bobjones79/media/7FD6D669-B8CA-4535-89A7-AFDF2BBF4CB0_zpszqfsurys.jpg.html)


It has 3 holes this size for intake and large damper exhaust - 3/4 Chimney lit and it's running 325* with no meat.

SmittyJonz
06-09-2015, 09:18 PM
I think I'll Smoke some Loaf this weekend on it.

Teleking
06-10-2015, 05:35 AM
I used the feet holes to run bolts though to the wood stove. No welding.

Nuco59
06-10-2015, 06:52 AM
ok- if I see another of these on CL, I'm going to see about buying it- the wife will just have to understand my addiction. I have OMC syndrome (one more cooker). I think modding it , sealing it up to control the airflow would be a good little project (like I need another one) I hope your no weld solution works the way you want it to. I don't weld either- but I don't see a better way of buttoning this thing up. Good luck!.... send pics :)

royearle
06-12-2015, 03:46 AM
SmittyJones, looks encouraging! Did it hold it's temp pretty well at 325 with all the vents open? I still have the circular little magnets I used to use to cover up the intake holes in my old UDS (which I sadly sold).

Well mine has two coats of bbq paint now and it's hinges are nice and wd40d, but not ne$80ar as functional as your yet.

So I found a place very close to me that will cut out a piece of steel and weld it for me. I'd like to then cut holes in the bottom so I can insert the feet back in again.

HOWEVER, I'm looking at close to $80. I'm sure it would be "worth it" in the sense that it would look like a pro welding job and really make this thing a beut...

but I am tempted by the idea of buying that $11 pizza pan in the link above, putting some gasket tape around the bottom diameter of the smoker, sticking the pan on, perhaps hammering down the flared lip of the pizza pan, again drilling holes, an putting original lets back on... If it doesn't work, I can still get the weld job done and I'm out the cost of a pizza pan and some tape.

Anyone think there would be any problem with tin plated steel about two inches below the charcoal grate? It might technally get beyond the tins melting point, but doesn't that just turn the pan dark? I could always but another disc of steel beneathe the charcoal box...

pics to come...