Looking for the experts thoughts...

Custom manufactured BBQ Pits, Do-it-Yourself projects, parts and ideas.

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dandrews
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Looking for the experts thoughts...

Postby dandrews » Sun Apr 02, 2017 4:26 pm

Hey guys....

Looking at starting my own trailer BBQ. I was planning on using 4 metal barrels. 2 of them will be butted up to each other for a standard charcoal BBQ. Very straight forward in that regard. The other 2 barrels I was going to make into a smoker. Going to weld them together, one without a lid and then cut a crescent into the bottom of the other barrel. And then put a chimney on the other side. The chimney will have a damper built in to control air flow and heat. Just curious as to what your thoughts are on this. Thanks fellas!!!
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k.a.m.
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Re: Looking for the experts thoughts...

Postby k.a.m. » Sun Apr 02, 2017 5:36 pm

I am not a big fan of barrels as dedicated smokers the thickness just isn't there for the time invested.
I am also not a big fan of using my exhaust as my heat control i prefer my firebox intakes and leave my exhaust wide open.
If I were you I would look at getting at least 1/4" pipe for my cookers.
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.



My Hybrid cooker.
Competition trailer #2.
dandrews
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Re: Looking for the experts thoughts...

Postby dandrews » Sun Apr 02, 2017 7:55 pm

Is that because the barrel is too thin to sustain multiple burns? The metal will begin failing before you have gained enough burns out of it...
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Re: Looking for the experts thoughts...

Postby k.a.m. » Mon Apr 03, 2017 5:48 am

dandrews wrote:Is that because the barrel is too thin to sustain multiple burns? The metal will begin failing before you have gained enough burns out of it...

Fatigue is one reason the other is heat loss because of the thin metal.
I consider the drum cookers like you see at HEB and other stores commonly called the "Texas Hibachi" great grills for their price and I have built quite a few but I would not consider it for long term service on a trailer rig.
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.



My Hybrid cooker.
Competition trailer #2.
dandrews
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Re: Looking for the experts thoughts...

Postby dandrews » Tue Apr 11, 2017 7:41 pm

Went out and got a former high pressure air tank. Pretty heavy duty. At least 1/4" steel if not 3/8". Still working on getting a trailer before I have to buy new. Pretty sure I've decided to turn this into a smoker and then build a separate charcoal BBQ. What are everybody's thoughts on piping smoke from the firebox into the cook chamber rather then having them directly connected?
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k.a.m.
Chuck Wagon
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Re: Looking for the experts thoughts...

Postby k.a.m. » Tue Apr 11, 2017 8:44 pm

I prefer direct connection. Piping can cause restriction in air flow.
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.



My Hybrid cooker.
Competition trailer #2.

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