McBroom’s over n under smoker build
- McBroom
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Re: Which tanks to build my smoker with
I like that. Maybe I can condense that down some. I may try to add another air inlet to the other side the same size. 2x2”
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- Big T
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Re: Which tanks to build my smoker with
Just be sure to keep your intake low on the FB so that the air has to be drawn over/through your coal bed. If it's too high then it could suck cold air over the heat and into the CC which could cause some temp issues.
Measure Twice.....Cut Three Times.
- McBroom
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Re: Which tanks to build my smoker with
Will do Big T
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- McBroom
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Re: Which tanks to build my smoker with
I hope I fixed the problem today... I added a 2nd air inlet on the left side of the fb. It’s the same size and shape as the 1st one on the right. 

The true actual measurement is 1.75”x1.75” opening on both inlets I used 2.5”x2.5” sq tube and put a adjustable door which I think is where the reduced measurements come from. The id of the tube is 2.25”
So in the nutshell it was choked down with not enough air.
Thank you to the experts for helping everyone of us build awesome cookers and give us the ability to make great BBQ
I love my truck!
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The true actual measurement is 1.75”x1.75” opening on both inlets I used 2.5”x2.5” sq tube and put a adjustable door which I think is where the reduced measurements come from. The id of the tube is 2.25”
So in the nutshell it was choked down with not enough air.
Thank you to the experts for helping everyone of us build awesome cookers and give us the ability to make great BBQ
I love my truck!
Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
Tradesman Power Wagon
- Big T
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- Dirtytires
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Re: Which tanks to build my smoker with
The think about air take Ismail you can close it down if too big but it will choke out a fire pretty quick if too small.
Nice improvement...interested to see how it cooks.
I realize you just welded the new vent but did you loose all that paint on the first cook?
Nice improvement...interested to see how it cooks.
I realize you just welded the new vent but did you loose all that paint on the first cook?
- McBroom
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Re: Which tanks to build my smoker with
Yes all the paint burned off on the initial seasoning fire. I had if loaded full of pecan and a few sticks of oak.
I now have a problem getting the cook chamber above 220*. No matter what I use in the firebox. Charcoal and pecan wood it give off plenty of smoke but low in the heat department.
Thoughts...
I’m really thinking now that I need to add a couple of more heat tubes and then use some header heat wrap on the pipes. Maybe that will move more heat into the cook chamber.
Thoughts and ideas please.
My daughters gender reveal party is next weekend the 24th.
I really need this thing to run good.
She’s wanting me to cook chicken(bone in)
and sausage
I now have a problem getting the cook chamber above 220*. No matter what I use in the firebox. Charcoal and pecan wood it give off plenty of smoke but low in the heat department.
Thoughts...
I’m really thinking now that I need to add a couple of more heat tubes and then use some header heat wrap on the pipes. Maybe that will move more heat into the cook chamber.
Thoughts and ideas please.
My daughters gender reveal party is next weekend the 24th.
I really need this thing to run good.
She’s wanting me to cook chicken(bone in)
and sausage
- Big T
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
I looked back through your build pictures and it looks like you may need to open the gap on your " flame arrester ". This style cooker shouldn't struggle to get the temps up, it's normally harder to keep the temps down. I'm not sure how easy it is to increase the gap but I wouldn't go to extreme on your first adjustment, I'd ease my way up, see what happens and go from there. I don't think you need an overhaul just a few minor tweeks.
Measure Twice.....Cut Three Times.
- Dirtytires
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
Paint is hard to get to stick to a firebox and it totally is a bummer to put all the work into it and have it fail. In the spirit of helping others to prevent the same fate, maybe a quick post of your procedure (any metal prep, what type primer and what type of top coat) would be of great interest to the group. We get a lot of pretty paint pictures but fewer after the fact results.
Concerning your heat transfer tube, it looks like you used 2 pipes and then put a plate on front and back. What is your total, unobstructed opening measured at the smallest point? Can’t tell if you split the pipes, or kept them whole.
Concerning your heat transfer tube, it looks like you used 2 pipes and then put a plate on front and back. What is your total, unobstructed opening measured at the smallest point? Can’t tell if you split the pipes, or kept them whole.
- McBroom
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
I split the 2.25” pipe and put a 4x5” plate on each side.Dirtytires wrote:Paint is hard to get to stick to a firebox and it totally is a bummer to put all the work into it and have it fail. In the spirit of helping others to prevent the same fate, maybe a quick post of your procedure (any metal prep, what type primer and what type of top coat) would be of great interest to the group. We get a lot of pretty paint pictures but fewer after the fact results.
Concerning your heat transfer tube, it looks like you used 2 pipes and then put a plate on front and back. What is your total, unobstructed opening measured at the smallest point? Can’t tell if you split the pipes, or kept them whole.
I’ll do a more in-depth step by step on this build.
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- McBroom
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
I knew I should’ve taken more pictures of each step I took.
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- McBroom
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
Bit T I sent you a pm
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- towtruck
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
Looking at it I would raise the charcoal basket up above your air intakes. Your currently feeding the fire from the top and that is not ideal as the draft will pull the air up and out before it has a chance to feed the fire....the result is a fire that dwindles out.
- McBroom
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
Ok here’s the current mod to get the heat up.
1st thing was drilling 2 3” holes in the flame plate.
Next I welded in a piece of 1x2x6”

Next is a 6x6x1/4” plate.

