My first smoker (bandera style), pics and first run...

[chicagokp]

Hardly looks like the same cooker. Nice job on the cleanup!

[Bigo181979]

Originally Posted by dmprantz

For the fold down shelf, I bought some locking shelf hinges at woodcraft and put framed expando on them.

For propane I'd recommend you at least consider getting a chimney lighter. You can use that with paraffin, newspaper, or a propane camp stove. You can also use the parading starters (I buy them at the depot) right in the firebox. If you really want propane in the firebox buy a log lighter. I use New Braunfels "diamond fire" propane mod. Still have one in the box.

For the shelves, two main ways to achieve that. The easiest is to buy commercial racks with hooks if you can find some that fit. The other is to weld angle iron above the runners, close to the door.

good info, thanks, i will be headed to home depot saturday to check on those hinges, and a few other things.