BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The Black Bradley Smoker (BTIS1) => Topic started by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 09:31:33 AM

Title: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 09:31:33 AM
The purpose is to be able to use the OBS in the rain and/or keeping it out of the wind.  The idea was inspired by squirtthecat.

I got a plastic utility cabinet from Home Depot.  The dimensions looked sufficient, the price was about right and it was in stock at my local store.  Here's a link to it.  http://www.homedepot.com/Storage-Garage-Storage/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgaZarmi/R-100120789/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

It comes in a LOT of pieces in a fairly small box.  I looked at the box when I got it home and it said "Made in U.S.A".  What kind of crap is this?

Assembly is so simple a child could do it.  Unfortunately, I didn't have a child handy.  It ended up being a 3 cocktail job.  :D

Even though it's plastic, once assembled it seemed about as sturdy as a balsa wood outhouse.  Here it is on my deck.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/ArnieMauer/OBS%20House/House1.jpg)

Here it is with the OBS inside.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/ArnieMauer/OBS%20House/House2.jpg)

Now, some drawbacks.
If anyone has any ideas on this, I'd be happy to hear them.

BTW, my deck looks like that for a reason.  I built it out of pressure treated wood and then stained it.  I didn't know at the time that it shouldn't be stained for at least 18 months of weathering.  Now, I'm power washing it spring, summer and fall to remove as much stain as possible and will re-stain next year.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: FLBentRider on September 25, 2009, 09:37:54 AM
Nice setup.

That sucks that it doesn't quite fit.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: squirtthecat on September 25, 2009, 10:36:20 AM

Damn, I inspired someone..  ;D

How much clearance is it off? You might be able to notch out the plastic around the protruding areas, and glue a plastic box (like one of those cheapo storage boxes) over the back to seal the wires from the elements..

The plastic base of mine isn't very strong either, the OBS will sit on some spare oak plywood planks when I get it all put back together.   And I have the same deal for my smoke gen, it requires a slight twist of the unit to detach it.

Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: OU812 on September 25, 2009, 02:00:18 PM
Quote from: squirtthecat on September 25, 2009, 10:36:20 AM
How much clearance is it off? You might be able to notch out the plastic around the protruding areas, and glue a plastic box (like one of those cheapo storage boxes) over the back to seal the wires from the elements..

I was going to say the same thing but use a weather proof electrical box with the back cut out then glued screwed and sealed over the hole you cut in the cabnet. That way if you need to mess with anything you can open the box without having to move the smoker. Might cost a little more but if the plastic you use to cover the hole aint UV resistant it wont last long in the elements.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 02:30:11 PM
Quote from: OU812 on September 25, 2009, 02:00:18 PM
Might cost a little more but if the plastic you use to cover the hole aint UV resistant it wont last long in the elements.


I doubt if the whole thing will last long in the elements.  :(

I'll have to use something like you and STC recommended.  This plug/unplug stuff won't work.  I put in the plugs and started a preheat for my ABTs this afternoon.  I looked out after 20 minutes and nothing was happening.  A plug wasn't in all the way.

I just want to get through the winter.  I think I'll get some 3/4 inch marine plywood and build a proper, larger little 'house' this spring.  My wife said "Not on MY deck!"
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Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: mikecorn.1 on September 25, 2009, 02:35:10 PM
Looks kinda tight in there and with that gangsta lean  ;D   to the left, you might have a hard time keeping that door open when you are trying to do something.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: OU812 on September 25, 2009, 02:51:08 PM
Most of those out door sheds are UV resistant

This plug/unplug stuff is why I was thinking a box that opens from the back
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 03:01:29 PM
Quote from: mikecorn.1 on September 25, 2009, 02:35:10 PM
Looks kinda tight in there and with that gangsta lean  ;D   to the left, you might have a hard time keeping that door open when you are trying to do something.

Right.  My burned right arm agrees with you.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: Hopefull Romantic on September 25, 2009, 03:01:58 PM
This afternoon I had a meeting with my carpenter. I decided to build my own "Bradley enclosure". I figured it will be about 120 cm ( 47 - 48 inches) wide and about 2 meters (79"0 tall). Galvanised steel frame with a wooden body. The width would allow me to have a cold smoke set up with enough space left in order to pull the smoke generator out of the CSA and out of the closet. There will be enough shelves on top and below so that I can store my "toys" and brisquette and coordinated shelves to store the ET73 and the PID while plugged in. It will have at least three wall electrical socket to accommodate the smoker's needs as well as an extra one at a higher level for a fan to blow out the smoke ( idea courtesy of a member of this forum).

