120 Gal Pit Build...lots o pics!

[Badgoat]

Hello all,

So, I originally started off on asking questions in another thread, but now have decided to start my own depicting my build. There have been alot of questions and learning up to this point. My wife just bought me a Lincoln Electric Pro Mig 140, Bench Vise, Bench Grinder, a ton of tools/startup stuff, a propane tank, steel and beer. She said she enjoyed me in the garage tinkering :thumb:

So, bear in mind, I've never used an angle grinder, welder, cherry picker, etc before...so this has been a complete ground zero learning experience thus far. But the progress I've made so far I am pretty proud of myself.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/2.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/2.jpg.html)

My new baby loaded up in the truck...she's a dirty girl with a "Bad Bottom":heh:

The next few pics....I had to get "creative" with unloading this thing by myself!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/3.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/3.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/6.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/6.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/7.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/7.jpg.html)

I then let it sit for a week filled with dishsoap and water before cutting away.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/8.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/8.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9.jpg.html)

[Badgoat]

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/13.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/13.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/11.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/11.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/12.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/12.jpg.html)

After cutting the entire door with the exception of some small sections while I affixed the trim...Here is my "First Bead Evvar!" I know...pretty pathetic, lol.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/16.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/16.jpg.html)

Getting braver...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/18.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/18.jpg.html)

Hinges and handles "horseshoes" mocked up where I want them.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/19.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/19.jpg.html)


Tacked down...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/21.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/21.jpg.html)

Finished the cuts and opened her up.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/22.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/22.jpg.html)

Put on the rest of the trim

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/23.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/23.jpg.html)

Pretty good fit :thumb:

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/25.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/25.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/26.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/26.jpg.html)

Feeling comfortable with my welder now and learning how to adjust voltage and speed

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/27.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/27.jpg.html)

Ran out of wire...decided to call it a weekend

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/28.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/28.jpg.html)

[Badgoat]

So, it will probably be until next weekend that I can continue on...

This pit is going to be a reverse flow cooker. Next weekend I intend on starting on cleaning out the inside and giving it a good burn out.

Then I will start on the reverse flow plate, then the base/stand (patio/backyard cooker for now until I can afford to get a trailer to mount it on)...

Then when next payday gets here I will go buy the steel for the firebox and get that going...

Up to this point I have been using this for my calculations:

Link to BBQ Pit Calculator (http://feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator.html?cc=24,68,0,0,0,0,30746.88,10248 .96&fb=22,22,22,0,0,10648.00,10248.96,103.9&ch=4,532.40,42.39&fi=0,0,7,31.94,0.83&fc=10.42,14.73,85.18)

If you have questions or suggestions please let me know. Any help is always appreciated!!

Until next time,

Dale

[Smoke Dawg]

Great start - you are using the right calculator

[BBQ Freak]

looking great so far and wish I had the tools to build one .

[Clay-b-que]

Good for you! You have an awesome wife. Mine gets pissed when I spend too much time on my own projects and not the ones she wants me to do! That being said I just started my own 120 gallon project, but I am going upright and trying to make an oversized UDS. If it doesn't work I will be converting to a horizontal so I will be following your thread closely! Nothing like doing things for yourself :)

[gun smoke]

hey that looks great!!! your kicking a$$ can't wait to see some smoke rolling out of her

[SmittyJonz]

That's pretty darn good for a beginner.! You running gas/ mig. Or flux core.?

[BillN]

Looking good and your welding skills are coming along nicely. Will be looking forward to seeing your progress.

[bbqwizard]

Well I know nothing about welding (per se) but I would say you are doing awesome! Can't wait to see the progress.

[Badgoat]

@SmittyJonz...I'm running flux core atm. Pinching pennies...but I may just cave and go get me a bottle of CO2 from Harbor Freight and use that...and when that goes empty refill with 75/25 mix. Watching youtube vids last night I think it would be a night and day difference switching to gas.

All in all I'm learning a lot right now and I really appreciate all the help/guidance you guys have given.

Dale

[Hillbilly BBQ]

Good start here, look forward to the pics.

[RT]

Looking good!!!!

[Big George's BBQ]

You are doing a really nice job That was awesome of your wife to get you all that stuff
Looking forward to following this

[chicagokp]

Nice work so far!

[zanna5910]

Looking good. Are you going to cut a bigger opening for the actual firebox when time comes?

[Badgoat]

@zanna5910

Yeah, so about that. I went by the calculator and it said 14.73" diameter. Now that measurement works great if we are talking about a flat circle...but as we all know the end of this thing is curved. So I measured out 16" diameter to account for the curvature and then just cut the half moon shape all the way down to the bottom of the tank.

I will then make sure the measurements are more accurate on the Firebox itself since that is where it will matter when mounted up. But I also wanted to make sure I mounted it low enough on the tank so as not to affect the reverse flow plate I will be installing.

Is my thinking right here? I think I'm on the right track anyways, lol.

[Badgoat]

Just an update...

Had some time this weekend to knock out a few things.

1) Burned out the tank and then wiped it down with some veggie oil to keep it from getting too rusty while I work on the rest of the project

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4C7B86AF-83C0-4AC2-9BAD-DBF0EC2C8880.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4C7B86AF-83C0-4AC2-9BAD-DBF0EC2C8880.jpg.html)

Paint is starting to blister, I then used some Jasco paint stripper to aid in the process.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/0236F2A2-2A8B-4AC9-A0B7-AA726F5AB9DA.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/0236F2A2-2A8B-4AC9-A0B7-AA726F5AB9DA.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/66DA2AFA-6B19-4075-B257-E47DD3E3530A.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/66DA2AFA-6B19-4075-B257-E47DD3E3530A.jpg.html)

Final product

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/AB874EF9-7309-4674-9EBE-9257D64E0804.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/AB874EF9-7309-4674-9EBE-9257D64E0804.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/FA75804C-F329-44C5-B0CC-43F7F124CF87.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/FA75804C-F329-44C5-B0CC-43F7F124CF87.jpg.html)

Stopped to eat some lunch that I made up for my beautiful bride for Mother's Day...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A481DCB8-2857-42A0-A4F9-A50C12F211E5.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A481DCB8-2857-42A0-A4F9-A50C12F211E5.jpg.html)

Prime Rib...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/662FDAC9-CC7B-4482-A7C7-BA7308853FE4.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/662FDAC9-CC7B-4482-A7C7-BA7308853FE4.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/1ABC42D7-9848-4910-855E-3D77546C6C14.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/1ABC42D7-9848-4910-855E-3D77546C6C14.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9480758D-5D76-4766-AED8-226F0F831DB7.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9480758D-5D76-4766-AED8-226F0F831DB7.jpg.html)

Got side tracked and decided to tear down my 22" and 18" WSM and my gasser and clean them up, lol...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4A4CFD5C-D1BF-4B5B-A210-D5A8EFA261EF.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4A4CFD5C-D1BF-4B5B-A210-D5A8EFA261EF.jpg.html)

Back to the build :clap2:

Made the stand, cut off the legs of the tank and sized everything up and lowered her into position. Turned out pretty good.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/43A290D7-033A-43C1-9B30-9A46A09E838A.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/43A290D7-033A-43C1-9B30-9A46A09E838A.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4FF73650-6A27-4B65-A89B-8E6467DDEF7D.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4FF73650-6A27-4B65-A89B-8E6467DDEF7D.jpg.html)

Next on the list...

1) Install expanded metal on stand to create a shelf.
2) Start fab/installation on Reverse flow plate
3) Fabricate/Install cooking racks
4) Cut hole and install smoke stack

Thanks all for stopping by!!

Dale

[Jock1657]

Now that's pretty cool. I always look forward to the threads where people build their own grills. I'm looking forward to seeing the final pictures.

[COS]

Looking good. Are you going to cut a bigger opening for the actual firebox when time comes?

What effects would it have If your opening is too big?

OP, nice looking build. Can't to see the results. I'll be doing the same thing your doing soon. Haven't laid a bead in awhile though.

[m-fine]

Looking good! It sounds and looks like you have done your research and know what you want and how to do it so it should come out great.

[cowgirl]

Great job on both the build and the meal. :cool:

[blazinfire]

Looking good man!

[12ring]

Awesome stuff. I love watching these builds even though they make me jealous that I don't have the equipment to try one myself.

[G'Daddy]

Nice. Man I would have burned down my house and ended up in the ER if I attempted to build a pit. Heck I would have been squashed lowering the tank from the truck...

[Badgoat]

Haha yeah, I had a couple moments of pause before I did things, then just decided to say screw it and forge ahead. Heck I've already had the HOA here where I live stop by and ask "Sir, did you just have that tank installed? Is it a permanent fixture?" When I told him no and it was going to be a BBQ smoker, he looked at me like I had horns on my head and had never heard of one (this was while it was on the side of my house filled with water)

Then I wondered how many of my neighbors would call the cops or fire department when I burned it out, I then convinced myself that a BBQ smoker was a recreational item and VA burn law did not apply, so to the backyard it went.

