Expert Tips-How To Cut Cook Chamber Doors

[@bigspintantien]

Thank you for the concept of dealing with the doors before welding the hinges on

[@ShanesHobbyShop]

2:12 really good tip, thanks

[@monte.est8925]

I have a 250 gallon tank I’m gonna start working on Friday so I’ll keep your demonstrations in mind

[@SmokerBuilder]

That's awesome bro! Let us know if you need some support along the way!

[@anthonymeyer183]

I have a propane tank I'm going to build a offset smoker out of I appreciate all the content

[@glenntuhan5499]

used the straight edge and ratchet strap today on a smoker I'm building, a very worthy tip, quick and easy to set up. Worked a treat👍

[@mtwz71]

Very nice work and good information. Metal working is great fun.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks 👍

[@nickerwin9857]

Great video! Inspiring me to get started on my build. Never built a pit from start to finish, only repaired/rebuilt a few. Got axles, trailer tongue, framing material and a 500gal propane tank from the 60s.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Awesome brother 👍

[@motohead9266]

Excellent video. Will use these tips for my upcoming smoker build. Greetings from Sweden.

[@carlosmunoz7934]

Very nice explanation

[@staceyswelding]

Nice work I enjoy building them myself

[@richardwarren9402]

Great how to, thank you for sharing your expertise

[@franciscoflores3594]

I am planning on building a 250 gallon offset smoker and these videos are super helpful

[@SmokerBuilder]

Glad to hear that brother!

[@denisbrennan5536]

I like how organised his workshop is.

[@SmokerBuilder]

😃👍

[@Jason-ru1vy]

Great video thank you for all the pointers, will be cutting my door in the next week here. 120 gal been sitting a couple days filled with water so I don't blow up lol

[@thomasclick9197]

Very professional yet well explained for novices like me. Thanks for the information.

[@dennisseeker36]

thanks so much, i am new to chan a new subber . enjoying how you share your experience and knowledge, i am an american but in the philippines on ss and could not afford to buy one of these in usa but i might get it done here. i am starting a piggery operation and at least want a smoker for my own use and who knows there might be a business for me . pigs first then the smoker lol.. not much equipment and not lots of experience, well a year of welding decades ago and worked in the field for short time before i went on to something else, but think i can if i can keep up the energy. haha . i might considering a local worker if i can find one to do it right

[@rhuerta2002]

How to cut into a propane tank safely Thank you for sharing

[@mikemurff3089]

Learn a lot from your videos 😊

[@islandfinebbqkamadokenny2032]

This was a great video made me feel like i could do it myself. Well done.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy! That's what I was going for. LOL!

[@slechartley]

Just saw this, love the work. The bung removal tip was great, I have in the past done similar things a bit differently. You can use a second hole saw that fits into the existing hole threaded onto the remaining part of the saw arbor. It saves a step. Keep up the awesome work

[@MrMechanicandy]

Need to next videos to mount door , reverse flow inside and fire box assy. Thanks

[@lobsterbisque7567]

Amazing Teaching video! Thank You, Frank!

[@mikamajlund3622]

Your a real pro 👍🍻

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks brother! 👍

[@OakridgeBBQ]

Great job, Frank!

[@jrcll7856]

great video... now i feel comfortable trying it myself

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Awesome video!!!!!!

[@SmokerBuilder]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eleasartoledo7866]

Thank you for your time and great video

[@freestatehomestead]

Super cool video

[@jdawg1835]

Clean cuts.

[@garethkortegast7002]

What a legend. Fantastic work

[@SmokerBuilder]

👍🍻

[@IzzyEatz]

Wow great tips!!!!!!!! For a newbie wanting to build a smoker soon thank you so much!!!!

[@SmokerBuilder]

No problem buddy! Happy to help!

[@seanmanwill2002]

From one old welder to another, great job! Liked and subscribed.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy! We appreciate that!🥩🍻

[@jessecarrillo7117]

Great 👍 job

[@travistrammell3424]

Nice clean job.

[@adrianjones9085]

I have a 120 gallon tank and is scared to cut it. Thank for truly explaining your method.

[@jamescason1674]

Great job thanks for the ideas I have built a few but enjoy watching for new ideas

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks for watching! We love new tips and tricks too!

[@CG-zz4nd]

Thanks for the tip and the video.

[@SmokerBuilder]

You bet bro!

[@dougharker8520]

UNCLEDOUG IN BOONE N.C. LIKE THE UNIT !!!!! LOOKS GOOD SO FAR !!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!

[@petemitchum3198]

You are not only a great fab designer/builder, you are also a very talented instructor! Thanks! I'm interested in seeing you demonstrate how you fill and clean up those bung holes after you cut them out. I looked through all your videos, but couldn't locate anything. Thanks again!