The final drawing will be done tomorrow and expected to have the real thing by the end of next week. It may cost me a bit more, but it will be to my liking.

HR
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: Mr Walleye on September 25, 2009, 03:36:41 PM
HR

Just to add to your idea list, you can also put a roof vent on the top of the cabinet which will allow the smoke to vent. I know another member here did just that and if I can find the thread I will post it.

Mike
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: Mr Walleye on September 25, 2009, 03:39:24 PM
Here's the post... If you scroll down to the last post there is a better picture of it.

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=2521.0

Mike
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: Hopefull Romantic on September 25, 2009, 03:46:58 PM
Thank you Mr. Walleye. I was thinking about that but did not know exactly how to go about doing it. At one point, I thought to have a removable cylindrical tube to connect the smoker's vent with the roof vent.

Since my last meeting with the carpenter is tomorrow, I will try and implement your advice.

HR
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 04:00:19 PM
That really sounds like a plan HR.  My wife is beginning to think I've gone off the deep end.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: Hopefull Romantic on September 25, 2009, 04:06:35 PM
Quote from: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 04:00:19 PM
That really sounds like a plan HR.  My wife is beginning to think I've gone off the deep end.

Hey Arnie,

one of the many things I learned from my Dad; that there are three guys guys, in your life, you should never change unless under severe circumstances; your butcher, your barber and your Tailor. From the latter I learned that custom made is superior to off the rack. Therefore, the custom made cabinet for Bradley.

HR
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 05:03:21 PM
So, who's doing the work HR?  Your Butcher, Your Barber or your Tailor.  ??? ;D ;D
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: Hopefull Romantic on September 25, 2009, 05:09:05 PM
Quote from: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 05:03:21 PM
So, who's doing the work HR?  Your Butcher, Your Barber or your Tailor.  ??? ;D ;D

No this time it is just my carpenter and I but I shall allow Mr. JD to put his 2 cents worth. I just hope that the cabinet will not too wobbly.

HR
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: squirtthecat on September 25, 2009, 05:14:48 PM

Arnie, how did your little shed hold up to the heat of the Bradley?   

Does anyone around you carry the Suncast product line?   That's what Tiny Tim and I use for our 'sheds'.   (I got the idea for mine from one of his older posts)

Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 06:00:09 PM
Quote from: Hopefull Romantic on September 25, 2009, 05:09:05 PM
Quote from: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 05:03:21 PM
So, who's doing the work HR?  Your Butcher, Your Barber or your Tailor.  ??? ;D ;D

No this time it is just my carpenter and I but I shall allow Mr. JD to put his 2 cents worth. I just hope that the cabinet will not too wobbly.

HR

I just hope YOU won't be too wobbly when it's done.  ;D

I'm sipping a glass of JD as I respond here.  It works wonders.  :P
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 06:19:31 PM
STC, heat doesn't seem to be a problem.  I shot the back wall (you know, laser spot - the cats love it) after a couple of hours (220) for the ABTs and it was reading 95-96.  The OBS seems to be better insulated than I would have figured.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: classicrockgriller on September 25, 2009, 06:21:49 PM
Take another sip of JD, it will all be better in the morning.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: squirtthecat on September 25, 2009, 06:52:52 PM
Quote from: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 06:19:31 PM
STC, heat doesn't seem to be a problem.  I shot the back wall (you know, laser spot - the cats love it) after a couple of hours (220) for the ABTs and it was reading 95-96.  The OBS seems to be better insulated than I would have figured.

Good deal.   I found the same results with mine... (except I snaked a Maverick probe down the back wall)
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on September 25, 2009, 06:56:30 PM
Hey Arnie, here's a link to a post from a member that built his own cabinet. Thought he had some pretty good ideas.
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=11263.0
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: ArnieM on September 25, 2009, 07:11:27 PM
Thanks HS.  Right now I'm going to crawl to bed.  I'll check the link in the morning.
Title: Re: My OBS has a new house, sort of
Post by: Hopefull Romantic on September 26, 2009, 03:29:05 AM

I just hope YOU won't be too wobbly when it's done.  ;D

I'm sipping a glass of JD as I respond here.  It works wonders.  :P
[/quote]

Man I had two doubles last night in celebration of the success from last night's dinner (no leftovers what so ever).
It was blissful and slept till noon this morning.

HR