I have built about four of these things and they sure turn out the smoke. You can use them as a source of heat or duct them into your smoker for a heavy cold smoke. my smoker is set on a concrete block base and my generator and gas burner is ducted into the smoke chamber. The burner is temperature controlled and the generator is turned off and on with a timer.
To start with we go the thrift stores and rummage sales when we have a chance and look for the counter top grills. They are usually only a couple of bucks. Then if they have an open bottom I cut a small piece of stainless and braze it in the bottom. These things are made of light stainless and are a little difficult to weld and you can braze stainless. Now for the pictures.
Here is the basic counter top grill striped down
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR/Copyof100_6302.jpg)
then cut a rectangle of stainless to seal up the bottom
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR/Copyof100_6303.jpg)
Brazing is not that pretty
I guess if I had a TIG welder I could make it Pretty but it is sealed OK
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR/Copyof100_6305.jpg)
Form fit a 20 gauge top to keep out the oxygen. Don't worry the smoke will find it's way out.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR/Copyof100_6306.jpg)
Install an eyebolt to allow you to add chips and it is ready for the smoker. total cost maybe $15 and this baby will put out the smoke
Here it is ready for the smoker
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR/Copy2of100_6307-1.jpg)
This is a quick shot of the generator ducted into my smoker.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR/Copyof100_6298.jpg)
I have a hinged door to let me get the generator our when it needs to be filled. It's hot so use some pliers.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR/Copyof100_6299.jpg)
This is the generator cranking out the smoke.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR%20SMALL%20FILES/smokegeneratorworkingsuperovertime.jpg)
This a easy build and it really works.
[We've created another monster]
Good Job! ;D
Frankenpan!
My Old Smokey is similar but costs a few bucks more. But, then, I don't weld or have access to a ready supply of SS.
The idea is the same though. It's similar to an electric frypan controller and heating element. A pan goes onto the heating element and that's where the chips go. I believe the heating element is 1200 watts or so. I can easily smoke at 250-290 for a quicker cook (than the OBS).
Nice work, and great idea.
Do you have pictures taken further away that include the smoker, smoke generator and how it is ducted to your smoker. From the close up shots, I am having trouble understanding how you connected it to the smoker.
I will take some different pictures tomorrow and post them.
Kirby
Ok I took some pictures that show the duct work in my smoker. I use a retired railroad signal box with double doors for a smoker and it sits on a concrete box on concrete blocks. The smoker it gas fired with a pipe above the burner which provides some of the smoke. The gas burner has electric temperature control which is another subject all together. Below the smoker I have ducted in the smoke from the smoke generator. The first picture is of the smoker with the duct work and the generator tucked underneath the duct with the door open.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR%20SMALL%20FILES/smokerandductworkopen.jpg)
this is with the duct door closed.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR%20SMALL%20FILES/ductworkclosed.jpg)
This where the duct enters behind the burner entry. The burner is located under the smoker and behind the smoke generator.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR%20SMALL%20FILES/insideofsmoker.jpg)
My smoker has a external fan system to spin the smoke. This helps speed up the smoke and heat penetration. It really helps to dry jerky.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR%20SMALL%20FILES/fanoutside.jpg)
If you have anyother questions I will take a try at answering them.
Kirby
I missed one picture. Sorry!!
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad274/pikeman_95/MAKING%20A%20SMOKE%20GENERATOR%20SMALL%20FILES/fandischargeandinlet.jpg)
Thanks for the update. I really appricate the pictures.
That is one unique smoker. Looks like you put a lot of work into it.
I agree with HS, looks like you put a lot of thought and work into this.
Enjoy!!
Thats a great smokin rig.
Nice job Kirby
Very creative job on the smoker. Never would have thought to make a smoker out of that.