I welded it in diagonally to help with flames and grease dripping’s.
I loaded the coal basket with as much Kingsford charcoal it would hold.
20 min later the cook chamber is 300*
Another 10 min it’s up to 350*
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1st thing was drilling 2 3” holes in the flame plate.


Next is a 6x6x1/4” plate.

I welded it in diagonally to help with flames and grease dripping’s.
I loaded the coal basket with as much Kingsford charcoal it would hold.
20 min later the cook chamber is 300*
Another 10 min it’s up to 350*
I love my truck!
Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
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- McBroom
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- Posts: 460
- Joined: January 31st, 2018, 10:02 am
- Title: Retired U.S.Marine
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- Location: Denison Texas
Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build

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- Dirtytires
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
Now you went too far in my opinion. I do t like to cook that hot. I might suggest you block it back off some till you are close to your favorite cook temp. You are not looking for a whole lot of restriction but you do need some heat controll.
Looking good.....
Looking good.....
- McBroom
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
Alright time for the update.
Once I got the the mod made and got the firebox hot it maintained temps from 275-400* and held a steady 350 for over 4 hrs.
I’m happy with the new mods I made today with the advice from @Big T & @Tjam9 and with an abundance of help from @dirty tires.
I promise the Qview coming tomorrow afternoon.
I’m gonna put a pork loin rubbed down with some
Pit Boss pork seasonings.
Thank you everyone for your help with the build.
I love my truck!
Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
Tradesman Power Wagon
Once I got the the mod made and got the firebox hot it maintained temps from 275-400* and held a steady 350 for over 4 hrs.
I’m happy with the new mods I made today with the advice from @Big T & @Tjam9 and with an abundance of help from @dirty tires.
I promise the Qview coming tomorrow afternoon.
I’m gonna put a pork loin rubbed down with some
Pit Boss pork seasonings.
Thank you everyone for your help with the build.
I love my truck!
Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
Tradesman Power Wagon
- McBroom
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- Posts: 460
- Joined: January 31st, 2018, 10:02 am
- Title: Retired U.S.Marine
- BBQ Comp Team Name: Not competing yet...
- Location: Denison Texas
Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
I’ve got lots of room for temp adjustments. That was running wide open with as much pecan wood as I could stuff in it. I think it’s completely done now.Dirtytires wrote:Now you went too far in my opinion. I do t like to cook that hot. I might suggest you block it back off some till you are close to your favorite cook temp. You are not looking for a whole lot of restriction but you do need some heat controll.
Looking good.....
I really appreciate all your help
I love my truck!
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- Big T
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build

Measure Twice.....Cut Three Times.
- McBroom
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
Me too. That would’ve been a lot of work headed to the scrap yard and a new adventure started. I’m glad it finally came together.Big T wrote:I'm glad to hear that you got it figured out and didn't have to do a complete rebuild.
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- Dirtytires
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- McBroom
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- Location: Denison Texas
Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
I think I got it figured out.
As promised the almighty Qview.
2 pork loins and 3 baked potatoes




Taste was great but I think I left them in a little bit too long they were a little bit dry not real bad though.
@Czar I hope you like the pics.
Later this week I’m gonna do some chicken so I’m asking advice for techniques and best way to keep it juicy.
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As promised the almighty Qview.
2 pork loins and 3 baked potatoes




Taste was great but I think I left them in a little bit too long they were a little bit dry not real bad though.
@Czar I hope you like the pics.
Later this week I’m gonna do some chicken so I’m asking advice for techniques and best way to keep it juicy.
I love my truck!
Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
Tradesman Power Wagon
- Dirtytires
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Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
Temp controll is important on chicken. I cook mine a bit warmer than beef at 275. Use a probe thermometer and pull it as soon as it’s done...I pull at 160-165.
If it’s a whole bird, highly recommend halving or spatchcocking it....will cook more evenly and faster which helps retain the juices.
If it’s a whole bird, highly recommend halving or spatchcocking it....will cook more evenly and faster which helps retain the juices.
- McBroom
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- Location: Denison Texas
Re: McBroom’s over n under smoker build
What’s spatchcocking??Dirtytires wrote:Temp controll is important on chicken. I cook mine a bit warmer than beef at 275. Use a probe thermometer and pull it as soon as it’s done...I pull at 160-165.
If it’s a whole bird, highly recommend halving or spatchcocking it....will cook more evenly and faster which helps retain the juices.
I mostly do beef and pork when I’m smoking meats.
I can do a killer brisket or ham.
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