New Project

[Huskee]

Forgive me if this is obvious to you, but just in case... make sure to have a slight slope to your grease drain. Many manufactures will mount the units at a slight angle instead of level.

[Huskee]

Ahumadora Not enough to be visible & unsightly, just enough to drain grease or better yet condensation that, when not caught, can lead to mold.

[Ahumadora]

I am an engineer. I can be 20 ft away from a project and tell the guy building it "that's not square" and sure enough when he measures it is out of whack 1/4". Years of building has given me a knack for this. For me a pit this big is not going to throw out much grease. my 2 cents.

[Huskee]

Ahumadora Fair enough. Not everyone has a hill in their yard though, or worries if their smoker is 1/4" slanted since it's with purpose. I personally feel it's a useful subtle feature, as do many makers.

[Mudkat]

Yes sir! Are we naming this bad boy?

[gijsveltman]

Yes we are! But I haven't decided on a name. I'm sure it will come up eventually when I get the crew together for the first Q with it!

[Huskee]

I like Baltassar (Ball-tuh-zarr) as a stickburner name.

[Huskee]

Heard it in a movie, thought it sounded big & tough, humorously so. gijsveltman

[gijsveltman]

Huskee It shall be taken into consideration!

[FireMan]

I like Fred.

[JCBBQ]

I mean..."JCBBQ" just sort of flows off the tongue, no? Also very easy to translate into Spanish.

[gijsveltman]

Firebox is attached! Only minor details and paint left to tackle!

[Mudkat]

Looking good! Where did you get the tank?

[gijsveltman]

Mudkat I got in on a Craigslist like website down here

[Mudkat]

Gotcha. I got mine on Craigslist too. Can't wait to see your cooks on this bad boy!

[DWCowles]

Looks great so far

[FireMan]

It is now starting to look like a mean smokin mochine. Good work, keep it up.

Still like Fred.

[RonB]

This whole post is enjoyable.

[gijsveltman]

First fire today, to see how it performed. Door is a little leaky, so I'm going to order some gasket to install. I also noticed it was hotter near the exhaust than near the firebox, which I found odd. I don't know if it has something to do with the fact the grease drain is near the firebox and missing the plug, it's just and inch-and-a-half hole right now, so there could be some heat drain. Or maybe the baffle we installed is too long. I also noticed that some smoke came out the firebox door (I plan on cooking with the door open), and I don't know if it is because it is not pulling properly as it still has some leaks and holes, if this is normal, or because it was really green wood belching out lots and lots of white dirty smoke. I didn't have time to go home and change, so I'm at the office with a real heavy smoke aroma right now!

Later today we're painting, installing the thermometer and wheels. And I think we may be done, aside from the gasket which I have to order.

[RonB]

Looking great! Keep us posted.

[MeatMonster]

Cool!

[DWCowles]

You want be able to stop all of the leaks but that’s ok because it’s normal for a stickburner to leak some.

[gijsveltman]

Huskee thanks! This was just a trial run at the workshop, I can't wait to have it home and start tinkering with it.

[DWCowles]

It could also be since the exhaust end is slightly higher due to the drain hole being at the firebox end. Heat rises. I prefer the drain to be on the opposite end of the firebox.

[gijsveltman]

DWCowles you are right, it is a little uneven. But it’s the floor at the workshop, it will be level at home

[Mudkat]

How 'bout this for a name? Log Hog?

[Mudkat]

Great build!

[Ribmaster]

Great! I have a machine shop and we’ll follow your progress with interest. We plan to build one soon.

[Rjwade]

This is a project I've wanted to take on for a long time. Anxious to see your final product.