1st Build 100# propane cylinder

[Dirtytires]

The movement of smoke thru the pit needs to have a non restricted path so that it does not become stagnant or trapped as it tends to drop some of the particulates when it slows down. I will always advocate for a chimney that is mounted as high on the cook chamber as possible and the opening flush with the top of the inside surface.

[dacolson]

You could find a 90° elbow as an option and exit at grate level. Otherwise my recommendation would be to come out the top on the curve of the bell. That would hopefully direct any nasty condensation down the end of the smoker wall instead of dripping on your meat.

[Zroadn]

Thanks DT and dacoison. I will be putting the stack in the top of the CC by the bell (don't have a 90). Will set it up at top where it wont drip any nasties or particulates on food or grate. Plan on cutting out CC and FB doors tomorrow and weld in stack. Putting pics together to post when gets closer. Thanjs again

[SheffSmoker]

Mine is a similar size tank, and I put mine at the top on the curve of the bell.

Make a cardboard template of the shape of the bell, lay it on your stack then cut to that line. Get the fit up and shape correct, hold in place and scribe round the stack which then gives you your hole to cut in the CC, obviously minus the thickness of your stack.

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[Zroadn]

I like that SheffSmoker. On my tank at the bell weld seam there is an internal 1/4" weir all the way around where the bell was welded on. I would need to grind that down on the bottom so there wouldn't be a division to drain. But would probably need to do that anyway. But unfortunately I just cut the CC stack hole this morning. On the bell would have given me more cook grate area though. Thanks for the share. This is prolly my 1st build of several as my welding skills improve.

[SheffSmoker]

Mine has the same internal seams too, I didn't bother to grind them down. I put the drain just to the side of it, when cleaning out with boiling water it's easy to get the bit that is the other side of the seam.

[Zroadn]

Gotcha. I had already cut out for stack with door panel 1.25" from it. Hoping not to have that metal strip between the 2 to warp when welding in the stack. So will prolly do series of tack beads on opposire sides to keep from it gettin to hot and pulling.

[Zroadn]

Cylinder FB welded on, door cut out only on CC, hinges welded on. Stack just sitting in hole, not cut or welded in yet. But its coming along. Cut cyl FB door tomorrow.

[dacolson]

Coming along!

[Zroadn]

Got charcoal / stick basket and ash pan done. Still moving forward, just slow.

[Big T]

Slow progress is better than no progress

[Zroadn]

True that

[dacolson]

This is all the little work. Takes just as long as getting through the big stuff. Stick with it!

[Zroadn]

That it is. Thanks and will do. Tomorrow is fabbing the FB vents and cooking grid.

[Zroadn]

Finally got my first propane bottle smoker done. Thanks for all the assistance here. Shadow, Baffle and Tuning Plates installed.

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[dacolson]

Very sharp. Nice work.

[Zroadn]

Thanks Dave, learned alot

[Dirtytires]

Pretty nice little pit....nice job.

[Zroadn]

Preciate it, and the advice

[Big T]

Very nice build!

[Zroadn]

Thanks, I measured twice, twice, and cut long, then grinded, ha.
Thanks for the useful input with this build.

[Zroadn]

Its broke in now. Boston Butt to perfection. Baffle / Tuning plates worked great. 2 degrees across pit. 1/8" shadow plate, 3/16" baffle plate above it. 3/16" 4" wide tuning plates (overlapping 1st section), then spaced appropriately after that.

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[Big T]

It's a great feeling when you build one that works perfect!!

[Zroadn]

Indeed it is Big T. Thanks for all your input