Surprisingly enough my neighbors have found themselves wandering over to my garage, sharing a beer, and already planning a block party :thumb:

Dale

[DownHomeQue]

Looking good! Cook them all some Que when you first load up your new smoker when your done.. lol it will show your appreciation to your neighbors! lol

[geoff7877]

Haha yeah, I had a couple moments of pause before I did things, then just decided to say screw it and forge ahead. Heck I've already had the HOA here where I live stop by and ask "Sir, did you just have that tank installed? Is it a permanent fixture?" When I told him no and it was going to be a BBQ smoker, he looked at me like I had horns on my head and had never heard of one (this was while it was on the side of my house filled with water)

Then I wondered how many of my neighbors would call the cops or fire department when I burned it out, I then convinced myself that a BBQ smoker was a recreational item and VA burn law did not apply, so to the backyard it went.

Surprisingly enough my neighbors have found themselves wandering over to my garage, sharing a beer, and already planning a block party :thumb:

Dale

That's funny. I'm shocked that I didn't have a crowd the day my smoker and half cord of wood was delivered. All my neighbors are retired and LOVE to talk about what everyone else is doing. They were all busy that day.

Great looking build! I love seeing guys build their own smokers. Can't wait to watch this come together.

[KevinJ]

gettin er done :thumb:

[zymguy]

What effects would it have If your opening is too big?



Im still curious about this....any one know?

[Badgoat]

My understanding from reading is if the fire box opening is too big and your exhaust isnt correctly proportioned to that you will have bad temp spikes with stagnant air flow and a dirtier fire. Or vice versa if your exhaust is too big you will be drafting more and not enough "stay time" in the CC for smoking and heat retention. It's sort of a juggling act that the Feldon BBQ calculator is supposed to help you with.

But my reasoning for cutting the cutout on the tank so small was to 1) Drain it of the water 2) Since it's going to be reverse flow, ensure the firebox would be mounted well below the reverse flow plate 3) The actual fire box opening to cooking chamber will be more accurately cut out and measured on the FB itself...which in my case is 14.73" :thumb:

I'm sure others could chime in. I'm still somewhat of a novice when it comes to this and I'm learning as I go. But I think I've done adequate reading/research and think I'm headed in the right direction

[m-fine]

The size of the intakes and chimney will control the air flow rate unless the firebox opening is too small. If it is big enough, it is not a critical design point.

The cross section of the area under the RF will have some impact on the time it takes for the hot gasses to pass under the plate and therefore how much heat exchanging will occur. Worry about that and the chimney and just make sure the firebox exit is no smaller than the chimney.

[3Cases]

Pic with the bag of charcoal as a ramp is priceless!!!! Awesome work man. I commend you on just jumping in and going for it!! Sounds like u got a keeper of a wifey too.

[Badgoat]

So...

I have been rethinking my firebox and am thinking of going the "insulated" route. So my plan to pretty much double up on my steel plate order at my local shop. I am going to go with 1/4" thick steel, 1x1" square tubing and then attach the outer skin.

Link to my dimensions of my pit: http://feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator.html?cc=24,68,0,0,0,0,30746.88,10248 .96&fb=22,22,22,0,0,10648.00,10248.96,103.9&ch=4,532.40,42.39&fi=8,2,0,31.94,2.00&fc=10.42,14.73,85.18

In between the inner and outer skin I plan on buying 3 pieces of: http://www.mcmaster.com/#9328k41/=12ctcrv
(24"Wx48"L 1"thickness) Which by my measurements should be enough.

This should do the trick correct? I was going back and forth on this very issue basically because of the price increase...but from what I have been reading this will just pay dividends in the long run, better fuel efficiency, stabler temps, etc.

I could really use some insight on this as this is kind of a critical point in the build for me and I don't want to screw this up.

Oh yeah, one more thing....Barbeque Pit thermometers. Is Tel-Tru BQ300 about the only way to go? $120 for 2 thermometers plus hardware just makes me cringe, lol. Should I just suck it up? Or is there a decent "cheaper" alternative?

Thanks,

Dale

[mnbadger]

In my 80 gallon build I decided to go with the insulated firebox (2" in my case). I also decided to just suck it up and go for the Tel Trus. I like how they look more, and I just figured this thing is going to last me a long time (as in I'm never going to get rid of it) so I should just make it what I want and spend a little extra $$$.

[Bwick84]

I've used these on a couple different pits and they've worked great. Never had any issues with inaccuracies. They also have a smaller size of you want it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008RILAWO/ref=sxl1?qid=1462927942&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

[m-fine]

The only bimetal thermometer I would trust at all is a Tel Tru. A digital unit with thermocouples will cost less and be more accurate, but wont be as durable as the tel tru.

If I were to build a new smoker, I would insulate the cooking chamber before the firebox. There is way more surface area to radiate heat, and the hot air/smoke spend far more time in the RF and food chamber than in the firebox.

[Badgoat]

Quick question before I go spend money....

I plan on just going with 1" of high temp mineral wool for the insulation of the firebox. This should be ample enough yeah? I see a lot of people go with 2", but those builds are like 500gal pits, etc.

Oh yeah, I'm using 1/4" for inner and outer skin with 1" square tubing to separate them.

Thanks

[Bwick84]

I'm sure that will be fine. Really just having an air gap makes a huge difference, the mineral wool is just an added bonus.

[1484 FPC]

Awesome build! Good job.

[Cat797]

I have previously had a 120 gallon smoker that I built from a propane tank with an insulated firebox. I used Feldon's calculator for my measurements. Here are my thoughts:

Your openings (air intake, FB to CC, between RF plate and bell, and Exhaust) should be bigger than the calculator says; not much, but maybe 15%-25%. The reason for this is to help with the draw. You do not want a bottle neck anywhere in the flow.....now, that's not to say that if the calculator says a 5" chimney 24" tall, that you want to put a 60" tall stack on, cause that's not the answer. However, IMNSHO, you do not want smoke to "stay" in the cook chamber. You also want your fire to go as hot as you want and to burn clean. Having some leeway on the size of your openings gives you that flexibility.

Also, on the FB end in my cooker, the RF plate was maybe 3" from the cooking grate. It doesn't make that big of difference. And, make sure you move the firebox up high enough in the cook chamber to be able to leave a 1" or so amount of material to prevent grease from running back into your firebox in the event of some catastrophe. She will become a raging inferno....

Here's a pic of my cooker, and I'm happy to discuss it further if you'd like......I documented the build on another forum, and I can share the link with you if you want.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg68/cat797-photo/44911351-452E-4CB7-99A6-0D876C0A888A.jpg (http://s245.photobucket.com/user/cat797-photo/media/44911351-452E-4CB7-99A6-0D876C0A888A.jpg.html)

All the best,
Ed

[Badgoat]

Ed,

This was terrific information! Thank you so much. I would really appreciate the link to your build for reference.

And I may pick your brain more in the future :thumb:

Dale

[Cat797]

Badgoat,

Here you go! http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=39376&highlight=

[Badgoat]

Couple of questions...

So, I am using 4" pipe for my exhaust. According to the calculator it needs to be 49" tall (which is flippin huge imo). And it would prevent me from getting it in and out of my garage if need be. What if I would make my exhaust a "dual" exhaust setup? According to the calculator the stacks would only need to be 13" long if I am using 8" (two 4" pipes side by side) as my new stack diameter. Would this work? pros vs cons? Is my thinking correct?

Also, I planned on using a 12" pinwheel damper from bbqsmokersupply.com which says it provides 40 sq in of air and the calculator says I need 36. What I dont understand is why does the calculator also say I need .32 number of intakes? What on earth does that mean if the inches of air is checking out??

Should start construction on the FB this weekend!

[Cat797]

Bad goat,

Two four inch stacks is not equal to an 8" diameter. Two 4" stacks is equal to about a 6" diameter. So plug in 6 as your diameter and both will need to be that tall.....

Ed

[dummy que]

nice project turn the heat up on your welder you need quick hands get some 211 wire(low hydrogen in a roll) gas cover will help some but removing the paint or any oil will help more the 211 is real easy to run turn heat up set wire speed so it mildly stubbs when you come back across the puddle halve same model of welder run nice several IRONWORKER misc. contractors i worked for used them for handrail easier to pack around than a ln22 or ln25 good luck :clap2::clap2::clap2:

[Badgoat]

Couple of questions.

I began mockup of my FB yesterday. It's going to be insulated. Inner box will be 23x23, 18" diameter half moon opening from FB to CC. I installed rails 7" from the bottom of the FB to promote good airflow on the fire.

My question is in regards of the air inlet. The calculator recommends 36 sq inches of airflow. A 12" Pinwheel damper from bbqsupplystore.com says it allows 40 sq inches of flow (I will buy this or just fab one myself). Well when I measured everything out and mocked it up on the door it just seems "overkill" and just so big. And maybe it's just my initial impression from looking at it and maybe someone more experienced than me could chime in. Here are some pics...
Mockup of what is going to be the door and air inlet:

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A583D4C4-E7AF-4F9D-A4B4-087EE7943F9A.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A583D4C4-E7AF-4F9D-A4B4-087EE7943F9A.jpg.html)

Rails and Halfmoon opening:

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/623F5066-01C7-4CCE-BC86-809AACD70496.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/623F5066-01C7-4CCE-BC86-809AACD70496.jpg.html)

Another shot of the opening:

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/867D430A-2193-467F-9FF3-86EB55CF22EF.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/867D430A-2193-467F-9FF3-86EB55CF22EF.jpg.html)


Thanks everyone.

