Part 6 covers installing counterweights to the door, completing the Firebox, and installing the reverse flow plate. View the playlist in order: • #144 Building an Offse...
Fantastic series Stephen! I’m a woodturner, but would love to get into welding like you. Your videos are always so down to earth. I’m so glad you’re back!
I have an existing smoker with 3 doors that I want to make into a reverse flow.. I see your large door made it easy to put in the plate. Since I do not have that I am thinking to cut a slot in the end and just feed the sheet in .. Thanks to your video I know I better look for any bumps on the inside! Great videos!
I didn't like to have to use the counterweights either but have to agree they are the best. I'm pretty impressed with those two HB machines you have. They are certainly doing the job. Enjoying the series, Stephen, and looking forward to the cooking series. Cheers, Lee
Thank you Lee. Yep, in the end I think they were the right choice. The Titanium MIG 140 has really performed well for this project. My Everlast is not from HF but bought from the Everlast website. It is a great machine and was a good choice for me because it wil stick and TIG weld also, if I can ever get that type welding down. I do plan to cook a little on my channel because I just love cooking.
A counterweight is the correct way to go Steve... As gas struts will wilt with the heat and springs will lose their 'memory' over time...again due to heat...🇬🇧🙂
I believe that the counterweight, when applied correctly, is supposed to be forward enough, so that when the door is closed, it actually helps hold it closed, and assists in maintaining the good, tight seal. Then when you open the door, the weight goes back far enough to hold it open. It doesn't appear that your counterweight is far enough forward to help achieve keeping the tight seal. Just an observation...
Thank you very much for your suggestion, and good luck on your build. Please be careful when you cut your tank, and make sure it is safe. I do not believe the counterweight needs to help hold the door closed. The weight of the door takes care of that by itself. Believe me there is no way the door can open without significant force being applied. I added only enough counterweight to assist lifting the door and to hold it open. Thank you very much for your comments and suggestions.
Coming together nice Steve. You know if you run across one or two of the old window weights those would work really good. I still think maybe adding a spring or two would make that door almost automated. One thing I'm wondering about is where the tubing comes off the door don't you think it would make it stronger by adding Gussets or two triangle pieces one on each side to add better security from the counterweight hitting the back. If you follow what I mean.
I have enjoyed all your videos on the project although I must confess I skip though them a bit to avoid he repetitive bits. It's amazing how liberating retirement can be assuming you are ready to get off your ass and keep moving.
Watching every minute of the series. Well thought out. What do you plan to smoke. Maybe a hog just when it was eating an apple? Do not no much about smokers, but have worked in the wood stove industry. Seems maybe you may have over adequate air intake for a smoldering smoky fire. In God we Trust.
Thank you very much. Glad you are enjoying this series. I Love to BBQ. We will see how it goes. I plan to smoke some sausages and all so we will see about that too. Take care my friend.
Thank you Doug. I think you may be right and have plans to change the drain to a larger one. My other smoker has a 3/4" drain and has never been a problem unless you do not drain while the smoker is hot. If the grease gets to cool inside the drain it will clog and must be heated back to melting before you can clear it. Thank you for your suggestion. Take care.
Thank you Travis. Nothing has warped as of yet. Of course I use it as a BBQ Smoker and not a grill. Except for seasoning at 350 F for an hour, my smoker has never seen temps above 275 F. Thank you for your question and take care.
Thank you sir for your insight. However, This smoker will hold 350 deg F for as long as I want it too. My question is, if the fire box can hold those temps, how much larger do I need to build it?
Fantastic series Stephen! I’m a woodturner, but would love to get into welding like you. Your videos are always so down to earth. I’m so glad you’re back!
Thank you Phil. I really appreciate it.
I have an existing smoker with 3 doors that I want to make into a reverse flow.. I see your large door made it easy to put in the plate. Since I do not have that I am thinking to cut a slot in the end and just feed the sheet in .. Thanks to your video I know I better look for any bumps on the inside! Great videos!
I am enjoying your build series, and I am in the process of building a smoker myself, from a 220 gallon air compressor tank.
Thank you Denis. You chose an excellent tank and I hope you enjoy your build. Take care.
Enjoying the series, Stephen. The counterweights appear to work really well!!
Thank you. They work exactly as I had hoped. Glad you are enjoying this project.
Thanks for the video. I am trying to figure out the counter weights on my doors now.
Great idea and design on the counter weight !! I'd never thought of that .
I have seen this type before and did not want to have some kind of contraption with pulleys and mechanisms. Glad you like it. Thanks for watching.