[@SmokerBuilder]

Hey Pete! I believe we cover something like that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJnFg4RveLubZ8U This video was more of documenting a build rather than a "How To" But I believe the phase we were in on this cook was on filling the bung holes.

[@petemitchum3198]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!@@SmokerBuilder

[@SmokerBuilder]

Not a problem buddy!

[@larmil3347]

I just leave the holes and plug them up I think it gives the smoker character, my personal one has 4-2inch pipe holes that I plugged up with 2 inch plugs and gives it that steam punk look, That old school 1800's industrial machine look...

[@johnjaquez9417]

Hey frank that,s a great video, smoothest cut I have seen yet! I would like to see a video on how to add straps for smoke leakage on door seams.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy! We can definitely see about adding that to our list. We have lots more videos and info coming out!

[@jeremysmith5363]

i just cut the firebox end of a 250 gallon tank..with a metabo grinder.... it took a lot longer than I thought it ate the hell out of the wheels.. I will be using the plasma cutter for now on...

[@JimmyLee0757]

Frank I just found your videos and must say that I am enjoying them. I'm one of those "Old Dogs" learning new tricks. I normally use air compressor thanks and have not cut through any propane tanks but hopefully you can help me face that fear. Can't wait to watch some more videos.

[@SmokerBuilder]

That's awesome man! Glad to have you join our community here! 😃

[@krisschwennsen4206]

I've always heard that if you put the hinges on before taking the door completely off, it helps with alignment. Does that help or do you just space the door off the opening edges to mount the hinges?

[@marcusjackson380]

Great tip

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy!

[@Tim00008-h]

Frank, did you ever end up making a video of fitting up the doors?

[@johnnavarro539]

thanks for the great tips and the video bro

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy!

[@hddm3]

Really great info! Thank you so much

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy! We appreciate that!🍻

[@c.j.1089]

what I was wanting to see is how you bend the plug to the same contour as the tank as I've always struggled with getting that perfect.

[@BigMike.M855]

Its not perfect but I cut a circular piece the same diameter as the hole I cut out and clamped it in some vice grips and opened up a vice so the edges were on the vice jaws and hi the center with a small sledge hammer. Its not perfect but worked well.

[@krismac26]

where do you find so many tanks to recycle? I'm here in SE Louisiana and am not having much luck finding a 150 gal.....

[@SmokerBuilder]

it aint getting any easier bro! so far I always start with the guys that actually deliver and install the tanks. they seem to be the best place to start. The people in the office typically just say no as a knee jerk reaction. There is also a place in Kingfisher, OK called BLT Tanks. you can buy from them.

[@carlosmariche]

Hi there!!! Could you please tell me where could I buy that metal ruler, the one that you use with the ratchet and the large one in yellow? Tks. Nice video 😎

[@SmokerBuilder]

The one with the ratchet was just a flat aluminum 48 inch ruler. I bought both of them at Lowe’s

[@carlosmariche]

@@SmokerBuilder thank you for your time to answer me 😀

[@randycook8413]

Please tell me here you purchased your flexible yardstick?

[@tavorislevy5476]

When you find out let me know also

[@randycook8413]

@@tavorislevy5476 I never heard from him and I've asked a couple of questions.

[@randycook8413]

He won't answer any questions. I have unsubscribed from his channel. Others are great at responding.

[@monte.est8925]

Hey Frank great videos. Your tutorials really help me when I’m building my pits. One of my issues that I run into at times is the door warps on me and I have a difficult time getting the bottom of the door to seal completely. But I do my homework 📚 and study grill/pit building and you my guy are awesome.

[@SmokerBuilder]

hey bro! thanks for that!

[@thereckoning1337]

im dealing with the same issue. Were you able to bend your tank and or doors back to being flat?

[@zenjon7892]

I've heard that you want to cut most of the material out for the door(s) except for the corners, then let the tank cool to room temp, then knock out the corners

[@heavy5901]

Hello is there a video on properly welding flatbar to the doors?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Not yet but I need to do that!!! I’m adding it to my list!

[@LL-tk1gn]

Just subscribed to uou channel. Your work is awesome. Can you do a video on how to lay out a firebox?

[@kennethperry3091]

This was an EXCELLENT video. Super helpful and love the detail. Who makes the clutches grinder?

[@metal75801]

What's the easiest way to find dead center on the dome end of a tank for cutting the smoke stack hole?

[@MrMechanicandy]

I didn’t know how many different metombo 6” grinders there are , are they all clutch and is it a 4” thanks

[@lobarry22]

Is there a video for fixing the doors that are sprung?

[@AutomotiveDriven]

I am in the process of building a 500 gallon smoker and i am having a problem getting the drain plug out of the bottom on the tank? Any suggestions on how I can remove it?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Usually I do not attempt it. I just make a new hole. If you must remove it a torch and big hammer will help loosen it. Usually the threads will get messed up though

[@AutomotiveDriven]

@@SmokerBuilder ok wonderful thank you for the advice it will help out alot in the process of building

[@christophernorden8573]

Do you have any videos on how to fix a warped door after it’s cut out?