Dale

[Badgoat]

So...been busy last couple of weeks but had an opportunity to jump out in the garage and get things going. Got the FB pretty much done, just have to finish up the door, air inlets and then mount it. But enjoy the pics/update...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/7D561F11-4AFB-4C20-A8EB-9DA4F961AE18.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/7D561F11-4AFB-4C20-A8EB-9DA4F961AE18.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/3021429F-C71C-4DEA-B604-D90A51BED813.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/3021429F-C71C-4DEA-B604-D90A51BED813.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/353A29D4-6888-40CA-B9B3-42FC821D35B4.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/353A29D4-6888-40CA-B9B3-42FC821D35B4.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/7D9C9AA5-9F35-45E2-8F36-A2F5BB4910CC.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/7D9C9AA5-9F35-45E2-8F36-A2F5BB4910CC.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D9046D42-2821-4502-9863-7B53E6D072D0.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D9046D42-2821-4502-9863-7B53E6D072D0.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/53F50806-70BB-4583-93C7-1BC58D9E95D4.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/53F50806-70BB-4583-93C7-1BC58D9E95D4.jpg.html)

And naturally, I had to roll it into place just to see what it looked like. I feel like all I've been doing is grinding and cutting....cutting and grinding...It's nice to see it coming together.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A9FD8C6F-CEC2-4B07-BE21-2A7F90846721.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A9FD8C6F-CEC2-4B07-BE21-2A7F90846721.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/49A01CF7-5885-43B9-89D5-36B3D33D9F2E.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/49A01CF7-5885-43B9-89D5-36B3D33D9F2E.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/FF9C5993-DD8F-4648-9013-6AD598CF7273.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/FF9C5993-DD8F-4648-9013-6AD598CF7273.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/1EE726AF-9D22-4BCD-9262-94B062A8C04C.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/1EE726AF-9D22-4BCD-9262-94B062A8C04C.jpg.html)


Hopefully tomorrow I'll get the door done and then get the box mounted!! I can hardly wait, lol.

Dale

[mattmountz94]

Really starting to look good! Can't wait to see the finished product

[m-fine]

That is a serious build for a little 140 amp welder. Have you run into the duty cycle limit much or are you working slow enough it is a non-issue?

[Badgoat]

Haha funny you bring that up....hit the duty cycle limit 3 times today. I just cleaned my garage and hydrated during the breaks. It was damn hot in the garage today.

[Doug Crann]

Outstanding....

[bbqwilly]

Thats a cool smoker. Cant wait to see it in action.

[Chef Country]

on the gas vs fluxcore I would stick with the fluxcore its more versatile, if you need to go do a project outside you don't have to worry about wind blowing your gas away. another good thing about the fluxcore you don't have to do as much metal prep, I would however knock the paint off you will get a stronger weld, and a cleaner weld. the only real plus side to the gas is no slag and a cleaner looking weld. also remember if it has slag you drag. if you need any questions about the welding metal fab feel free to hit me up im under a hood on the daily

[bjarolim]

Hell of a job jumping in on welding and fabbing a pit.

Good looking build keep on keep in on

[JohnnyB]

When you weld the FB to the CC, plug some 1/4" round stock on any areas that have a good gap. You don't want to fill with the wire that much, it winds up pulling the FB quite a bit. Ask me how I know...

Looks great, it's always good to see guys doing things like this. Makes you appreciate it a whole lot more when you're all done.

[Badgoat]

@johnyb. Yeah, thanks for that tip. The picture is somewhat misleading. There isn't that much of a gap. The smoker was just sitting cockeyed from the hoist. A small adjustment and it fits like a glove 👍

[JohnnyB]

Nice! The first one I built, I was cocky and thought I could just freehand it. Haha, nope. I filled so much that my FB pulled down about 1/2" at the very end. Now, I carefully mark them and take my time to make sure it's level and even.

[bjarolim]

Measure twice...cut once, words to live by from someone who is a metal fab "specialist"(sounds better in my mind than carpenters of steel).

[pjtexas1]

Nice work! Subscribed.

[Badgoat]

So, I had some free time this weekend and managed to fabricate up some hinges from scratch. It went pretty well considering it was just from scrap pieces I had laying around.

Started out with this...a scrap blank of 1/4" plate

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/8E32FE7E-B3B4-4AB7-BA0B-09E40E31BB40.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/8E32FE7E-B3B4-4AB7-BA0B-09E40E31BB40.jpg.html)

And made this...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/0D7FA5D5-23F9-41E8-BFEF-54A2510EEB8B.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/0D7FA5D5-23F9-41E8-BFEF-54A2510EEB8B.jpg.html)

Cleaned up the edges, cut some 1" round bar and 1" round bar tubes

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/44639866-B614-4D32-B496-A029030BFFE7.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/44639866-B614-4D32-B496-A029030BFFE7.jpg.html)

Whipped up the receiving tube

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/58A4488C-E506-4EC6-ABE1-7692A8E7E74D.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/58A4488C-E506-4EC6-ABE1-7692A8E7E74D.jpg.html)

Bracket and round bar assembled

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/DA7DF72A-6450-4425-96B3-9B6E1E7FA024.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/DA7DF72A-6450-4425-96B3-9B6E1E7FA024.jpg.html)

Test fit

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/684D1D8F-E2AE-4FE2-8A1D-ABC4E8385AAE.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/684D1D8F-E2AE-4FE2-8A1D-ABC4E8385AAE.jpg.html)

Checking clearance before I weld everything into place

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4EE10CA3-182B-4CC0-8429-CF98B949F42E.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4EE10CA3-182B-4CC0-8429-CF98B949F42E.jpg.html)

Test SAT

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/6055B321-F742-4A10-951B-CA4FB1A981FD.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/6055B321-F742-4A10-951B-CA4FB1A981FD.jpg.html)

Tacked down

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/DA192952-721C-48F0-90F3-A2FF31B8BB11.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/DA192952-721C-48F0-90F3-A2FF31B8BB11.jpg.html)

Cleaned up the edges and looks pretty good. Excuse the nasty welds...those will get cleaned up later on :wink:

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/E933AFB9-F334-4114-95E9-BDE2E9EEDAEA.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/E933AFB9-F334-4114-95E9-BDE2E9EEDAEA.jpg.html)

Well...at least it opens :biggrin1:

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/154A9B56-B2F5-484D-98D9-69D7E478E6A3.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/154A9B56-B2F5-484D-98D9-69D7E478E6A3.jpg.html)

Pretty happy overall...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D02BD63A-BBE4-4668-A59A-BD4F2ACEDC5C.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D02BD63A-BBE4-4668-A59A-BD4F2ACEDC5C.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/11226AE9-8CDA-4B40-9E5E-C29B12C14ED3.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/11226AE9-8CDA-4B40-9E5E-C29B12C14ED3.jpg.html)


Anyways, getting closer...just have some welding of the box itself left and then should be hopefully mounting it to the actual tank soon!!

Cheers,

Dale

[Badgoat]

So...today I made a rookie mistake and am kicking myself for it. I would like some advice from the audience here.

When mounting my FB to the CC everything looked good. I'm not sure if something shifted when welding and applying heat but now the FB sits "ever so slightly cockeyed". It basically slants down and away from the CC by about 1/16" maybe less. I had my wife walk out and look and she said she could notice but only probably because I said something. I took my 13yr old out and she couldn't tell.

So, I'm inclined to just leave it and chock it up as a beginner mistake, learn a lesson and move on. But that other side of me says to rip it apart and do it over. The problem with ripping it apart is it isn't just merely tacked in....it's WELDED in place and would be a nightmare to undo.

Here are some pics...

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/C355460A-9007-485A-8F11-F9D07C187C0A.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/C355460A-9007-485A-8F11-F9D07C187C0A.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/8B619428-3A97-43BB-9228-A96290C4935E.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/8B619428-3A97-43BB-9228-A96290C4935E.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4B730F42-646C-4D49-AB6A-B6CA3A0D76F5.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/4B730F42-646C-4D49-AB6A-B6CA3A0D76F5.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/359427E6-5BE6-44C0-A327-8FAC7F2103DC.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/359427E6-5BE6-44C0-A327-8FAC7F2103DC.jpg.html)

My gut says just leave it be to avoid doing more harm than good by attempting to rip it all apart. And it doesn't impact the functionality whatsoever...so it's just aesthetic. :doh:

What do y'all think?

-Dale

[BillN]

Looks like the heat pulled it down. Just don't leave your square lying around and don't say a word and no one will be the wiser. The build looks great.

[m-fine]

Actually, you did that intentionally to keep water from sitting on there and causing rust if you leave it out in the rain.

There is no way I would try to cut that off and reattach. You will be lucky to get it back as good as it is, and much much more likely to make things worse.

[lankster35]

Great idea........It is so the water runs off........

[m-fine]

BTW, in the future, tack it on in a few spots first. Verify it is straight, and then weld in sections. Big long welds starting at on side and going to the other are a recipe for heat deformation.

