small smoker

admin

I"ve looked around on this site and found ideas to build a pit smoker, but those are huge,Im looking to build a small one bout 3ft high,18"-24" in diameter. something not too heavy. I ve never made one before but have made other projects, like a 5x8 tilt trailer, air compressor, parts for my atv.Im a good welder, and have a stick welder at home, and have access to a torch, and have lots of tools.Can anyone give me any ideas on building a small smoker. Id like to stay away from using a propane tank, so what other options do I have. ID buy a smoker, but theres no fun in buying one, its funner building one, and teaches you new things every time. can anyone help out.  thanks -adam
Reply:Well personally Id go with a piece of pipe.  Make sure it aint sewer though...that **** stinks!  Ive seen pistols and locomotive smokers made this way. Good luckCHRIS
Reply:Not really a smoker but here is my latest grill. I use water heaters. Plumbers LOVE to see me coming be cause I take 'em off their hands for free. Have a look and hope it helps. And don't forget to keep us posted WITH pics of yours. Attached Images
Reply:what do you use for the cooking surface? if you don't use stainless steel, how do you keep it from rusting?
Reply:I just use regular old expanded metal. After you use it a couple or three times you can never really get all the old grease completely off so that protects it. And when i use it the next time I get the fire nice and hot to sterilize it and then scrub it with soap and water. I don't know how the Health Department feels about it but thats what I do. And the surface looks like that because I had just finished it and wanted to take pics before the person came and picked it up.Last edited by dlturman; 06-29-2005 at 02:48 PM.
Reply:My grandfather has a old 40 gal water heater, that hes thrwoing out,I asked him if I could use it for a smoker, he said yea, but that the heater had lime in it, which I dont really know what he means by it.IS it ok to use it, and how do I clean it real good, so theres no lime or w/e left?ALso whats a good way to cut the tank
Reply:I don't know about the other readers, but I don't understand the lime. Maybe he meant calcium from a "hard water" condition. But from what I know, the tank has a glass lining to help prevent rust. And as far as I'm concerned makes it last longer if the ashes don't sit in it too long. But to answer your other question. Here are the steps that I follow.(If someone else can add anything please do.) I don't even start until I have two tanks with matching diameter. Of course after stripping the thermostat and wires off, I figure the length and make a mark with a large piece of cardboard like a "wraparound". The trick to aligning the two halves is I made a jig which is 2- 6' 2x4's running parallel with some blocking so it cradles the tanks straight. I can then weld a thin piece of 1" steel around the whole thing, where they meet. after that it's smooth sailing.
Reply:I make mine out of old compressor tanks, found me a grave yard, $5,$10,$15 depends on the size you want.  I usually stay around the 15-25 gallon size. I just make them for family and friends. I have sold some for $100.  I make them with short little legs, cook on top of tailgate, tabletop or on the ground.  Big enough to cook a brisket, Just right for 2-4 people when fishing,boating or hunting.  I even put a 2" receiver hitch on the bottom so you can attach to your trucks receiver, saves space.  Place a liner inside, they last a long time. Each one is custom built.