[@dennispeet8543]

What kind of paint did you use and temperature?

[@douglascampbell5284]

If you built a octagonal pit would you do this on the doors? Or just cut them cause there really isn't any stress like a pipe

[@K3Flyguy]

What is the smallest stick burner you have built? Have you ever heard of someone insulating their stick burner? Great video, thanks for sharing, I liked and subscribed!

[@zenjon7892]

I'm planning on a build in the coming months. I am going to insulate the fire box and put a grate in to keep the coals elevated

[@MarioRamirez-ql1xd]

I recently picked up a 250 gallom propane tank and it was a white paint would i need to burn that off or can it stay there’s some places where its flaking off already

[@Chuckc1284]

How about a video about fitting the door to the chamber after you cut it out? I know you say there’s no way around just curious how you work it and get it to fit

[@rbnhd1976]

If you leave 4- 1 inch tabs to hold the door in place until you fit your hinges and weld those and fit the bottom strip and weld it, the door can't move. Now cut the 4 tabs and weld the side pieces on, door is perfectly placed.

[@racingwithnogas]

​@@rbnhd1976 boom 💯

[@All2Skitzd]

Could you just take another hole saw bit that just fits inside the hole and screw it on the the larger hole saw?

[@SmokerBuilder]

That’s also a great idea! I never thought of that!!

[@charlesduncanmckinley920]

I see you use propane tanks for your builds. Would an old air compressor tank work for this as well. Looking a using a 60 gallon tank for the cook chamber.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Absolutely! We have plans for that size tank on our site smokerplans.net

[@charlesduncanmckinley920]

@@SmokerBuilder Awesome, thank you. I'll go check them out.

[@jerrychastain8567]

What do you do with the mercapatn oil?

[@foosblood24]

What gauge is the sidewall? It looks to be 1/4in or greater. that would make for some nice sturdiness as well as heat retention! Also, those cuts are clean af! Great job sir!

[@coachdee7144]

any suggestions where to get metal tube for the cook chamber, looking to start a similar build ?

[@jray7656]

Building a 150 smoker myself and was wondering how far down from top dead center of tank to the top of the door do you usually go?

[@MaddisonGreen]

Can a 1000 gallon propane tank be made into reverse flow instead of open chamber? Love your videos keep up the good work.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy! It sure can!

[@kevinrowe9488]

Great video. When you fill the tank with water to cut. is the water considered a hazardous material after. Looks like everything I watch the water is left to seep into the ground.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Nope not at all! 😃

[@CG-zz4nd]

Any chance you can do a video on how setup and mount the doors to the cook chamber? I am on my second build, but always looking learn new ways on mounting doors.

[@rbnhd1976]

If you leave 4- 1 inch tabs to hold the door in place until you fit your hinges and weld those and fit the bottom strip and weld it, the door can't move. Now cut the 4 tabs and weld the side pieces on, door is perfectly placed.

[@ShipMonster]

@@rbnhd1976 great reply, what about replacing hinges on an already built smoker? I have a Brazos and I want to put some custom hinges on, what's the best course of action to replace them without warping the door?

[@firegrillin365]

🔥🔥🔥

[@33736]

Thanks for sharing your expertise. I’m finding it difficult to find a 250 gal propane tank at a decent price here in Arizona, do you have any recommendations and what would you consider a decent price?

[@aron6998]

Too bad you aren’t in North Louisiana area I can get you as many as you can handle

[@1983mojo1]

@@aron6998 how much ?

[@jamesdaugherty5779]

Any chance to get a video on how you fit the doors to the tank? I use a bottle Jack but was just curious on how you did it. It’s so hard to keep them straight with welding on the strips on the sides too.

[@rbnhd1976]

If you leave 4- 1 inch tabs to hold the door in place until you fit your hinges and weld those and fit the bottom strip and weld it, the door can't move. Now cut the 4 tabs and weld the side pieces on, door is perfectly placed.

[@metal75801]

Im in the process of building my smoker from a 150gal tank. What paint do you use to paint your smokers?

[@SmokerBuilder]

We use the Rustoleum or VHT High Temp paint on them.

[@willy4571]

I use magnets from scrap microwaves very strong

[@jeremyballanco8474]

I am about to start my 250G Build! What's the best way to get the paint off the tank? I was going to take it down to the metal before starting to cut.

[@SmokerBuilder]

The best way is to have it sandblasted. Second best way is to use the paint removal or stripping disks from Lowe's made by "Gator".

[@emigdiolugo8452]

How do you mark opening for a casing fire pit ?