[Badgoat]

Yep, it was a valuable lesson learned for sure. I'm glad it wasn't worse too. And yeah it was was a total natural gradient for water runoff :mrgreen:

Thank you guys very much for your input. It is greatly appreciated and I'll sleep better now, lol.

At least when this thing is done I'll have fond memories and something to be proud of. I'm surprised to have made it this far and not royally screw something up :shock:

[RT]

Let the smoke roll, great build!

[dayfox]

Looks good man! Regards from Holland

[Cat797]

Looking good Badgoat! :clap2:

Nobody's gonna notice your firebox fit up galloping by on a white horse!

Keep it up......:thumb:

Ed

[DownHomeQue]

Looks great from here! top notch work there Doc!

[defib]

if you are that worried about it add a couple of spacers for additional heat deflection and add a platform / top that would work as a table / counter area.

[dad2jsc]

Bad goat

I'd roll with it. Nice looking build.

[Chef Country]

I always say if someone has something bad to say about my smoker they cant have any food off of it!

[bjarolim]

I always say if someone has something bad to say about my smoker they cant have any food off of it!

Amen to that...give them a hell of a cook and they will forget all about it or tell them it wouldn't have been as good if it were perfectly level

[MistrTJ]

Great Job! Great Thread! absolutely jealous of your skills. All this work will make your BBQ taste all the more better.

[DownHomeQue]

Great Job! Great Thread! absolutely jealous of your skills. All this work will make your BBQ taste all the more better.

Agreed once you build a pit and cook on it.. you will never be more proud of the que you churn out from it.. their is no better feeling other than watching your kids grow up and being proud of them.

[Badgoat]

Could use some help here. So I have been working on this build, have gotten up to a point where I am mounting the exhaust stack and I just started looking everything over. I stumbled across SMF (Smoking Meat Forums) and have been reading through the pit builds and there is a guy over there (Dave Omak) that frequently gives advice and links to a "Reverse Flow tutorial often". I've gone through the tutorial and recrunched my number (yes, I know kinda late in the game) but I discovered something that is making me sick to my stomach as I think I may have made a crucial error...

I discovered the tutorial and subsequently the "Circle Calculator" (http://www.1728.org/circsect.htm). According to the tutorial I calculated merely off of diameter which I thought I was good to go according to Feldons Calculator. But once I used this Circle calculator and calculated for "Segment Area" mine came out to only 63.5"!!! When I am supposed to have 123" according to the Circle calculator (mind you the diameter checks out). My AB Chord is: 18" and my Segment ED is: 5"


HERE ARE MY NUMBERS BASED OFF THE TUTORIAL BELOW:

Calculations for a standard design, reverse flow smoker..

Volume of the Cook Chamber.... Use the Inside Diameter of the tank... All smoker calculations are based on the volume of the Cook Chamber....

Diameter X Diameter X 0.7854 X Length (24x24x.7854) = 30,762 Volume in cubic inches / 231 = (133) Volume in gallons

Volume in cubic inches X 0.004 (30,762x.004)= (123) FB/CC opening in square inches

Volume in cubic inches X 0.004 (30,762x.004)= (123) Area under the RF plate in square inches

Volume in cubic inches X 0.004 (30,762x.004)= (123) Area required at the end of the RF plate in square inches

Volume in cubic inches X 0.33 = (10,151) minimum volume of the Fire Box

The above areas are necessary for great air/heat/smoke flow.... using less may cause an overheated FB.... Narrow / Long CC may require an increase in those numbers due to increased surface area friction to volume... Wide/Fat Short CC may use smaller numbers due to reduced surface area friction to volume...

Volume in cubic inches X 0.001 = (30.762) FB air inlets in square inches...

Recommended upper and lower air inlets... Upper air inlet directly across from the FB/CC opening to facilitate moving heat from the FB to the CC, and insuring good air flow through the CC.. The lower air inlet should be situated at or below the fuel grate.... The two air inlets can share the designated square inches of opening.... approx. 20% upper and 80% lower...

Volume in cubic inches X 0.022= (676.76) Exhaust Stack Volume in cubic inches, above the CC.... (ESV) .. (The increase in volume ~30% shows a dramatic improvement in equalized temperatures across the cooking surface... edit 6/19/15 )

Exhaust Calculation..

.7854x6x6 = (28.27") Stack Length in inches (36" +/-)
0.7854 X Stack Diameter X Stack Diameter





So, in short, I feel like I really really screwed the pooch on this one and didn't make my FB/CC opening big enough. I'm hoping/crossing my fingers that where I am at right now is going to be ok, but I'm just not sure now. And like I said, I have an insulated FB, it's fully welded to the tank, I've started to mount up the exhaust stack and was going to move onto the RF plate next UNTIL I stumbled across this. This is just going to be a nightmare to tear apart if I have too...just lost atm and could use some guidance.

Any help/assistance would be certainly warranted.

Thanks guys.

Dale:pray:

[m-fine]

First, don't panic!

What you have is likely just fine unless you want to run super hot or use it as a food dehydrator.

[Pitmaster T]

excited for you. awesome

[m-fine]

Ok, not panicking?

Those numbers are for the most part a load of horse bung. Yes, they generally work, but so will a million other designs. Further, the formulas are as good as hours per pound recipes...maybe not even that good. They ignore a bunch of relevant variables and focus on CC volume which is barely relevant at all.

If you wanted a true calculation, it would be based on the CC surface area and the heat conductivity of the material. Factors such as shape, max cooking temp and min outdoor temp would come into play in deciding things like how many BTU/HR you need and from that a minimum fire box size and minimum airflow. It gets too complicated for the people publishing the design let alone the average reader. I have a degree in Aerospace Engineering and studied thermodynamics and fluid dynamics and the thought of calculating the optimal design makes my head hurt. The thing is, the firebox size and airflow you need to run at 400* or less is a small fraction of what the calculators spit out, so it just doesn't matter that much. Good engineers know when to be precise and when eyeballing is more than good enough.

Your smoker will get plenty hot and have plenty of air to keep the fire burning cleanly. The only real difference between your design and the calculator's is your smoke will spend less time traveling under the RF plate than theirs which will have a minor impact on the efficiency of the RF plate. Don't worry about it.

[Badgoat]

m-fine,

I can't thank you enough...I'm one of those guys that will read and read and read until my head swims. I've been so focused on "measure twice and cut once" and when I read through that tutorial and recrunched the numbers I about got sick to my stomach thinking of the money and manhours wasted.

If by my numbers you think I should be able to hit 400 degrees than I am more than happy with that.

I should also add that I have (2) air inlets. 1 below the fire grate and 1 slightly above. Both of which are 4"x6". I purposely made all of my measurements apprx. 15-20% more than what Feldons recommends.

Here is a pic of my exhaust stack as well if it helps out and it's measurements.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/exhaust%20stack.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/exhaust%20stack.jpg.html)

Thanks again so much for the help/guidance.

Dale

[m-fine]

Your chimney diameter is the limiting point as far as max airflow, but it is plenty big enough. Get the RF plate in and start cookin'.

[m-fine]

BTW, 400 is basically the max you would likely want to cook in it. I am very confident you will be able to get it quite a bit warmer than that for a cleaning burn etc. but grease drippings make nasty smoke above 400-450 or so, and it will take a lot of wood to sustain higher temps. A reverse flow offset stick burner is not really meant to be a 650 degree pizza oven.

[Badgoat]

No, I absolutely understand. I normally cook at the 275-300 range. I just didn't want my high end to be like 250. That would be really limiting and frustrating.

[bjarolim]

Engineering 101 right there...love the insight of well educated folk! Awesome build....I'm sure it's gonna work fantastic

[Badgoat]

No doubt bjarolim, there is no way I could have done this build without the fine folks of this forum :wink:

[bjarolim]

No doubt bjarolim, there is no way I could have done this build without the fine folks of this forum :wink:

I'm in the same boat...i researched and researched about my build and felt the brerhern was the goto forum and had to sign up for insight and see if I had what it takes.

[Badgoat]

m-fine, pm'd you.

[SweetOak13]

Awesome build! Can't wait to start mine up!

[Cat797]

Badgoat,

If you used Feldon's calculator, and made all your openings 15%-20% bigger, I can assure you it will work, and you will be able to run it from 200 to 400. Your stack is plenty big and I'm guessing plenty long.

I used Feldon's on my 120 gallon RF.........

Again, where folks get into trouble is when they try to re invent the wheel.....the cooker has to draft. Looking at yours I believe it will.

I agree, get the RF plate in and light a fire........

[Badgoat]

I appreciate the feedback Cat. My biggest concern was that I "only" accounted for diameter when figuring out my FB/CC opening. My thinking was if I calculated that then the "sq in" would follow in tandem. But then I read up on that tutorial on SMF and the circle calculator and had that "oh sh***" moment. On page 6 I included a pic of my exhaust stack and it's measurements via MS paint if that gives you an idea of what I'm working with.

Once again, I appreciate any and all feedback. M-fine did a really great job explaining the "science" behind it for me (which I like to analyze everything, so this is right up my alley!). My biggest concerns were stagnant air in the FB, my FB overheating, smoker not coming up to temp, etc.

