The $20 smoker

[drholly]

Another Minnesota welcome. Can't wait to see what you do with that smoker!

[Big Dawg]

Another big Welcome from NC.

I've never cooked on a stick-burner, but if found one for $20 in that kind of shape, I'd probably have to give it a try.  Good Luck ! ! !





BD

[Las Vegan Cajun]

Greetings from Las Vegas. 

[aliengriller]

My momma always told me I could go to hell for stealing as well as lying!   Looks to me like you done stole that thing!   Good luck.  Had a different brand offset, but found it not too good, cause the steel was light (read cheap) and couldn't hold temp at all.   IF you can overcome that, you got a heck of deal, IMHO.

[GuySmily]

I didn't have any sandpaper, but the girlfriend and I scrubbed off as much rust as we could with steel wool, oiled up the inside, and threw a chimney full of hot coals into both the firebox and the cooking chamber.  Halfway through, I decided "screw it" and threw some boneless ribs on there too.  Hopefully that wasn't a bad idea, but I couldn't help myself.  The ribs that were furthest from the firebox came out pretty good, but I completely charred a couple, lol...

Scrubbing:


Lids look a lot better:


Dumped out the ashes.  Probably will scrape, sand, and re-season again.


This is my biggest problem:


Not only is the damper bent, but the screw/nut are completely loose and are frozen together.  I'll probably have to snap the bolt to get it off.  What kind of hardware should I replace it with?  Should I just get stainless nuts/bolts from home depot?  Is it worth upgrading to bigger hardware?

I'd also like to try the baffle + tuning plate mod.  What can I do to get straight cuts in sheet metal?  Should I just find a machine/metal shop to cut the plates for me?

[muebe]

Just use some PB Blaster on the bolt/nut and let it soak in. Then use a torch to heat the bolt/nut then try to remove it instead if cutting it.

Stainless steel replacement bolt/nut is a good idea.

You should be able to straighten the damper back into shape once you get it off of there. A rubber mallet and block of wood & a little elbow grease should work

[catinatree]

Welcome from Boulder, Colorado .... !!!

[Smokerjunky]

Howdy and welcome from the Pacific Northwest.  Looking forward to seeing your cooks - have fun experimenting - you will learn a lot from the pro's on this site - I have found the information from them to be priceless.  This is a great site with a great bunch of people who are all happy to help.

[grossie]

Welcome from Ohio!

It looks as if you are well on your way. Not being afraid to get your hands dirty and to try new things is more than half the battle.

[Big Dawg]

Just use some PB Blaster on the bolt/nut and let it soak in. Then use a torch to heat the bolt/nut then try to remove it instead if cutting it.

Stainless steel replacement bolt/nut is a good idea.

You should be able to straighten the damper back into shape once you get it off of there. A rubber mallet and block of wood & a little elbow grease should work

X2 on the PB Blaster. 

Sounds like the first cook went pretty good.





 BD

[Hub]

Here's another NC welcome 

I think your $20 was well spent and you'll have fun.  I also predict you'll trade up  if you stay in the chase.

Hub

[spuds]

I like how youre thinking Guy.Bringing that grill back for another life is really awesome.Its the whole package,not just the cook.

[Hawaiian_Grillin_Chillin]

Welcome to the club from Hawaii!!  That looks like something I could get into, you're doing a pretty good job on it already!   Good work and great buy!