First smoker build

[muzzy17is]

I'm in the process of aquiring my materials to build my first smoker. I got a 250 gal propane tank and some misc stuff given to me by a co-worker. The tank is in good shape. My questions are should I go offset or reverse flow. Is a square or barrel better for the firebox and how do you know how much weight to use to counter weight the door. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go. Gonna get rolling on this thing next week as I'm on vacation.

 

[Smokin J's PIts]

My questions are should I go offset or reverse flow. This will be personal preference, each have their advantages, my suggestion is find someone who has both and cook on them.
Is a square or barrel better for the firebox, Again personal preference, some things to think about are, do you want to make the top of the firebox a cooking surface for pots, and at some time you may want to add a warming cabinet, this can be easier using a square firebox.
how do you know how much weight to use to counter weight the door, everyone has their own tricks, but what I like to do is make the counter weight out of 4" square tube that's 1/8 thick, drill a hole somewhere in the center and add sand little by little until I hit the sweet spot where its easy to lift, but doesn't compromise the door seal then weld up the hole.

 

[JohnnyB]

I have a 120 gal build that I have a square firebox on. I use the box as a stove fairly often, and the option for a warmer is always there. If you have no intention of using it for either of those, I guess it all depends on what your materials scrounging comes up with. Some guys say the round box makes it easier for a more even fire, but I find it is really easy to keep mine steady as it is. As stated above, personal preference. Ford vs. Chevy (Chevy of course).

 

[muzzy17is]

Thanks for the replys. I'm leaning towards making it an offset because I've cooked on them before. Thanks for the tip on the weight. Only other question is how far from the top off the door should the weight be attached.

 

[Smokin J's PIts]

You could place a exhaust stack at each end, and set it up for tuning plates, that way you can get the best of both worlds, using it as a rf you would be able to add water you would have to use pans if that was the route you wanted to go for that cook. For the length I figure out where I want my door, and where on the door I want to place my uprights usually with in the top 1/3 of the door, but I will measure from my door open to where it will make contact with the arch of the pit, then I double that and that will be my total length so when the door is open 1/2 way up the counterbalance its resting on the back of the pit.

 

[haunas]

Requesting pics during your build.

 

[muzzy17is]

Requesting pics during your build.

Will do

 

[muzzy17is]

Thanks Smokin J's PIts, you're a lot of help.