So that is why I was adding information about my exhaust stack, air inlets, etc to see what other things could be altered if "need be".

[m-fine]

Where's the smoke? Shouldn't we be seeing thin blue smoke flowing by now? :biggrin:

[Badgoat]

Hahaha, yeah. I wish....Got the air inlet dampers and exhaust stack installed yesterday. Now I just got to prop my RF plate into place and do a test run before welding it into place permanently *fingers crossed* all goes well. Youngest daughter had surgery today (Tonsillectomy), so have been busy with that, so hopefully will get to it tomorrow and let her rip!! I won't lie, I got major butterflies, lol.

Anywho, here are some pics of my work yesterday.

Air inlets/Exhaust:

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/162EDCA2-0945-4CE5-8D6B-ADF7DFDDDC2F.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/162EDCA2-0945-4CE5-8D6B-ADF7DFDDDC2F.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/90989B98-6C73-4390-998A-07D4DE45BB39.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/90989B98-6C73-4390-998A-07D4DE45BB39.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/B235CA1C-3AC0-4910-AE5B-2C4ABFA577BA.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/B235CA1C-3AC0-4910-AE5B-2C4ABFA577BA.jpg.html)

And the view from my driveway drinking a cold beer while the sun set

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/82C8665A-1FC8-415D-B374-8093AA7225BA.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/82C8665A-1FC8-415D-B374-8093AA7225BA.jpg.html)

So, I'm gonna pray to God...(and the BBQ gods while I'm at it) that the FB/CC opening will be fine and this thing will operate as intended and churn out some good Q!

I'll keep ya updated and thanks for checkin' in :wink:

-Dale

[RT]

Looking GREAT!

[Clay-b-que]

Hope your daughter is okay! Then worry about Q!

Maybe we will see some smoke for the 4th?!? Good luck.

[Mr.OiSat]

Looking great so far, I really like the size of your pit.

Hope your daughter is OK.

[m-fine]

I had my tonsils out as an adult last year. It was pure hell and then it got worse. They say recovery is less painful for kids so I hope that is the case and your daughter is doing well. I had no Que for a month, but lots of miso soup and egg drop soup.

[Badgoat]

So, to catch up. Thank you everyone for checking/asking about my daughter. She is doing great and recovery is going well.

So, I propped in my RF plates (not welded in), wheeled the beast out to the drive way and fired her up. And I must say, this is going to certainly going to be a learning curve (never used a stick burner before). I took some pics, and below those I will post logs I kept, things I did during the test run. I did have some temp issues. Some of it was attributed to weather, I think some was my lack of experience, etc. But I digress...here's some pics!!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/94C8E616-82D0-449B-BA5D-4FD97A24ED63.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/94C8E616-82D0-449B-BA5D-4FD97A24ED63.jpg.html)

I added a full chimney of charcoal to start, 3 splits (which you can see from the picture they aren't very big, I think this was one of my mistakes), left the doors open until the splits caught (thank you m-fine for the tips!), once the logs caught on I closed everything up.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/932F6E26-9597-48C5-AFE4-659CF0D327C4.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/932F6E26-9597-48C5-AFE4-659CF0D327C4.jpg.html)

In 20 mins I was up to 200 degrees and achieving TBS!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9C0EAC78-AF39-4697-B67B-3F7CCE69729A.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9C0EAC78-AF39-4697-B67B-3F7CCE69729A.jpg.html)

Burning very nice!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/ED32405C-9585-4B6D-987B-BAA901A92CB9.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/ED32405C-9585-4B6D-987B-BAA901A92CB9.jpg.html)

I think I let my fire die down too much around the 240 range and I think I ended up chasing my tail for awhile :doh: Pic of the fire when I added the next split.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D0A12B43-8E74-4AED-B442-5425D28E8C86.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D0A12B43-8E74-4AED-B442-5425D28E8C86.jpg.html)

Here are my logs. I had two probes on my Igrill 2 pro. Left temp was my Red probe which was in the middle of the CC and the RIGHT temp was my yellow probe which was closest to the FB in the CC.

Time: Red Temp/Yellow Temp- notes

1743: 125/120- chimney full of charcoal +3 splits
1748: 165/157
1753: 177/168
1758: 189/181
1803: 198/189
1813: 216/206
1818: 220/208
1823: 225*/211- Wait 15-20mins before adding more wood (225 milestone)
1828: 232/219- Stoked fire with poker
1833: 246/234
1838: 240/225- +2 splits
1843: 234/224
1848: 234/222- Stoked fire/blew on it
1853: 237/225
1858: 237/226- Started to rain/got umbrella to cover pit best I could
1903: 238/225- Repositioned logs/blew on fire
1908: 237/226
1913: 239/227- New logs are starting to catch/repositioned logs
1918: 238/227
1923: 239/225
1928: 234/222
1929: 225/215- +2 splits
1933: 247/237
1938: 245/234
1945: 244/233
1948: 247/236- Still sprinkling out
1953: 248/236
1958: --------- Repositioned logs, +2 splits to try and raise temps and test
2003: 249/237
2008: 249/239- Raining really hard
2013: 245/233- F***king RAIN
2014: --------- Repositioned logs, +1 split
2018: 240/229
2023: 241/231
2033: 241/235- +2 splits (Identified my coal bed was garbage and trying to build it up and get a fire going...think I just chased my tail for the last hour and a half)
2043: 255/247
2045: --------- +2 splits (Shifted to 10min intervals)
2055: 297/288
2105: 308/298
2115: 318/306
2116: 321/310-(peaked) (opened FB to take pics of fire)
2123: 301/291- Temp drop due to opening FB
2125: 316/304- Shut down pit due to severe lightning/T-storms

Pit shut down nicely and temps came down quick to about the 160 range. Opened the firebox and noticed I had a decent coal bed finally and temps starting rising quickly due to the inlet of air. Made me happy to see the pit respond that quickly.

So, all in all. My assesment is my lack of experience and weather really attributed to me not getting the smoker higher in the temp ranges. The fact that I achieved good drafting, TBS (good combustion), and got it over 300 degrees once I got a good fire in there tells me the pit should be ok?

I was concerned about the opening of the FB/CC opening but like M-fine said, I think I'm ok. I think once I fully weld in the RF plate and seal that portion of the CC up, seal the doors, get my fire in check I definitely think those temps should come up better. I will say the insulated FB was certainly hot to the touch (but I think that is normal? and I'm not overheating my FB?). I also think I need to make my splits bigger next time, they were way too short imo, so I never really got a good *position* of the logs to stack more on like Jenga I suppose, if that makes sense.

If you have questions or comments please let me know. But I think I can rule out ripping apart my FB now and just focus on finishing the pit and fine tuning it (and fine tuning myself too).

Regards,

Dale

[Cat797]

Sounds like she ran fine.....I'm guessing in your curiosity you had the door open more times than you normally would. My advice would be: 1.As you learned, you need to start with a good coal base. I always used a chimney of lit on top of a chimney of unlit. 2. When you put a stick or two on, leave FB door open until they catch.....shouldn't be more than a minute or so with good coals, and 3. Get in the habit of throwing sticks about every 45 minutes once the pit is settled in. You should not have to mess around with stoking the fire or moving logs around outside of when you are putting more logs on.....

The cooker looks great man. You will be cooking soon!

[Badgoat]

I appreciate the feedback Cat797! Yeah, I just couldn't stop worrying/fiddling/etc. But I certainly learned alot, what to look for, what to avoid, etc

/Dale

[m-fine]

Looks like you had her at a decent cooking temperature for over three hours despite it being your first fire and fighting rain which can suck a lot of heat out of the metal fast. That basically answers the big question. Will she cook? Heck yeah! You don't have a lawn ornament, you have a kickass smoker.

I gave you very conservative advice on what to put in to get going because you generally want to start slow, if there was an issue it is better to have a small fire to deal with than a big one, and I didn't know how much a difference the insulated box would make. So, in short I take the blame for your fire getting too small at first and losing your coal bed.

One minor design note. I would add a rain cover to your chimney. Just a simple arch will keep most of the water out.

http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh639/m-fine/D4DB96CF-60D2-4C67-B187-74D8FF290CDB_zpsaxumnrox.jpg

[Badgoat]

No worries M-fine! I appreciate all of the feedback and you guys taking the time to read through the logs I kept to keep me pointed in the right direction. I still learned alot from that test fire and look forward to getting this thing done. And yeah great recommendation on the rain shroud. I will definitely be doing that. I was gonna work on it tomorrow but found a guy on craigslist trying to offload a bunch of oak....so I guess I'll be running my chainsaw tomorrow getting fuel for my baby, lol.

If y'all have anymore advice/suggestions/tips please keep them coming...they have proven invaluable for sure.

[Badgoat]

Well, hit another milestone. Got the drain valves installed, got the stand put together and officially got this thing off the cherry picker and jacks...starting to come together. All I have left is the RF plate, food racks, handles for FB door, rain shroud for exhaust stack and thermometer gauges...then paint. Funny thing is it is rather heavy on the FB side and if I let the weight fully down this thing pops a wheelie. So my solution is to take the old metal "legs"/brackets the tank originally came with and weld them to the bottom of the FB and then install to casters to counteract that problem (smoker with a wheelie bar sorta? lol). I have two blocks under the FB in the pics helping support it. Anyways, I'll keep ya updated!!


