What $200 can do for you!

[Iron Ranger]

I watch Diners, Driv-ins, and Dives and that barbecue competition show that was on Discovery channel, and said to myself "I need a good smoker! But where to get one? Hmm...................... I know! I'll build one!"

I looked all over google until I stumbled upon this:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/metalworking/3372796


I bought a 4X8 piece instead of the 4X10, just because I know I can make the door(s) out of the scrap from the tubes.

Anyway, all the material, parts, and paint will run me around $200 or so.

Here's the kicker: this same exact smoker retails for $800+!!!

Heck.......................with.......................that.
































Got started:

This is the half-welded fire box. It's what will hold the burning charcoal and choice of wood.

I used a template and the drag tip on the plasma cutter to cut these perfect circles (not done making a circle burner yet......). I then eyeballed the 3 holes for the flange I'll be making. Not the same as what PM made, but I believe that this is better.

Now I had to somehow transfer the 3 holes to the other side just to make things even. I didn't have any clear tracepaper on hand, so my "redneck" instincts kicked in and used the back of my gauge pod instructions!

I then ran my thumb over the edges of the paper until I could see the outlines through it, then marked and transfered the 3 locations to the other one.

More pics will come as I aquire more things to finish it!

 

[mn_smokeater]

Now that's cool!!

 

[strvger]

wow, very impressive!! i like it!

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

looking good!

 

[Hopman]

So when will you invite us out for the "baptism" of the new rig?

 

[Iron Ranger]

Here's the basic idea for the flanges. The top one will connect the wood burning chamber to the main smoker chamber and the bottom one is the exhaust.


This way, it's not made of flimsy chimney stuff and it's removeable.

Pretty cool, huh?


Oh, FYI. A circle burner for a plasma cutter runs at $127 at the cheapest. Mine utilizes a $5 bearing and a small chunk of 1/2" square stock with some drilled/tapped holes.

You'll see what I mean when I get it done!

 

[robertc1024]

Looks great - one suggestion - If you get an extra piece of sheetmetal and bend it so that it can just sit in the bottom 1/3 of your firebox, most of your ashes will fall on it and it makes the firebox much easier to clean out. It will also make the firebox last a lot longer too.

 

[Iron Ranger]

Looks great - one suggestion - If you get an extra piece of sheetmetal and bend it so that it can just sit in the bottom 1/3 of your firebox, most of your ashes will fall on it and it makes the firebox much easier to clean out. It will also make the firebox last a lot longer too.

I was thinking of lining the bottom with stove bricks, plus it has a 2 3/4" dampner at the bottom too. Should be easy to clean out.

 

[Iron Ranger]

Update!

The welded and high temp painted exhaust pipe.

The coupler to connect the smoke chamber to the main chamber.

Started on the frame that'll cradle the main chamber.

The little smoke chamber.

 

[Iron Ranger]

Update 2

 

[LearjetMinako]

I use to build those in welding class. And you are right, they are much cheaper to build than to buy. And the ones you do build, last longer since the metal isn't so thin. But, you gotta have the equipment to start off with first.

So when is the big BBQ?

 

[Hopman]

So when is the big BBQ?

Oddly enough, I was thinking the exact same thing!

The next TRS BBQ Bash? I'm in.

 

[Iron Ranger]

I use to build those in welding class. And you are right, they are much cheaper to build than to buy. And the ones you do build, last longer since the metal isn't so thin. But, you gotta have the equipment to start off with first.

So when is the big BBQ?

As far as the equipment goes, the guy who wrote the DIY said that it was $200 for the metal, have it cut to length, and the 2 pieces rolled. So for the average joe who has access to welding equipment, it's still much cheaper than to buy a GOOD one (none of those $20 electric water.....steam...........smoke garbage)


Plus, since the belly of this thing is deep, I can cap off the smoke port and run straight charcoal in the main body if I so desired. But it's gonna be hard enough to use the smoker in town if there's a fire ban.............









When's the first BBQ? I have no idea. I just work on this thing after work for a couple hours when it's not raining outside. I have all the major stuff done, but I still have a little ways to go in order to do it my way!

 

[robertc1024]

Looks great - I like the way you offset the firebox. Mine just bolts to the side of the cooking chamber and I had to put baffles in it to keep the radient heat from making the cooking chamber too hot on that side. I wanna see it in action!!!

 

[Iron Ranger]

My brother made a point and I agreed that the stand was just too tall, so I chopped about 6 1/2" off the leg height. I also drilled some holes in the cover and made a handle.

My new 3" temp gauge I got off eBay for $18. I wanted one of these nice colored ones that was BIG and easy to read.

And a hinge welded to the fire box door

Up next is some 1" strap to be used as a flange on the inside to help seal the door.

I'm getting there! Ribs are sounding pretty good right now..............