Got my 250 tank and My first build begins udate 6/03/09

[bigsal51]

I picked up my tank this morning and i am happy with the condition. I paid 100$ and he gave me some wood so i can burn it after i cut the doors in the morning. I want a double grading and i measured the doors and tryed to use most of the tank if you can see the the markings do you think i can fit the two gradings or do i have to go lower or should i go higher from the bottom. I didnt start from the middle of the top i started 4inches from the middle pad eyes. Then came down. past middle of the tank to the weld.


Filling up with water after presurewashing the inside at the carwash.

[JamesB]

Looks to be a fun project! What is the diameter of the tank? Just from the pics, I think you should have no problem getting two levels of grates in it...

[OSD]

Lookin' good. Looking forward to more pics of the progress of the build.

[DJ]

Should make you a really nice smoker!
dj

[bigsal51]

I got my tank cut this morning. it looks good.
First pic i was hiding behind my truck. I powerwashed the inside with engine degreaser and it seemed to work. The welder had no problems.





my longhorn looks small beside the tank









Thight squeeze to the backyard

[JamesB]

Yep, that's gonna be a good sized pit!

[bigsal51]

Alright this is my new score for my smoker. It is a 6' by 20" dia pipe. IT was free . The question is I need a fire chamber and was needing ideas for the fire chamber. I took the picture of that smoker in the bottom at our yard in Tyler. I thought i can do that if i can cut at least the diameter of the tank. The tank is 30" dia should i do that or should I cut a 4 ft section and weld square tubing into the chamber from the back of the smoker instead of making an offset.How much of the fire camber do i need and design whould help. Ideas guys thanks.

[OSD]

If you put the firebox in back, check out DPP smokers for ideas and set-up.
here's a link to their site...............

http://diamondplateproducts.com/

If you use it to build a reg. offset, I would think you would need 24" to 30" section for the firebox.

[bigsal51]

Does anyone have a steam system like that diamond products smoker. Is it legal in compitions?

[DATsBBQ]

Kingfisher has a steam system, and I seen them at comps. As long as the steam isn't heated with gas, I wouldn't think its a problem.

And to think the Mrs says I have too much yard art I'll refer her to the pic of your backyard next time she brings it up

[bigsal51]

I think I am going to run with that idea. I like the firebox in the back of the smoker. I might try to build it with a steam box.

[bigsal51]

Didnt have such a productive day today. I had machanical failer. My 20$ harbor freight grinder burnt out today. I was cutting the firebox opening and it pooped out. So I went to Northern tools to look for a new grinder and found one for 37$ it better last me as long as my 20$ grinder I had that thing for 5yrs and did its job till today.









Then I was trying to fill the holes on the top of the smoker and the cheap sears 95amp stick welder kept on tripping my breaker. I couldnt run a 1inch bead without stopping. I was using the 5/64 6013 but they just left a small bead. So i used the 3/32 7014 and it seamed to work better and not flip my breaker. That breaker ticked me off today my welds looked terrible. I guess I cant complain for a 150$ welder.I am going to grind those weld down in the morning and make them look flush.

[JamesB]

You'll be cooking in no time!

[Southern Pride BBQ]

Thats alot of work. Im glad i got mine built. I got impatient there at the end, but afterwards I noticed all the details that go into making a pit and took that into consideration.

[NewBQ]

If I could weld I might take on a build maybe a miniature pit. might take about a year!