It was pretty dark...sorry.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/706E7CD6-7A65-444A-9518-5336201B5DD5.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/706E7CD6-7A65-444A-9518-5336201B5DD5.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/6539A752-257E-4887-A32E-2671A48E7FB1.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/6539A752-257E-4887-A32E-2671A48E7FB1.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/60821B60-0D41-44CB-84F2-33A5BEAE83ED.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/60821B60-0D41-44CB-84F2-33A5BEAE83ED.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/5207F870-E235-4A9A-A4FB-0E71B6AA63FA.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/5207F870-E235-4A9A-A4FB-0E71B6AA63FA.jpg.html)

Oh, also checked Craigslist free section for wood, ran across one where it was take all the oak you want...showed up at the house little old lady and a ton of oak in her back yard she needed removed....this is only about a 1/3 of it...but loaded my truck down pretty good!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/B2398A92-5EA0-4216-8058-12ACA919EF9C.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/B2398A92-5EA0-4216-8058-12ACA919EF9C.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/C44FA3C4-03E3-4015-A937-A4C9F2A32877.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/C44FA3C4-03E3-4015-A937-A4C9F2A32877.jpg.html)

This should keep the beast fed for awhile :wink:

-Dale

[BamaQue]

This build looks fantastic! I applaud you on the fantastic work to this point. I really like the fact that you placed the chimney at the grate level.
I agree that you're going to want a little longer splits for a cooker that size. Once you learn your smoker and how it behaves (they're all different) you will get in a rhythm and really appreciate the fact that it is a true stick burner and the amazing que coming out of it is from something you built from the ground up!
Hat's off to you. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[Badgoat]

I appreciate the comments, thank you. I'm glad you took note of my exhaust. My goal was to have the heat and smoke flow directly over the meat before leaving the chamber. Got the idea from Aaron Franklins book.

I managed to solve my weight distribution problems and tipping of my smoker. I added casters to the bottom of the FB. I repurposed the old legs from the tank, cut them down to fit and provide extra support. Now it rolls around nicely and the tires aren't almost smashed flat now.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/FAEB70C6-AF82-469B-8B90-0E4928272F07.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/FAEB70C6-AF82-469B-8B90-0E4928272F07.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9FA805D9-3298-442B-8BAE-FC4A231FBB42.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9FA805D9-3298-442B-8BAE-FC4A231FBB42.jpg.html)

[BamaQue]

That thing is a beast, no doubt!
Aaron Franklin's book is a good one and I really enjoyed reading his thoughts on constructing a pit.
Keep up the good work!

[m-fine]

Is it going to see meat this weekend?

[Badgoat]

I'm hoping to! Gonna put in the reverse flow plate and make food racks today. I may do a pork butt, or some moinks or something, lol. But the focus will be just getting it done and ready for paint. Maybe next weekend for food

[hachi-roku_fan]

That's awesome! I just read your thread and taking pointers as I will be in the same boat as you. Now that it's pretty much all said and done, anything you would do differently if you could do it all over?

[Clay-b-que]

I have a smaller air compressor as well. When I cut it open, it was full of rust and flakes, etc. did yours have this? If so, how did you get rid of the rust? Looking good by the way!

[bjarolim]

Sand blast would be the way to go, white vinegar soak will take it off too if u let it soak a couple days but I'm sure the cost of the much vinegar it might be cheaper just to sand blast. Or get a wire wheel(maybe a couple) and stick it on a 4 1/2 angle grinder will do it too...but that's alot more work and tedious.

[Badgoat]

@claybque I just used a drill and a wire brush attachment. Worked like a champ and took about an hour. After I did that is when I did the first initial burnout of the tank

[bjarolim]

Those harbor frieght wheels are what I got on my pit, had a tent sale and score them for $4 a piece. Was worried the bearings weren't gonna roll well with all the weight but they do great! Nice build again, gonna have to detail out a horizontal pit soon!

[Badgoat]

That's awesome! I just read your thread and taking pointers as I will be in the same boat as you. Now that it's pretty much all said and done, anything you would do differently if you could do it all over?

As soon as I have some free time I intend on sitting down and typing up a "lessons learned" from a beginners perspective 👍

[Badgoat]

Welp, had a productive weekend... I didn't make it to cooking though😉

Got the RF plate fully welded in and made the food racks

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/E291508D-7B03-4746-8FE3-2D8CCC2A4925.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/E291508D-7B03-4746-8FE3-2D8CCC2A4925.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9DAF1DBD-9DC1-4D8C-A998-0BA6B9CAB934.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9DAF1DBD-9DC1-4D8C-A998-0BA6B9CAB934.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/851CBB77-5865-4F5A-A2AC-7567EDFE1494.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/851CBB77-5865-4F5A-A2AC-7567EDFE1494.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/264C2C49-EEF1-4BB2-B840-1016D734AE6C.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/264C2C49-EEF1-4BB2-B840-1016D734AE6C.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/F629F95F-6598-4057-B0B6-9814939D6DBD.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/F629F95F-6598-4057-B0B6-9814939D6DBD.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A5DB8B04-A728-4BE2-8456-2BC9A12A3775.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A5DB8B04-A728-4BE2-8456-2BC9A12A3775.jpg.html)

[Bperkins01]

I really need to learn how to weld...
Looks great!
I like how you took the center stack approach per Franklin..
That made perfect sense to me when I saw it..

[m-fine]

Lookin great! Time to visit the butcher, painting can wait.

[Adubree86]

One piece of advise to maintain your coal bed. If you have extra expanded metal install another piece slightly offset on your fire grate. This will prevent coals from falling through the holes prematurely. See photo.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/TwiztidOne/My%20Shirley%20Fabrication%2024%20X%2065%20Reverse %20Flow%20Smoker/DSCF5846.jpg (http://media.photobucket.com/user/TwiztidOne/media/My%20Shirley%20Fabrication%2024%20X%2065%20Reverse %20Flow%20Smoker/DSCF5846.jpg.html)

[Badgoat]

@Adubree86. That is a terrific idea and thank you for including a picture. I will totally be doing that!

[Adubree86]

@Adubree86. That is a terrific idea and thank you for including a picture. I will totally be doing that!

Can't take credit for the idea. This is how Shirley does their fire baskets.

[Badgoat]

So...regrettably I haven't had the chance to cook on it yet...however...I AM DONE!! All I have left to do is put on some door gaskets after the paint dries/cures and weld on the rain shroud on the smokestack. But alas, here are some pics of my baby

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/B34769C7-BE2E-457D-AA88-DEFE697525CC.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/B34769C7-BE2E-457D-AA88-DEFE697525CC.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/AC2964F6-F914-46B2-A344-C5D3735854F3.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/AC2964F6-F914-46B2-A344-C5D3735854F3.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D5CA6AC4-3EDA-4637-AB74-4C04F1DFEECE.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D5CA6AC4-3EDA-4637-AB74-4C04F1DFEECE.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/563CBA92-186B-4638-B835-66BF1E36B7D0.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/563CBA92-186B-4638-B835-66BF1E36B7D0.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/BBC27DD4-FF6B-4FBA-BD98-5A3053FE5102.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/BBC27DD4-FF6B-4FBA-BD98-5A3053FE5102.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D75F3E60-13E9-4715-A630-AE3560ECF86C.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D75F3E60-13E9-4715-A630-AE3560ECF86C.jpg.html)

I promise to include some pics of it's maiden voyage! Once again, I can't thank everyone enough for the suggestions/support they have provided me during this build.

-Dale

[bjarolim]

Looks absolutely awesome....great work!

[Norm]

Awesome, can't wait to see your first cook on it!

[MisterChrister]

Way to go! Looking forward to the maiden voyage!

[Bperkins01]

I'm inspired to talk a welding class and try this myself.
Very nice!

[Badgoat]

I appreciate it guys!

@bperkins01: All I can say is just go for it...I had ZERO welding, cutting, fabrication knowledge before I started this project. My wife bought me some tools and told me to get to it. Lots of questions, googling, and asking on this forum for advice got me through this build. I never looked back and now I have a sweet rig

-Dale

[Hillbilly BBQ]

Great build, now lets see it in action!

[Bperkins01]

I appreciate it guys!

@bperkins01: All I can say is just go for it...I had ZERO welding, cutting, fabrication knowledge before I started this project. My wife bought me some tools and told me to get to it. Lots of questions, googling, and asking on this forum for advice got me through this build. I never looked back and now I have a sweet rig

-Dale

Thanks for the support - I like the design you have. The center mount stack, etc.. I have a 120G RF now... but nothing like building one - I just zipped through the entire thread - you pretty much have everything I would want in a custom smoker - May need a set of plans!

[BamaQue]

Fantastic! Looking forward to your cook report! :eusa_clap

[S.Six]

She turned out real nice! Seriously that's a beautiful pit! Looking forward to seeing its maiden voyage. Speaking of which, what's it going to be? Butts, briskets, ribs?

[m-fine]

Looks amazing and I am sure it will cook amazing food as well.

