Used pit modification suggestions

[ReynoldsInTexas]

Hey all, hoping to glean some ideas from your knowledge and experience. I'm rearing and ready to work on it but somewhat unsure of what mods to make to improve it. This is my first offset smoker - I'm hoping to be able to smoke using the offset but then also be able to but fire on the cookbox side and grill.

Here is Feldon's on it - Link to BBQ Pit Calculator

The main thing I noticed on the Feldon's is that the firebox-to-cook is pretty big. I'm planning on putting a grease trap there which will reduce it some (or could reduce it to the correct size). What are the effects of too large of a firebox-to-cook opening?

Also the chimney height is too small (only 21 inches) - not sure what i'm going to do about that, either get a bigger pipe or extend it i guess. I may see how it does and mod that later.

I guess I just wanted to see what y'all thought and what you would do to it.

[k.a.m.]

What are the firebox, cook chamber and exhaust dimensions?

[ReynoldsInTexas]

k.a.m.,

Here is the feldons on it - Link to BBQ Pit Calculator

Firebox is 16" round pipe with flat caps and 24" wide.
Cooker is 20" round pipe with flat caps and 28.5" wide.
Inlet is about 6.5" wide by 9" tall.
Exhaust is square tubing about 2.75"x2.75" inside dimension and is 21" high.
The fire to cookbox area is 86 sq.in.

[k.a.m.]

Do you have the means to modify it?
If so I would change out the exhaust to 4" round 24" tall or 3" ID square to 25" tall.
Firebox to cook chamber If I am seeing it correctly I would close in the top to at least grate height then add a 6" deflector slanted down about 15° to 25° plus a grease bridge. I would be working on this to try to get as close to calculator numbers as possible.

[ReynoldsInTexas]

I've got enough to do some damage, little 115V mig, a cutting torch, and a angle grinder. Should be able to do most stuff.

The deflector plate - is that to block some of the direct heat from the coal bed? I'll definitely do that. I need to add a grease trap on bottom of firebox to cooker hole and i'll do the deflector at the same time.

Got to see what i have in scrap pile for the exhaust stack. I should have something that can make the equation work. I think

Thank you for the input!!!

[k.a.m.]

I've got enough to do some damage, little 115V mig, a cutting torch, and a angle grinder. Should be able to do most stuff.

The deflector plate - is that to block some of the direct heat from the coal bed? Yes this will push the heat/smoke down and help it distribute better. Keep in mind this is a small chamber and can be challenging to keep even temps. I'll definitely do that. I need to add a grease trap on bottom of firebox to cooker hole and i'll do the deflector at the same time.

Got to see what i have in scrap pile for the exhaust stack. I should have something that can make the equation work. I think

Thank you for the input!!!

[ReynoldsInTexas]

Well I guess worst case I end up with just BBQ with an extra side for smaller or bigger gatherings. I'll give 'er a rip and see how she does.

[k.a.m.]

Well I guess worst case I end up with just BBQ with an extra side for smaller or bigger gatherings. I'll give 'er a rip and see how she does.

Oh you will be able to smoke on it.
You may have to rotate the meat a little and keep your coal base at the opposite end of the cook chamber.

[ReynoldsInTexas]

Trusty metal pile didn't fail me - found a section of ≈4" ID pipe. Going to go with your suggestion of 24" length for that chimney pipe.

[ReynoldsInTexas]

Got a few mods done yesterday. Had to work in the sun as my workshop is currently full of my wife & her dad's pop-up camper renovation.

Firebox to cooker opening:
Reduced from approximately 86 sq inches to around 40 (calculator shows 36 is ideal)

Chimney:
Replaced 3" square tubing with a 4"ID round pipe. Cut it at 25" from top of where it hits cooker.

[hogaboomer]

That looks pretty good! How did you get the cope on the smoke stack?

[ReynoldsInTexas]

Torch and grinder. To line it out I held it up level on my new shelf and just kind of eyed the arc with some chalk then copied the arc around the other side. Beginners luck I think, but I had 10 ft of pipe i figured if i got it too wrong i could try again and do it smart and slow the 2nd time. Worked out! The bottom 3 inches didn't fit just right. After i welded top I had to do a little torch and hammer on it to get it close for weld.

[hogaboomer]

Worked out pretty good!

[k.a.m.]

Very nice fit up. You got her going your way now.

[ReynoldsInTexas]

Very nice fit up. You got her going your way now.

Thanks for the technical (and moral) support! both k.a.m. & hogaboomer!

I finally fit some bar across the top of cooker door where there was no kind of seal, kind of had to puzzle it in there and fill in the gaps. And the door even still opens.

And I found some old rusty 3/16" (i think) diamond plate to use for a heat shield like you suggested k.a.m. Didn't have anything else that was very thick.

Hoping to season it and use this weekend to grill and then maybe a smoker test run to see how she holds temps.