80 gallon build

[mnbadger]

I finally sourced a tank for my smoker! I kept going back and forth between getting a lang/shirley or building my own pit. I've been looking for so long that I really didn't think I would be able to find something in my area for a reasonable price.

I logged into craigslist today and guess what? A guy about 90 minutes away has an 80 gallon tank for sale that is in awesome condition! I emailed him at work, and couldn't help myself so I took an early break and called him... And it's mine!! I'm heading up there to pick it up Friday after thanksgiving.

I'll be posting pictures of the process along the way. My current plan is to make a traditional flow smoker with a square firebox. I'm hoping to go with an insulated firebox, but as I'm a welding rookie I think that might be past my skill level. The tank is 5'4" long and 20" in diameter, so I'm thinking of having a large bottom shelf about 54" x 19" and two upper shelves that pull out that are 24"x16" or so. I'll keep you guys posted!

[ebijack]

:pop2:

[gun smoke]

good luck! looking forward to seeing it come to life

[dport7]

Best to ya on the build.

[4ever3]

You can do it! Just make sure your numbers are right and she'll cook!

[mnbadger]

Does anyone know where you can locate probe holes (grommets?) so that I can run a bluetherm duo or maverick probe into the cooker but have it still seal up well? I think they guys at Shirley have this as an option on their smokers.

[STCL01]

Does anyone know where you can locate probe holes (grommets?) so that I can run a bluetherm duo or maverick probe into the cooker but have it still seal up well? I think they guys at Shirley have this as an option on their smokers.

They are called Weldolets. You can get them in different radii and different npt threads. Most pipe and fitting supply houses will have them.

[JohnnyB]

I just used some large nuts on mine. When you aren't using them, screw a bolt in. Sealed up tight.

[Smoke on Badger Mountain]

I lobve building pit! I hope you do too! Have fun with it! Don'r be afraid to step back from the welding, crack open a beer and just stare at it while you ponder your next move.

[mnbadger]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help. I'm heading up to get the tank Friday and then hopefully I'll be able to source the rest of my materials by the end of the year. My goal is to have it built and usable before my baby is born end of March.

[newtwoq]

Congrats on the build, I'm doing basically the same thing with the same background experience only mine is a 40gal build.

Also congrats on the new little one! Is this your first? My first just turned 4months last Friday.

[mnbadger]

Congrats on the build, I'm doing basically the same thing with the same background experience only mine is a 40gal build.

Also congrats on the new little one! Is this your first? My first just turned 4months last Friday.

I noticed your build on the home page as well. Like you said, our builds are going to be super similar. Mine will just be a bit longer. I enjoy watching everyone's builds and seeing how people personalize their cookers to be what they want.

Thanks! Yep this is my first. Congrat's on your little one as well. Life will be very different for us I'm sure!

[mnbadger]

I got the tank! I set up photobucket, so I'm hoping to get pictures up tomorrow after work. The tank is approximately 3/16 thick steel which should work well. Almost no rust inside or out. Apparently the guy selling it had 8 calls after I called to purchase it!

I bought 2 new Tel-Tru thermometers to put in the sucker today as well. Now I just need to get the materials for the frame and firebox and I'll be building.

Couple questions for people.
1. what is the best affordable insulation to make it an insulated firebox? Lots of guys seem to use rockwool.

2. Any idea what wheels work the best? I'm hoping to have 6-8" wheels on the firebox side and then locking casters on the smokestack end. Any links would be appreciated...

[mnbadger]

I was leaning towards these wheels.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-solid-rubber-tire-42427.html

or

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch-x-2-1-2-half-inch-solid-rubber-tire-35459.html

[nastynotch347]

Solid rubber doesn't roll too good in the grass. Get semi pneumatic

[Big George's BBQ]

Looking forward to watching your progress

[mnbadger]

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/ryan_linzmeyer1/IMG_0835_zpsow7z3woc.jpg

my tank in it's unprepped glory!!

[Smokin J's PIts]

If you do decide to go with those wheels, you will want to tack the bearings to the rim, they tend to pop off. These are my go to for all my builds.

[mnbadger]

Alright so I have a couple of questions... I'm planning on going insulated. Looking at McMaster-carr they have 1", 1.5" and 2" insulation. For people who have built insulated fireboxes, should I just go with the 2"? I'm wondering if there is going to be a benefit to going with the larger insulation. More insulation = more material for the outside of the firebox = more weight. I'm planning on 3/8 or 1/2" inside for the steel and 1/4" on the outside.

Here is the calculator I have going for the cooker.

Link to BBQ Pit Calculator (http://feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator.html?cc=0,0,80,0,0,0,18480.00,6160.0 0&fb=19,19,19,0,0,6859.00,6160.00,111.3&ch=6,342.95,12.14&fi=0,0,0,20.58,0&fc=8.36,11.82,54.87)

[mnbadger]

So today I cut the top off of the tank.

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/ryan_linzmeyer1/IMG_0872_zps5onbelju.jpg

I cut a little too deep into the tank on one part, so I'll maybe fill that in. The rest of the contact points look good though!

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu5/ryan_linzmeyer1/IMG_0871_zpsgvn4z0ry.jpg