Coat the inside with a little oil and fire her up!

[Badgoat]

I'm thinking for the inaugural cook I am gonna do a butt and a couple racks of ribs and maybe some moinks. Still got some learning to do on a pit this size and fire management...those cuts of meat are pretty forgiving.

[Victory]

very nice pit. I built a 60 gallon reverse flow in the spring. still need to paint it though.

what paint did you use for yours?

[Badgoat]

I used the 32oz can of Rustoleum High Heat (BBQ Black) paint and a 6" foam roller. I thought it did a terrific job of coating it evenly and no drips, lines, etc.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Rust-Oleum-High-Heat-Black-Flat-Enamel-Interior-Exterior-Paint-Actual-Net-Contents-32-fl-oz/3052391

[cfspence]

Great looking build. Very impressed.

[Badgoat]

I appreciate the comments...my OCD kicks in and I look at it and think "man, I shoulda done this differently or this could look better". It's reassuring to hear from you guys that it doesn't suck, lol.

[Cat797]

Badgoat,

She turned out fantastic.......Now you need to break it in with some groceries! :eusa_clap

[m-fine]

You have to have something you can put in there. A spare chicken wing? A box of Kraft Mac n orange stuff? A pet goat?

[bjarolim]

I appreciate the comments...my OCD kicks in and I look at it and think "man, I shoulda done this differently or this could look better". It's reassuring to hear from you guys that it doesn't suck, lol.

i do this every time i cook on my custom smoker, it'll never go away, but it will make the next build(if applicable) go smoother and be that much more badass. and then the whole, "this could be better, that could look smoother" process will start all over. its a vicious cycle.

[Badgoat]

Ok all, uploading pics to photobucket atm....inaugral cook is underway!!! I got her to my backyard, gaskets installed on doors, rainshroud installed, tightened up the thermometers (seeing about a 10 degree variance across the CC). M-fine, you were 100% correct. Once I welded the RF plate in place, sealed it up, this thing is running flawlessly! I was at 225 in 10 mins, 275-300 in 30mins with TBS...I threw a couple racks of ribs and brats on at that point...right now I have only my bottom damper about 1/4 open and this thing is just sipping air and maintaining 275-285 like a champ and I'm averaging about 1 small split 1 to 1 1/4hrs...I am just beside myself and giddy!! Pics to follow gents!!!!

Dale

[bjarolim]

There is nothing like that feeling when u strike her up for the first time and see it chugging smoke out of the stack. I know I was jacked up about mine! Its like crack for the non drug user! Now u just wanna cook on it all the time...at least that's how I feel.

[Badgoat]

Alright, some pics of my broheims from work helping get this beast to the back yard!! No commenting on my redneck outfit of basketball shorts and cowboy boots :shocked:

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D69717E9-39BD-4C1D-B888-F79422AFDE54.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/D69717E9-39BD-4C1D-B888-F79422AFDE54.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/102F4A0F-866F-4E2F-B943-B04649B2E29A.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/102F4A0F-866F-4E2F-B943-B04649B2E29A.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/197B34D1-6F9F-4F6F-A6F7-361DE2C76C6E.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/197B34D1-6F9F-4F6F-A6F7-361DE2C76C6E.jpg.html)

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/48096EF6-48DB-4517-92EF-8562FDA676AB.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/48096EF6-48DB-4517-92EF-8562FDA676AB.jpg.html)

Me and my bro's!!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9F43574D-E5D4-4114-9B7F-DC95B4F70981.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/9F43574D-E5D4-4114-9B7F-DC95B4F70981.jpg.html)


And this move wouldn't be complete without me humping my smoker!!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A492FB26-D81A-4360-B6EA-F3275E3C9BFD.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A492FB26-D81A-4360-B6EA-F3275E3C9BFD.jpg.html)

[Badgoat]

First fire!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/46878576-0D10-4A1B-9457-85AF5BF67FD2.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/46878576-0D10-4A1B-9457-85AF5BF67FD2.jpg.html)

Not even 10 mins in and hitting 225!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/B7372C3A-5CFF-4AA3-A45B-32CEC7B3B350.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/B7372C3A-5CFF-4AA3-A45B-32CEC7B3B350.jpg.html)

Bottom damper only 1/2 way open.

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A5835CE3-D07C-4446-AF08-218D6242E3AC.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/A5835CE3-D07C-4446-AF08-218D6242E3AC.jpg.html)

Maintaining temps

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/16DE3A4A-1D20-4E48-8DD8-C170178EAEC1.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/16DE3A4A-1D20-4E48-8DD8-C170178EAEC1.jpg.html)

Spreading it all out...certainly have room to spare!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/DBF15571-C853-4D74-94F4-001B1BD3362D.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/DBF15571-C853-4D74-94F4-001B1BD3362D.jpg.html)

2hrs in...looking good

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/20403C43-AC1A-4224-8831-BFB4B55C57F2.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/20403C43-AC1A-4224-8831-BFB4B55C57F2.jpg.html)

[isuhunter]

Very cool thread!!! I'm so tempted to do the same someday!

[Badgoat]

Another win!!! My grease drain is working!!

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee507/matlockdale/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/F7D32645-86FB-40BF-8389-AC4A9B74732A.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/matlockdale/media/BBQ%20Pit%20Build/F7D32645-86FB-40BF-8389-AC4A9B74732A.jpg.html)

[BamaQue]

Man, how absolutely gratifying it must be to see all that hard work begin paying off. I have really enjoyed watching this thread progress and, like I've said previously, my hat is off to you for producing such an excellent smoker.
I just have one question. What's that nasty square-shaped ashy stuff sitting beneath your wood in the first fire pic??!! :shock::laugh:

[Badgoat]

Hahaha, yeah...I took some recommendations on using one chimney full of charcoal just to get that coal bed initiated and get the pit up to temp. I may try it without in the future. Now that this thing is sealed up pretty good and runs like a champ. But I think having that coal bed to start it off really helps. :wink:

[m-fine]

It is great to see this thing come together for you.

It looks like you have the airflow right about where it should be. You don't want to close it down much more than that and cause the fire to smolder and give off bitter smoke. You can run more open or even wide open and have a lot more airflow but that will generally dry the meat more and use up more fuel without much benefit. Keep doin what ya doin and tell us how it tastes.

[bjarolim]

If u get a 2nd piece of expanded metal and place on top of your coal grate and make it to where its offset a little so the holes don't line up with each other it will help alot for some hot coals not to drop thru the expanded metal while still red. Just a thought tho

[Bperkins01]

How ever the final results?
btw: you have me welder shopping and video watching..
thx

[m-fine]

How ever the final results?
btw: you have me welder shopping and video watching..
thx

When welder shopping and getting advice to buy the biggest most powerful welder on the market, keep in mind that Mr. Goat built his smoker with an inexpensive and low powered Lincoln 140 running off household 120v outlets.

Personally, I would prefer something with a bit more power and a longer duty cycle for a project that size, but you don't need it. In a production shop every minute costs money, but for a home hobbyist, taking your time and spending the money elsewhere may make more sense. Especially if you don't already have a 50 amp 220 circuit handy. If you do have the power and extra cash, I would suggest a Miller 211 and then I would suggest you sell it to me cheap when your smoker is done. :biggrin:

[Bperkins01]

TOO FUNNY!
I've been wanting to learn to weld for a while. This thread just hit me the right way for some reason. Not like I haven't seen many build threads...
My early research brought me to the Miller 211! Just looks like the right balance for home use and having the ability to do thicker materials.

Making a 50A 220 Circuit = simple :) The box in my shop is full.. I'll have to juggle a few wires onto a double breaker for the 120's to clear 2 slots..

Like everything - there are a lot of details. There is a local welding class starting in the fall.. I'm going to sign up for it I think.. I don't know what I don't know.. Just don't want to do stupid things.. I was looking at cutters - Plasma = nice but Oxy/Act seems to be more versatile?

[Badgoat]

M-fine is absolutely correct, had I had a 220v outlet and the funds I would have went with something bigger I'm sure, but this project is probably the biggest thing I see me doing. And knowing that I am just a home hobbyist I am fine with that. I did hit the duty cycle a bit, especially on the FB, but when I did, it was only an 8minute wait, I would clean up my shop, or find something else that needed cutting/grinding (there was ALWAYS something else to do!) and then just get back to it. So I personally didn't find it that distracting/cumbersome.

As far as learning to weld...I literally just watched Youtube videos, flux core welding, gas welding, beginner tips to MIG welding, techniques, etc...I googled everything and like on page 1 of my thread I took a picture of "My first bead ever". My initial welds were somewhat lackluster, but once I got past the "OMG hot slag all over me, ARC flash, etc" butterflies it really comes naturally and you begin to "hear" what is correct in terms of heat/wire speed...that bacon sizzling sound is what comes to mind.

If you stick to a 110v welder, everything I have read says stick to flux core for better penetration and better application (wind blowing shielding gas, etc) and I would say I agree with that.

I was quite happy with my Lincoln Electric Pro Mig 140 and never found myself frustrated with it. Just my .02. Obviously, your wants and needs will dictate which path to take and what you need to get.

