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I was going to wait to post my smoker in a build thread but I have encountered a conundrum. I am ready to design and start fabricating the stand/running gear for my smoker.I've been weighing its components as I've been going and I estimate what I have completed weighs roughly 630lbs.I have spec-ed and purchased rigid wheels that will utilize an axle going through both wheels for the fire box end and heavy casters for the other.My question is I planned on using 2" box tubing for the uprights and horizontal supports. What wall thickness do you think I would want to use? My thought was 3/16". I have included a rough design picture to help clarify the structural members in question. Any insight is welcome. I have yet to decide on the smokers height. It will most likely be a little shorter than most to help keep its COG low so it can be strapped to a trail or for occasional transport. Attached Images
Reply:2" x 3/16" wall should be plenty strong enough depending on the design. If you are going to basically be building a cube except for where it connects to the smoker I think it will be just fine.Something else to consider: Since welding the 4 legs directly to the tank will be stress points, you may want to think about rolling some flat bar to "cradle" the tank and attach to the legs and tank. This will distribute the load across the bottom of the tank. The need for this would depend on how often you are planning to move it. Most smokers like this don't get moved very often other than across a patio.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Gravel-Thanks for the reassurance. I would have thought 3/16" to be plenty but it never hurts to ask for help/advice before you tackle something that your just not sure of.When the smoker is to be transported it could be down the street (most likely) or up to 200 miles to my folks' house. That trip will be rare but is a possibility.I have sketches for integrated tie down points that will be permanently welded to the smoker for long trips. I have thought about making it a trailer mounted unit but space makes this impractical. Also, I don't really plan on taking it on that many long trips.
Reply:Nice design.30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30" vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:The legs on the firebox end could be mounted to the fire box instead of the cooking chamber, thus using less tubing for that portion. You might also want to consider closing in on 3 sides, the bottom section and use it for your wood storage rack. That way it can move around with the grill/smoker. |
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