New Project

[Grubmaster]

Gonna watch this. Should be interesting.

[Ahumadora]

If you still have it at the shop weld an X on the inside of the firebox door to help stop it curling up like a potato chip when it gets heat on it. 1 1/2x 1/4" flatbar on edge will work fine. Also raise your fire grate up 2-3" off the floor of the firebox to allow air under the fire. Have you added a door seal to the main door?. Yes block the grease drain before you light the next fire in it. (you can prop it up on some firebricks for now.

[gijsveltman]

It's still at the shop, still missing some details. The fire grate is raised from the floor of the FB to allow air. I've ordered some gasket to seal the main door, and am still waiting for it to arrive. Do you install it on the frame, or on the door?

[Ahumadora]

For the main door just use 1x1/8" flat bar to seal the gap. You are only sealing air from entering, so no need to get all crazy welding it on full. Your builder can bend it easily around the tank so it sits 1/2 way across the tank lid gap on the outside of the tank door. You have the option of stitch welding it on the inside or outside of the tank lid. If on the outside you will see the welds, but it is slightly easier. If welding on the inside notch the tank lid door every 100mm where you will stitch it, so the weld not contact the main tank when closed. Make the 2 curved ends first then it is just 2 straight pieces for the center sections. Use vice grip pliers to hold it tight against the door when you weld it on. For a main door gasket use Hi temp red silicone. Make sure the door is perfectly clean before applying the silicone. Lay a fat bead around the whole door. On the tank side wipe the contact area with cooking oil so the silicone will not stick to the tank when you close the door. Close the door and leave it for 2 days to cure. The silicone will conform to the space and you should end up with a perfect seal.

[gijsveltman]

Thanks for the tip! We have attached the flat bar to the main door, but it leaks (a little, but it leaks), so I'm waiting for the gasket to arrive. Thanks for the installation tips on the gasket, I'll let you know how it ends up.

[Bob's BBQ]

She's a beauty!! Can't beat the satisfaction of home built!!

[gijsveltman]

Just got a call I've been waiting for... It's finally ready to be picked up later tonight, then burned out at my house... and tomorrow would be the first cook... pics coming soon.

[JCBBQ]

Awesome!

[Mudkat]

Looking forward to it!

[RonB]

Congrats, and lookin' forward to the photos.

[DWCowles]

That’s great news. I will be watching for the pics.

[gijsveltman]

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Frank the Tank:

[Sweaty Paul]

"It’s so delicious!"
Nicely done.

[DoubleUpOrQuit]

Frank is fantastic looking. Congrats!!

[RonB]

Another big congrats! Frank looks awesome. Can't wait to see photos of your first cook.

[bardsleyque]

Hey good looken,whatcha got cooken?

[Pirate Scott]

Awesome!

[Mudkat]

Hahaha. Love the name. Awesome job! Can't wait for the cook pics!

[JCBBQ]

Niiiicccceeee! That's great,man! You've gotta be thrilled.

[DWCowles]

Absolutely fabulous! You did a outstanding job on building that stickburner. Congrats!