I say, just jump in there. I am soooooo happy I did. This forum and the fine people that belong to it never left me wanting/guessing. I always had the support I needed, the PM's giving guidance, and helpful suggestions. I would say this process is best learned by just DOING.

In terms of cutters...man....I would totally get a Plasma cutter if I could, good cutting power, neat/clean. That is my next "tool" I must have. I must have gone through 150 grinding/cutting wheels on my 4 1/2" angle grinder from HF, lol. And I got the carpal tunnel now to prove it! haha.

I fully intend on typing up a post of my learning experiences that I had along the way, things I think I could have done differently, what worked, what didn't, etc...

As far as my first cook, I can't begin to describe how delicious those ribs were. I used my usual rubs that I always use but my Q came out completely different. Cleaner tasting, and more pronounced? Not sure how else to describe it. I just know that I am a believer in them. I LOVED tending to my pit and the fire. I know it sounds cheesy, but having built this thing with my own two hands, the sweat of my brow, and some blood and then firing this thing up, feeding it on an hourly basis and eating some delicious food...it was a surreal and proud moment that I can't put into words.

Hopefully this helps you out and like I said...I will follow up with more pics and a lessons learned post. Please ask if you need ANYTHING at all!

Dale

[Bperkins01]

Nice Job! Really inspirational. I already have a 120G reverse flow..
I just want to make one now - there are things I would change after using it for the last few years.

[USMC]

Congrats on getting it finished! Looks like you did an awesome job! Your thread has been a great read. :thumb:

[520smokers]

Now the million dollar question.......what was the total cost of this build?

[Kernscookin]

I am wondering that too. How much did you spend on the steel for this project?

[Badgoat]

So, the best way to answer this question is 2 ways. Due to the fact that when I started this I had NOTHING...no tools (welder, air compressor, angle grinder, masks, discs, magnets, levels, etc), workbench, consumables, etc...NOTHING. So there was a significant cost associated with start up...

1)Tank: $120/ Steel: $550/ Misc Parts (Drains, tires, bolts, etc): $150=$820

2)Tools:
-Welder: $550
-Air compressor: $200
-Bench Vise: $70
-Bench Grinder: $60
-Angle Grinder x2: $70
-Welding Hood: $60
-Gloves x3: $65
-Welding Magnets: $50
-Various rulers/levels/angles: $40
-Hole Saw kit: $40
-Step Bits: $20
-Quick Clamps: $50

3)Consumables
-Cutting wheels (used 150): $130
-Flap Disks: $30
-Flux Core wire: $120
-Wire Brushes: $10
-Paint: $50
-Paint Stripper: $25

4)Borrowed from friends
-Cherry Picker: Valued at $200
-2 Ton floor jack: Valued at $70

5)Optional (which I needed to acquire wood to feed this thing)
-Chain Saw: $350
-Chain saw kevlar pants: $65
-Beer: PRICELESS!!!!!
-Patient Wife: Again...Priceless!!!


GRAND TOTAL: $2,805 to buy everything I needed from absolute ground zero
GRAND TOTAL: $820 if you have everything already

Price of a Lang 60" model which is comparable to this 120gal pit (I think anyways looking at the specs/measurements): $3,795

Hope that breakdown of what I paid helps you out in the decision making

[Bperkins01]

Nice job ;)

[Towen7]

Dammit ... I really don't need a new project/hobby right now but this thread is making it really hard to resist.

Thanks for the inspiration and great work!

[Bperkins01]

Dammit ... I really don't need a new project/hobby right now but this thread is making it really hard to resist.

Thanks for the inspiration and great work!
Tell me about it - I already have a 120G RF! ;)

[Badgoat]

I know this thread is somewhat old...But I got a GoPro from my folks this year for Christmas and made a couple little videos explaining my smoker, startup, fire management, etc....My first videos, no editing, so meh....enjoy! Thought it would be neat to throw them onto this thread to see where the build started and ended up =-]

120g Reverse Flow startup - YouTube

120g Reverse Flow cook - YouTube

Dale

[Kyle Hasty]

Just read this from the first page to last, and watched the videos, nice work! Very informative and inspirational! You have done great work! Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

I have most of the tools/equipment to get dangerous and found myself eyeballing some of my 'excess cookers' I could sell to buy materials and a few more tools.

Again, sweet build/thread! This is what this site is all about! You should be proud, commendable!

[SmittyJonz]

:clap2:

[Badgoat]

Absolutely Kyle, glad you enjoyed it :-D.

I appreciate the comments.

[GLOCKer]

Ugh. This makes me want to do stupid things!!!! LOL

[DownHomeQue]

Nice work.. Beaut of a Smoker!

[lwdbo1]

:clap2::clap2:

[Chitown_hillbilly]

Congrats Badgoat!

I'm impressed how much better your welds got.

[bgross88]

I'm glad this thread got bumped the other day. I just read every post in this thread. Heck of a cooker! I'm beyond impressed with it.

Congrats on a great job!!!!

[Badgoat]

Hey guys thanks a lot! I appreciate the comments. I intend on doing another "more refined" video explaining a little more in depth the details of my cooker, some lessons learned, fire management. Now that I have had a good number of cooks under my belt with this cooker I would say I have this thing down and am truly my own "pitmaster" so to speak.

It's amazing what you learn when doing a "block party" or inviting your entire department from work over and cooking mass quantity. Or how weather attributes, or just simply how you made the fire to begin with...

So more to follow!

Dale

[smokin'hoogie]

Awesome thread badgoat. Really liked reading all the detail and sharing your stuggles during this build. The math portion was particularly entertaining! I hunt and fish with a bunch of engineers and they got a kick out of it. M-fine. nice job of talking him off the ledge in those dark hours of the build and all the other knowledgeable supportive fellow brethren with their helpful positive input. When you thought the fabrication had gone wrong and possibly crooked in the early stages, you simply rationalized it down to " I meant to do that", I thought that was hilarious and legendary. I was going to chime in and use an analogy about my sister bringing home this little nutty golden lab rescue (BLUE). He was cute, a little rambunctious and literally had a cock-eyed crooked mouth/smile which made me laugh. Yes he had a minor visual flaw that made him unique and most importantly that flaw was there for her to enjoy. She raised him in NYC so he's a city dog who gets to go to the ocean in THE HAMPTONS a few times a year. He is the most awesome dog as far as disposition and personality and that crooked snout is the cherry on top.Much like the beast you may have felt the was a flaw yet it didnt affect functionality, and you rolled with it. You know its there but enjoy its uniqueness. Remember,... you created that inperfection not some guy named xing po zhong in a factory in taiwan.

I'd like to see some briskets come off of that maybe a whole hog!!

great job great thread!!!!!

[Badgoat]

OMGosh....Smokin' Hoogie you couldn't have hit the nail on the head more. Man I remember those times. I specifically remember when I thought I made my CC half moon opening too small and was "seriously" sickened by the thought that my smoker wouldn't work and I would have a 1200lb lawn ornament. Holy cow what a moment that was...I was sweating bullets the first time I fired that thing up, lol.

And yeah that Firebox fiasco...sheesh....But I reverse "engineered" that and on the outside of the box I just laid a big ol' fat bead down in one continuous run and wouldn't ya know that the weight of the box and the heat combined drew that sucker back into alignment, hahaha.

And another valid point...there is just something about knowing that you made something so awesome with your own two hands. And the folks here for sure kept me out of the looney bin!

So many good memories....man now I want to go cook something. In fact, I agree with ya bud...a Brisket is in order!!

Dale

[TuscaloosaQ]

Man that is one totally jam up build.. seriously you did a bang up job all the way around
And have something to be totally proud of.....you need a job......:):clap2:

[Badgoat]

Haha, coming from you, that means a lot brother!! Seriously, thank you.

I still need to figure out a better way to make this thing better in terms of mobility. I don't want it trailer mounted per say. So my thoughts are like a "golf cart" axle type setup and mount that under the FB. Just haven't figured out a "cheap" easy way to accomplish it yet. And then to configure the front end to I can turn the tires. Because the way it is right now with those casters under the fire box, they just dig into the grass and can't really move it. I'm sure with some brainstorming I'll figure it out, lol.

I'll hit ya up in 10yrs when I'm done with my military obligations, lol.

[m-fine]

Just noticed this thread was updated, and with videos!

Looking back (page 7, post 99), July 1st was your first test fire before construction was complete. At that time you had no idea how to run an offset or if your design would work. Now less than 8 months later it looks like you are the master of a fine machine! Congrats!

My suggestion on mobility would be to add weight to the nose and ditch the casters under the firebox. The big question is what to use for weight. I would suggest a ceramic kamado, but you seem to have enough charcoal burners already, so how about mounting a propane griddle like a blackstone opposite the fire box? The weight of a griddle and a propane tank should be plenty to keep it from being tippy, and there is the added benefit of having another very useful cooking toy.

One other thought watching your workflow...you need a shelf. Use a little expanded metal and make yourself a shelf under the door opening where you can set down your trays of food. You can make it fixed or fold down if space is a concern. Just make sure you mount low enough so the door can open or close with a butt or brisket sitting there. I have one on each side of the Lang and they get a lot of use holding food, tools, rubs, mops, oil, trays, sampling knife, etc. during any cook.