BBQ Smoker 250 Gallon Door Layout- Episode #1

This is the first episode of the Mystic Smokers 250-gallon direct flow smoker build series. Subsequent episodes will include the following topics:
1) Cutting the doors and adding door bands
2) Bung hole repair
3) Building the collector.
4) Building the firebox
5) Joining the firebox to the cook chamber
6) Building the grates
7) Final sandblasting and paint
8) Trailer, Skid, Caster frame or other base system building and joinery.

[@littleyellowcub]

I just finished my build. This gentleman answered all my questions and gave me great advise throughout my build. My pit came out really nice and cooks like a dream. I ordered door bands, hinges and handles from him they are of the highest quality. If your thinking of building a pit, do what he says, he knows what he is doing.

[@jaybrooks2502]

I’ve been welding for 40+ years and you have given me some great tips. Thank you!

[@mysticsmokers3014]

That's fantastic!!! Thanks.
Let me know if there are other topics you think would be helpful for guys out there.

[@larryarnold5017]

Thank you Sir for sharing your knowledge and taking the time to make these videos

[@mysticsmokers3014]

Thank you!!!!

[@davejohnson171]

Watched one video, then decided I needed to go back and see them all! New sub here!

[@mysticsmokers3014]

Lol. Let me know if I can with anything.

[@MrWillowbeard]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge! I sourced a 250 gallon tank over the summer, and I'm hoping to cut into it in the new year. I'll be following along very closely, for sure.

[@mattnudi5363]

Thanks for this excellent video series! I'm hoping to follow this along to a T with my build. I had a question. When laying out the doors you come off from the 12 o'clock position by 2 inches to mark the top position of the door. Is this just to allow for a bit of room so the hinges sit at the 12 o'clock position after assembling?

[@mysticsmokers3014]

I have actually started coming down 3 inches from 12 o'clock now on 250 and 330g systems.
There are several reasons.
It makes the door a bit shorter which helps with weight.
A smaller door is less likely to flex during cutting.
The shorter door makes it easier to place the door at full open extension by placing the hinge line lower and closer to you.
On 30" diameter tanks, coming down 3 or even 4 inches does bot reduce the top grate size enough to be noticeable.

[@mattnudi5363]

@@mysticsmokers3014 Thanks for the reply! Just finished out laying out my 250g build with the 3” offset based on this.

[@TJMurray025]

Have you every considered cutting the tank horizontally and extending length of the tank vertically to give you an oval shape, giving you more room inside the tank, height wise?

[@mysticsmokers3014]

Yes. I tried that about 10 years ago.. it seemed like a great idea...
I learned a great deal from the failed project.
The first lesson was just how much the tanks flex when we open them up. They expand out a great deal and can in fact be a bit scary when you make the cut.
It was a real pain trying to get the tank pulled to shape get the new walls straight.
Every time I'd get close, it would twist in the opposite direction.
It was a mess. When those vertical welds are cut, the tanks unroll unpredictably.
I started making octagonal cookers at that point. That avoids all that unpredictable business.
Ultimately, I settled back on tanks. I find the 120 and 250 tanks to be most predictable

[@jesse8435]

What's the type/manufacturer laser cutter do you have?

[@user-neo71665]

Those tapes don't start on the metal tab because the tab can loosen up and it will affect the measurement.

[@mysticsmokers3014]

Yeah, Ive never seen one of these get loose. Its crimped in pretty good. Not like a metal tape. Those always get about 1/8" slop at the end.

[@fredbecker607]

@@mysticsmokers3014 if you are referring to the normal carpenter's metal tape, there is a reason for the slop. Someone explained that the slop is the same as the thickness of the metal tab. That accounts for the tab whether an inside or outside measurement.

[@mikencrcf6018]

@@fredbecker607
No, its the cloth tape with the brass end. The end of the tape is actually not the beginning of the tape. The measurements start about 1/2" inch up the tape.

[@blakeblack5054]

Where are you located and what's the price on a 250 gallon build

[@mysticsmokers3014]

I am in Covington Georgia. Contact me through [e-mail]

[@blakeblack5054]

@mysticsmokers3014 o wow I'm in Douglasville Ga I've been looking for a builder I had two tanks that I have been paying storage fees on I see the email I will contact you

[@mysticsmokers3014]

I am one hour east of Atlanta Georgia.
I don't list prices here because this is permanent and someone three years from now will try to hold me to it.
Reach out to me via [e-mail]