Olds. [?] about the fan and another one.

Lasse · August 25, 2005, 02:20:53 PM

Hi Olds,

I have some questions about the fan thing.
I think that the item would cost a lot to ship to Sweden so I would like to ask you what rpm the fan has and the diameter of it.
I'll try and build one so that the temp evens out.
Did you consider using 12V with the fan thing?

And here's the other one.
The V-shaped thing with holes in it where the fat falls, you know what I mean?
The V-shaped thing is the part that gives me the most problem cleaning.[xx(]

Aren't the holes just there to help the smoke travel inside the smoker?
With the fan the holes would not be as necessary, would they?
So it might be possible to cover the V-shaped part wih aluminum?!? Yes?!?
Would make cleaning a pleasure.[:D]

/Lasse

Habanero Smoker · August 25, 2005, 03:09:06 PM

Lasse,
I would think the holes have a duel purpose. As you stated to help create a draft to let the smoke flow through, but also to allow the heat to transfer more evenly throughout the cabinet. I would think covering those slots will cause too much heat build up underneath, possible creating a fire hazard.

I wish that Bradley would make a non-stick or porcelain coated one.

Lasse · August 25, 2005, 03:44:03 PM

Hi HS,

I think that it might be somewhat different if the fan can distribute the heat to avoid the build up beneath the V.
Olds wrote earlier that the diff was about 2 deegres between the top/bottom.

Wish that someone could make a try and find out.[;)]

Yes, a non-stick one would be great.
You gave me an idea with that.[:D]

Take a non-stick baking sheet and put in on the top of the V-thing and make holes according to the holes.
That would make the cleaning easier.
I'll try that next time I smoke. I'll take some pix and post the result.

/Lasse

manxman · August 25, 2005, 05:03:13 PM

The last time I hot smoked I contemplated covering the top of the V shaped tray with aluminium foil but, mindful of the point that HS made, planned to put holes in the foil to match those in the tray.

This should make no difference to heat dissipation and still allowed the fat to run away provided these holes were mirrored exectly.

Hopefully this would mean a much cleaner tray, probably still get a bit messy but not nearly as bad.

Only done cold smoking since but will perhaps try it when next I hot smoke unless the concensus amongst the more experienced members is that it represents a safety hazard?

Manxman.

Thunder Fish · August 26, 2005, 12:02:15 AM

I have placed foil on the V rack and matched the holes.I found spraying it with oil when you spray the racks works well also,take the large burnt parts off and in the dishwasher it goes. [:D]

nsxbill · August 26, 2005, 01:45:32 AM

It's a PIA, and it stinks, but spraying the V-rack with oven cleaner does quite a nice job.

Bill

There is room on earth for all God's creatures....on my plate next to the mashed potatoes.

Habanero Smoker · August 26, 2005, 02:01:09 AM

Hi Lasse,
Being that the fan will be installed above the V shelf, I still believe that most of the heat will be trapped underneath if the slots are covered up.

I am going to take Manxman's advice and cover the V shelf with foil, and slit and fold in the foil where the slots are located on the V shelf.

Thunder Fish · August 26, 2005, 02:24:00 AM

Habanero Smkr,I forgot to mention that I did the foil "once"! It was a real pain stripping it of the rack as some liquid will find it's way under the foil [:(]

Oldman · August 26, 2005, 04:26:19 AM

Hi Olds,

I have some questions about the fan thing.
I think that the item would cost a lot to ship to Sweden so I would like to ask you what rpm the fan has and the diameter of it.

It is 3000 rpms and the fan blade is 2 inches. It moves 35 CFM. I believe that if there was more CFM then smoke backing up into the generator will be come a problem.

Did you consider using 12V with the fan thing?

No I have not. I used 120V as it is convenent. However, I did look and I did not see any at 12V that I thought would hold up to the heat.

And here's the other one.
The V-shaped thing with holes in it where the fat falls, you know what I mean?
The V-shaped thing is the part that gives me the most problem cleaning.
Aren't the holes just there to help the smoke travel inside the smoker?

Like nsxbill I use oven cleaner. I do it out side in the sun and after an hour just wash it off with a hose. As others have answered yes the holes are there to help even out the smoke and that pan gets real hot so it also levels out the temp some.

With the fan the holes would not be as necessary, would they?
So it might be possible to cover the V-shaped part wih aluminum?!? Yes?!?

The fan does move the air around in the box and this also includes under the V pan. I personally would not cover the holes up.

Now something you need to look at real hard and that is the amount of heat that fan blade is going to pick up and tranfer to the motor's shaft. That heat is going to get to those bearings. That is why I have that aluminum second fan blade on the outside and the mounting brackets are aluminum as they will dispense heat. Also that type of motor is an "open air" motor. You cannot inclose it. I put that hood on it as I wanted more heat remove from the rear bearings.

Make sure to get a motor with double sealed ball bearings and not sleeve bearings. The working part of the shaft must be 2 inches and even then it is a tight fit to get everything in place. Next and very importantly is I strongly suggest (thanks nsxbill for this tip) you drill out the hole for the shaft from the inside out. Use the fan as your template by placing it on the drill bit itself. This way you will not drill the hole to high up or to far down. Once your hole is drilled, then on the inside of the box enlarge the hole on the inside wall only. Thus you will have two different size holes. The reason for this is the two walls that make up the back of the box are thin. Thus they will flex and alignment will become a problem when the motor is running.

Now be forwared there is a high limit switch above your fan and there are two wires going to it. Don't drill them out. If you don't have a metal break then I suggest going to a machine shop and have them shape your bracket and hood.

Now just between us chickens, for my monies I would rather purchase one from Chez if possible then go through the hassle of making one. In fact when he goes to market with them I will purchase a couple for friends rather than make them myself.

Olds

MWS · August 26, 2005, 04:50:00 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">In fact when he goes to market with them I will purchase a couple for friends rather than make them myself.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hi Friend [:D][;)]

Mike 

"Men like to barbecue, men will cook if danger is involved".
-John Wayne

Lasse · August 26, 2005, 06:24:05 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Oldman
 
Now just between us chickens, for my monies I would rather purchase one from Chez if possible then go through the hassle of making one. In fact when he goes to market with them I will purchase a couple for friends rather than make them myself.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I will look into that as it sounds easier. Then the only problem will be the 120/240 V difference.
I have a converter that I might be able to use since the unit does not use a lots o Amps.

TnX

/Lasse

Habanero Smoker · August 26, 2005, 12:05:18 PM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Thunder Fish
 Habanero Smkr,I forgot to mention that I did the foil "once"! It was a real pain stripping it of the rack as some liquid will find it's way under the foil [:(]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Thanks for the warning. If I do line the V shelf I will try Reynolds foil; I believe it's called Quick Release foil; it's more expensive. So far I've used it on the grill when I grill fish and kabobs, and I haven't found anything that sticks to it.[8D]