My First Smoker Build

[fshnrob]

I finally found a propane tank for a good price, so my dream pit build has begun. I found a 7ft long x 25in diameter tank for $30, and I have spent the last 3 weeks flushing it out and letting it soak full of water and Dawn soap.


Today I took the big leap and cut my doors. It was a little nerve racking at first, but I didn't loose any fingers, or hair, so I considered my purging of the old propane successful.


Now I'm cutting out the thread bosses, and will weld up the holes for a smooth finish. Then I will build the 24x24x24 fire box.

More pics as progress is made.....

[fshnrob]

Brought my material home today, 1/2 in plate for the firebox, 3/16 plate for the upright smoke chamber, firebox grate, and 6in pipe for smoke stack. Now the fun begins...



This is what I'm shooting for, except with a square firebox.....

[FR8 Train]

I was scrolling down looking at the pics before I did any reading and was shocked at the end product....until I realised you had inserted the pic of the gator to show what you were aiming for. I was thinking wow he skipped a few steps there.

[atcNick]

Looking forward to seeing the progress. How do you move those heavy sheets of steel around? How big are they and how much are they costing?


-Nick

[fshnrob]

Looking forward to seeing the progress. How do you move those heavy sheets of steel around? How big are they and how much are they costing?


-Nick

I'm moving them with a Kubota tractor, and the 1/2in is 4x8, and the 3/16, one is 5x5, and the other is 3x9. I have gotten real lucky with this build so far. I work at a steel mill so I am able to get finished steel, and scrap steel (which is what all of this is) for a real good price. So far I have a grand total of $30 in material. I will keep a running total, just to see how much I end up spending. I know once I start the trailer, my material cost will go up, but I figure I will be able to complete this project for under $500.

[atcNick]

I'll give you $600 for it! LOL

[fshnrob]

LMAO!!! I bet you would... I feel this will be in the family for many years to come, or at least until I build a bigger one.

[Americana Cookers]

Looking forward to seeing the progress, good luck!

[fshnrob]

I got a little work done today.
First I welded up and smoothed out the holes that were left from the threaded bosses for the valves, and then cut off the round ends.


Then I cut 3 of the firebox panels, out of the 1/2 plate.


Tomorrow I will begin building the firebox, and smoke cabinet.
One extra benefit to cutting the ends off, is I now have the material for two disc cookers.

[fshnrob]

I got some work done on my firebox today.

[fshnrob]

Firebox is almost complete. Still needs to have the corners ground smooth, and hinges welded on, but the fab work is almost done.
Top firebox grill door


Angle in place for wood grate


Door cut and fitted, still some work to go here


I should be able to finish the box on my next set of days off, and weld it to the main chamber.

[HarvestMoon]

Looking good.

[jtilk]

Very nice.

[bruno994]

Looking good. That is one heck of a firebox. Hefty, very hefty.

[fshnrob]

Looking good. That is one heck of a firebox. Hefty, very hefty.

Thanks, yeah it's not much fun moving it around, and I probably won't mount the doors, or install the grills until after it's welded to the main chamber. That will remove close to 100lbs, and make it a little more manageable.