[@JohnLopez-jt1cj]

Do you weld like a 1/4" flat bar be hind the doors, does it help it frm twisting or is there such a thing of the doors twisting?

[@SmokerBuilder]

No prep, other than marking the lines. No flat bar, we cut with a 65 amp cutter, and yes if they get to hot they will def warp or move in a bad way.

[@ntj030885]

Could you do a video on working the door to the cook chamber or working the cook chamber to the door in order to get a good fit up? I tried the chain and floor jack method but it bent the door it the wrong spot. Lol. Was hard to fix it.

[@SmokerBuilder]

hey buddy! yep, we are planning to do that very soon!

[@rbnhd1976]

If you leave 4- 1 inch tabs to hold the door in place until you fit your hinges and weld those and fit the bottom strip and weld it, the door can't move. Now cut the 4 tabs and weld the side pieces on, door is perfectly placed.

[@metal75801]

Question..Since I plan on painting my smoker using rustoleum 2000 degree black, would you recommend sandblasting the surface before painting?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Yes! It will absolutely help the paint stick better.

[@metal75801]

@@SmokerBuilder might have a problem.. buddy asked of my tank was galvanized. Its definitely an older tank, possibly .250 wall thickness. Its painted silver, but has rust and pitting from age. If its galvanized, then I can't use it, right?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Correct! If it’s galvanized, then it can release some toxic gas into the air if it gets too hot.

[@metal75801]

@@SmokerBuilder do galvanized tanks rust?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Yes they can rust.

[@kevinmullins4919]

Man I've got to get me a plasma cutter cutting holes in propane tanks with a 4.5 in cutoff wheel sucks!!!

[@kevinmullins4919]

I've got my plasma cutter but can't make a quality cut yet!!!

[@metal75801]

At the 32 second mark, there is another tank that has been cut for a round firebox. How do I mark the cut?

[@toddbz]

How I’ve done larger diameters like that is to use string/twine, wrap it completely around the piece, and use some tape to hold it down in a handful of spots If you ‘saw’ the string back & forth, it’ll get pretty dang straight. Then you can dial it in with measurements

[@SmokerBuilder]

Hey buddy! I would recommend checking out our forum! There is a lot of great information regarding how to mark it like the message below. The forum is full helpful tips and tricks from many builders to help everyone out! smokerbuilder.com/forums/

[@weslyholmstrom4301]

too many comments to check for my question. In the video you say theres nothing you can do to stop the door from warping regardless of using plasma or a cut-off wheel. I welded exterior gussets or fins" on the outside hoping it would stop the stored tensions from warping/springing but it still did. The alignment is a little off still after welding in straps to the underside after attempting to flatten it out. Drive me nuts!!

[@mannylopez9748]

What do you do when the door pops out of round or looses it's curvature? How do you true them back into shape?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Here you go buddy! www.smokerbuilder.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4025&p=57410&hilit=Bottle+Jack#p57410

[@jamiebehem5811]

Can I buy one cut out but not finished

[@RichWyatt1]

Can you cut the tank full of water with the plasma cutter to help prevent warpage without getting electrocuted?

[@SmokerBuilder]

I have done this but it is really hard on the plasma cutter tips. electrocution is a big risk anytime water is near electricity. We can not necessarily say you can do this safely.

[@richardwyatt6898]

Thank you very much

[@SmokerBuilder]

👍

[@rhuerta2002]

Is there a pattern for cutting out for fire box?

[@mauricemartin521]

Using grinder with handle on is safer When cutting or grinding .

[@felipetunchez6018]

How did you purge the propane tank

[@SmokerBuilder]

here's a video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmaYh4FjrMZ0jpI

[@jack0903]

I have to cut the door in a 55gal. Drum.

[@ericbell871]

I take it this is a new tank and has never any gas in it.

[@pijnto]

Maybe I am missing something but why not cut the bung out with the hole saw.

[@shrek822]

Where can I get one of those measured straight edge

[@metal75801]

Did you make the curved yardstick, or is it commercially available? Also, you mentioned having to "work" the doors or cook chamber to make them fit. Are you planning a video on fitment? I'd definitely watch it!!

[@SmokerBuilder]

Hey buddy! I rolled it in my slip roll.

[@metal75801]

@@SmokerBuilder is there a way for us common folk to do it without a slip roll?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Wrap it around a chunk of pipe smaller than the size of your cook chamber. It bends easily since it is aluminum.

[@metal75801]

@@SmokerBuilder I was talking about shaping the doors.. you mentioned having to "work" them to fit the cutout since the warp after being cut out from their original tension.. How do you "work" the doors?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Gotcha! Try this link to our forums for some info to help. You might be able to search for more at the same time!😊 smokerbuilder.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=87&t=3344

[@jimenasofia4853]

I just cut mine but ther is still a gas smell how can i get rid of it