Much of my smoking takes less than 5 hours and there is always plenty of usable charcoal left in the PBC when the cook is done. From day one, I've been snuffing the fire by removing the bars and covering the holes with magnetic tape. (I also put a magnet strip on the lower air intake). That has worked quite well but the heat from the fire makes the magnetic tape weak and too flexible... it degrades over time and needs to be replaced a few times a year. (see pic 1)
I have come up with a mod for the PBC that ensures a long term solution and also gives me the benefit of keeping proper air flow on those cooks that I'm not hanging meat, but am using the grates instead. (the rebar covers about 50% of the hole when it's in place).
I used some 1 inch blanks from an electric box I purchased from Home Depot for $2.99, some 3/4 inch pan head screws with nuts, some 1/4 x 1/2 inch springs and washers. Drill a few holes and 'voila', no more magnets.
The pics tell the story but now, I can remove the rebar at the end of the cook and just rotate the blanks up into place. I did have to bend the blanks just a hair for them to remain flat against the side of the PBC. I did not anticipate this problem when the design sprang into being in my head, but a quick clamp in the vise and some minor taps with the ball peen hammer and the problem was solved.
I figured the spring loading idea was good enough to put them on the lower intake too... this should allow me to rotate the vent open or (mostly) closed as needed without loosening the screw inside.
Check it out...
I have come up with a mod for the PBC that ensures a long term solution and also gives me the benefit of keeping proper air flow on those cooks that I'm not hanging meat, but am using the grates instead. (the rebar covers about 50% of the hole when it's in place).
I used some 1 inch blanks from an electric box I purchased from Home Depot for $2.99, some 3/4 inch pan head screws with nuts, some 1/4 x 1/2 inch springs and washers. Drill a few holes and 'voila', no more magnets.
The pics tell the story but now, I can remove the rebar at the end of the cook and just rotate the blanks up into place. I did have to bend the blanks just a hair for them to remain flat against the side of the PBC. I did not anticipate this problem when the design sprang into being in my head, but a quick clamp in the vise and some minor taps with the ball peen hammer and the problem was solved.
I figured the spring loading idea was good enough to put them on the lower intake too... this should allow me to rotate the vent open or (mostly) closed as needed without loosening the screw inside.
Check it out...
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