In my intro post, I posted a couple of pictures of a Mini WSM that I built a few years ago. Over the years, somewhere out there in the "cloud" are my build pictures but as happens, far too often, they became lost. There seems to be an interest in the Mini WSM (for this post purpose, known as MWSM) so I can do the next best thing and provide some links to the sub forum and threads posted over on SMF.
I just discovered that Weber makes a 14.5 WSM now so cost wise, if you just want a small WSM, that would be the best path, BUT, if you're like a lot of us and want to "build" and/or "modify" an existing product, just to make it your own creation, read on. I know my build cost a lot more than the $200. wanted for the 14.5 WSM. Dang it, after looking at the 14.5 WSM, I'm seriously tempted to buy one to see what "mods" (aka BOMBing) I can do to it. Need a new project for the winter, as if I didn't have enough on my plate.
First off, a caution: use stainless nuts and bolts as much as possible.
The main body of my mini is stainless and when you cut out the bottom of the (in my case, crab cooker), you'll want lots of blades and patience because good stainless does not cut easily.
Source out all your materials and get them in hand before actually starting on the basic construction. Nothing is more frustrating than to start the project, cutting and drilling, only to find out the next item you'll want to add is not readily available, out of stock or whatever.
Galvanized anything is strictly forbidden. Galvanized material, when heated to the temps we use for smoking and grilling will give off a gas that is poisonous.
The thread links I'm posting here cover many different aspects of the build and depending on where you live, accessing some of the materials will be either easy or problematic.
First, the links for your reading and curiosity satisfaction:
And some photos of my Mini. You'll note that I have my Mini mounted on a rolling stand. Being an old phart, I dislike having to work close to the ground. Get it up where it's comfortable to work with, I always say.
My smoke chamber is a Bayou Crab and Shrimp Pot
The stainless bolt heads (1/4 x 20 BTW) serve as rack supports.
More details to follow.
~Dave
I just discovered that Weber makes a 14.5 WSM now so cost wise, if you just want a small WSM, that would be the best path, BUT, if you're like a lot of us and want to "build" and/or "modify" an existing product, just to make it your own creation, read on. I know my build cost a lot more than the $200. wanted for the 14.5 WSM. Dang it, after looking at the 14.5 WSM, I'm seriously tempted to buy one to see what "mods" (aka BOMBing) I can do to it. Need a new project for the winter, as if I didn't have enough on my plate.
First off, a caution: use stainless nuts and bolts as much as possible.
The main body of my mini is stainless and when you cut out the bottom of the (in my case, crab cooker), you'll want lots of blades and patience because good stainless does not cut easily.
Source out all your materials and get them in hand before actually starting on the basic construction. Nothing is more frustrating than to start the project, cutting and drilling, only to find out the next item you'll want to add is not readily available, out of stock or whatever.
Galvanized anything is strictly forbidden. Galvanized material, when heated to the temps we use for smoking and grilling will give off a gas that is poisonous.
The thread links I'm posting here cover many different aspects of the build and depending on where you live, accessing some of the materials will be either easy or problematic.
First, the links for your reading and curiosity satisfaction:
And some photos of my Mini. You'll note that I have my Mini mounted on a rolling stand. Being an old phart, I dislike having to work close to the ground. Get it up where it's comfortable to work with, I always say.
My smoke chamber is a Bayou Crab and Shrimp Pot
The stainless bolt heads (1/4 x 20 BTW) serve as rack supports.
More details to follow.
~Dave
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