I didn't like to have to use the counterweights either but have to agree they are the best. I'm pretty impressed with those two HB machines you have. They are certainly doing the job.
Enjoying the series, Stephen, and looking forward to the cooking series.
Cheers, Lee
Thank you Lee. Yep, in the end I think they were the right choice. The Titanium MIG 140 has really performed well for this project. My Everlast is not from HF but bought from the Everlast website. It is a great machine and was a good choice for me because it wil stick and TIG weld also, if I can ever get that type welding down. I do plan to cook a little on my channel because I just love cooking.
Counterweight great idea. Have enjoyed watching you build this.
Thank you sir. Glad you are enjoying this project.
Really enjoying this build Steven! Excellent stuff.
Thank you sir. Glad you are enjoying it.
comin along fine stephen. the counterweights may look bulky, but kind of a necessary item. function overrules form sometimes!
I agree sir.
really enjoying your videos .thanks
Thank you Ron and thanks for commenting.
A counterweight is the correct way to go Steve...
As gas struts will wilt with the heat and springs will lose their 'memory' over time...again due to heat...🇬🇧🙂
It's looking well my friend all the best from Ireland
Can't wait to see you cooking on this great machine!!!
Thanks for the video!
Tom
Looking really good, Stephen. Let me know when mine is done and I'll come pick it up. LOL
Billy
LOL!! Thank you sir.
Awesome job looking great
Thank you sir. Glad you are enjoying this project.
I believe that the counterweight, when applied correctly, is supposed to be forward enough, so that when the door is closed, it actually helps hold it closed, and assists in maintaining the good, tight seal. Then when you open the door, the weight goes back far enough to hold it open. It doesn't appear that your counterweight is far enough forward to help achieve keeping the tight seal.
Just an observation...
Thank you very much for your suggestion, and good luck on your build. Please be careful when you cut your tank, and make sure it is safe. I do not believe the counterweight needs to help hold the door closed. The weight of the door takes care of that by itself. Believe me there is no way the door can open without significant force being applied. I added only enough counterweight to assist lifting the door and to hold it open. Thank you very much for your comments and suggestions.
Looking great. 👍🏻
Thank you Raymond.
Coming together nice Steve. You know if you run across one or two of the old window weights those would work really good. I still think maybe adding a spring or two would make that door almost automated. One thing I'm wondering about is where the tubing comes off the door don't you think it would make it stronger by adding Gussets or two triangle pieces one on each side to add better security from the counterweight hitting the back. If you follow what I mean.
Thank you James. Glad you are enjoying this project sir. I am going to add gussets to the counterweight just as you suggest.
Looking great
Thank you Mark. Take care.
I have enjoyed all your videos on the project although I must confess I skip though them a bit to avoid he repetitive bits. It's amazing how liberating retirement can be assuming you are ready to get off your ass and keep moving.
How thick is the bottom plate? I am about to start a build myself and like your videos and design. Nice and simple!
Thank you Rick. Glad you are enjoying this series. The reverse plate is 3/16 sheet. I hope this helps. Good luck on your build.
Watching every minute of the series. Well thought out. What do you plan to smoke. Maybe a hog just when it was eating an apple? Do not no much about smokers, but have worked in the wood stove industry. Seems maybe you may have over adequate air intake for a smoldering smoky fire. In God we Trust.
Thank you very much. Glad you are enjoying this series. I Love to BBQ. We will see how it goes. I plan to smoke some sausages and all so we will see about that too. Take care my friend.
What's good Stephen
Is the diameter of the drain plug too small? I was expecting to see something 2-3" in diameter so that it would not plug up with ash and pork skin.
Thank you Doug. I think you may be right and have plans to change the drain to a larger one. My other smoker has a 3/4" drain and has never been a problem unless you do not drain while the smoker is hot. If the grease gets to cool inside the drain it will clog and must be heated back to melting before you can clear it. Thank you for your suggestion. Take care.
Awesome work 👍🏽 did the metal for the vent warp when the heat got to it?
Thank you Travis. Nothing has warped as of yet. Of course I use it as a BBQ Smoker and not a grill. Except for seasoning at 350 F for an hour, my smoker has never seen temps above 275 F. Thank you for your question and take care.
Looking awesome. When does the menu planning start?
Very soon I hope. Thanks for commenting.
What are the specs on your welder and plasma cutter?
Sorry to tell you but! That firebox is way too small for that size of chamber!
Thank you sir for your insight. However, This smoker will hold 350 deg F for as long as I want it too. My question is, if the fire box can hold those temps, how much larger do I need to build it?
So are you enjoying retirement?
ABSOLUTELY!!! Thank you.