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Smokers, Grills, Pitts & More => Show us your Smokers & Grills => Topic started by: AZBBQGRILLS on December 24, 2010, 10:12:11 am

Title: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on December 24, 2010, 10:12:11 am
I am now building the Rotisserie Smoker. I will post updated pictures as I go. If you have any questions or comments please reply. Pictures updated 06 Feb 2011. Doors installed and will be heading out of town for a couple of weeks.

I am using tools that I have on hand. I have a 5'x10' cnc plasma table and a Chicago Dries Krump Press Brake. The smoker will be 6 sided and each side will be 24" x 48" . The smoker will stand approximately 42 inches tall. It will be mounted on trailer much like a mule tuff or DP product.  Give me some input on what I have posted or if you have a better idea let me know.

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Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Mike (AZBarbeque) on December 24, 2010, 10:48:43 am
David,  Great idea, sign me up for one right away.

For the shelf design, the most important thing is that they can hold one or two of the Full Pans.  If you can build it that it can hold them, then the meats will all fit as needed.  If each shelf could hold two of the full pans, that would make it very useful..

Also, make sure you create a very easy way to clean it out.  I small door on the bottom or side (Flush with Bottom) that enables us to go to a car wash and just power spray it out works best.

For the Trailer, make sure it can handle the weight of the smoker plus make it versatile so that tables, coolers & other item can go on it.   This way, owners don't have to take two vehicles loaded with items for the BBQ.

On the outside shelves, make them wide enough to also fit full pans and still have room to work.  18" shelves work great..

I'm sure I could go on all day with ideas & suggestions, as you start building it, maybe I could come down to Tucson & brainstorm with you..

Can't wait to see the final product.  Awesome that you are continually working on improving the designs & functionality...
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on December 24, 2010, 11:04:20 am
Thanks Mike great input. What are the dimensions of a  full pan. The design with 4 shelves measure 18 x 44 the other measures 11 x 44. As for bottom clean out if I center crease it like the grill and out a 2 inch drain would that be adequate?

I find it fun to build. The smoker I just completed had some good improvements.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Mike (AZBarbeque) on December 24, 2010, 11:19:25 am
The 2" drain is nice, but if you can do something wider, that works better.  The drain can get clogged at 2", but if you can't get anything to work better, then go with that.

On the DP's that I had built for me, I had them put a door on the side that was flush with the bottom, it worked great, pull into a car wash and just powerspray everything out through the door..

Not sure what the dimensions of the full pan are.  Any members have that info?  If not, I will look at one of mine and get you the measurements..
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: jeremy7506 on December 24, 2010, 11:56:07 am
I would definitly be intrerested in one of the 6 shelf models.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on December 24, 2010, 12:21:29 pm
For drain / I have a great idea. if I the bottom section has a 6 inch square cut out in the center. Then crease it slightly. create a door that is v shaped and slide along rails. There would be a handle in the lower front pull it the door slides forward creating a big opening. How does that sound.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Mike (AZBarbeque) on December 24, 2010, 12:52:35 pm
Yea, that's exactly what I am talking about, that would work perfect...
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on December 24, 2010, 02:16:16 pm
So with that piece done should the firebox be set up with the same trap system or should I go with an ash pan.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Mike (AZBarbeque) on December 25, 2010, 02:23:30 am
I like the same trap system, then I just set a pan below it on the ground.  Makes it easy to clean up and keeps the ash from smothering out the fire..
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on December 27, 2010, 08:47:19 am
Hope all had a excellent christmas.

The biggest item i am taking from this is the cleaning. What about the firebox. Questions I have are size, damper heat shield. I have read that a firebox the length of the smoker makes for even heat. the base of the firebox and smoker will be same height. Hence running tuning plates or a heat shield may not work. What are your thoughts also on the motor. Dayton seems to offer the best motor. Below are the two I narrowed it down to.

1LPP7 SUPER HEAVY DUTY FOR ROTISSERIE SMOKER

AC Gearmotor, Parallel Shaft, Single Output Shaft, Nameplate RPM 6, Input HP 1/4, Gear Ratio 286:1, Voltage Rating 115, Full Load Amps 3.1, Overhung Load 300 Lb, Full Load Torque 600 In-Lbs, 60 Hz, Open Dripproof, Ambient 40 C, Thermal Protection None, Insulation Class B, Split-Phase Motor Type, Rotation CW/CCW

DAYTON 1LPN7 GEARMOTOR
 
AC Gearmotor, Parallel Shaft, Single Output Shaft, Nameplate RPM 2, Input HP 1/10, Gear Ratio 750:1, Voltage Rating 115, Full Load Amps 2.6, Overhung Load 150 Lb, Full Load Torque 113 In-Lbs, 60 Hz, Open Fan-Cooled, Ambient 40 C, Thermal Protection None, Insulation Class B, Shaded Pole Motor Type, Rotation CW, Power Off Disc Brake Included

Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 06, 2011, 08:19:56 pm
Alright its been a while. Got my trailer found an awesome deal on a trailer with a 3500 pound axle. I posted a new drawing. I have designed it to be either a 5 shelf or 7 shelf. I am going to set the rotisserie to handle both sizes. so you can interchange shelfs. I am going with the smaller of the two motors. You may ask why a 5 or 7 shelf design.  The odd number provides a better balance when rotating which i hope leads to a longer motor life.  I hope to have it done by the end of January. Shel size will be 13 inches in depth by 44 inches in length, for the 5 shelf design. Seven shelfs would result in a 10 inch deep shelf. Thought about adding a water trough to add steam to the smoking chamber.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Soncho on January 16, 2011, 05:28:18 pm
I am just about done with a four shelf model. It works great and cooks evenly. I did the figgering on the math, since four trays provide even offset for the weight of the exact opposite side, i went with four trays. However mine is powered by 12 volt power and is completely independent of AC power so I was tring to minimize the effort the motor needed to provide. They are all kinds of cool and real crowd pleasers.  ;D
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 18, 2011, 08:58:45 pm
Glad to hear that worked out for you. That what I figured too, that 4 shelves would balance fine. However, after an engineer friend explained to me the way 5 shelves would balance better I was still not a believer. I finally went to Hobarts website after another friend that worked on Hobarts equipment for 20 years said that he never worked on a even shelf rotisserie. So I looked and they only have 5, 7,  shelf models. Since they have been in the mfg business for years, thought how could I go wrong. I have it all planed out just working on some details and will be building soon. I bought a 2500 GVWR trailer to put it on. Have two more grills to build then I can get started. What size shelf did you end up with. Your motor is a 12v. What is the max amount of meat that you can put on it. I am trying to get around 150 to 200 pounds if not more.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Smokin' Kelley on January 21, 2011, 07:34:28 am
wow this sounds pretty cool, sounds like you have done your home work look forward to see it in action. still working on mine, down to details now main stuff done, good luck.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: jim on January 21, 2011, 10:29:55 am
I have 5 shelves 4 ft X 15" -- balances well
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 21, 2011, 12:08:53 pm
with yours being 15" x 4' what diameter is yours. I found an error in the diameter and had to reduce the shelf size to 13 inches. I am going on a 48" outer diameter hexigon.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 25, 2011, 10:23:07 pm
Well here it goes. Bought 4 sheet of 3/16 steel plate and a trailer. Going to start building. I have included a cut sheet picture. The picture represents each sheet of metal and how I intend on cutting it. Mike I took your idea of being able to pull into a car wash and clean it out and ran with it. The smoking chamber will have a trap door that can be opening and will allow for large object to be power washed out. I will also center crease the pan and place a 2 inch drain for grease draining when cooking. As for the fire box, it to will have a 2 inch drain and to boot the side will be like doors that open and allow for spraying. It will be like spraying a pipe out then putting the ends back on. I really put some thought into it but open to other ideas. Mike if you want to come down or call me with any ideas feel free. It is going to be nice. It will be air tight thus giving it the best ability to draw. I will post pics this weekend when I spot weld it together. If any one thinks of something that you find crucial contact me ASAP I am cutting it out WED 26 JAN. You know its 10:30 and my wife does snore :)

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Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Mike (AZBarbeque) on January 25, 2011, 11:45:34 pm
Sweet, look forward to seeing pictures of it as you build it...
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: KidCurry on January 26, 2011, 08:13:54 am
Looking cool.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AzQer on January 26, 2011, 08:16:36 am
David I would love to see it going on let me know so I can stop by and check it out.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 26, 2011, 07:18:52 pm
I cut out all the sheets today. Took about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It turned out well. I used a 60 amp tip on the CNC plasma machine and it was cutting the 3/16 steel plate like butter. Next is to clean the metal a bit and spot weld it together.

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Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AzQer on January 27, 2011, 07:16:06 am
Man I love that machine looks great David
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Grill Sergeant on January 27, 2011, 08:31:27 am
looks good so far. I stopped by hoping to help but you weren't around. I'll try to stop by today and see if your there.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 27, 2011, 01:02:54 pm
Will be there Friday. Flying with the USAF today.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Mike (AZBarbeque) on January 27, 2011, 04:26:54 pm
Very cool.  Love that machine...
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 27, 2011, 07:23:30 pm
Day two Spot welded the smoking chamber today. All went well. Here is a pic. I plan to spot weld all and step back and see if there is anything that could be better. It got heavy fast. 3/16 steel plate is a heavy piece of metal
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Grill Sergeant on January 27, 2011, 09:34:17 pm
Stopped by and saw David today the smoker is really coming together nicely.
Title: Re: Planning / Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 28, 2011, 06:17:50 pm
Day Three. Fire Box has been spot welded. The sides to the Fire Box are going to be doors to allow for easy cleaning. The lower pan in the smoker and fire box have been center creased and should drain nice. Went together well. Going to weld and seal her up Saturday. Sunday put it on the trailer to make moving around easier. Enjoy the pictures.

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Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 29, 2011, 05:28:10 pm
Day 4 box Smoking box seams are welded. Boy that was some serious welding. I have a Miller 212 never once hit the duty cycle. Vents were cleaned up and installed on the fire box. In the picture you will see a rod connecting all 4 vents. The rod rotates all vents together. It was a concept of mine and it worked fine. I am going to add two handles to it so it will mover easier. Good day lots accomplished

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Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Buzzards Circle N on January 29, 2011, 06:04:43 pm
We can relate to the welding and grinding!

When anyone builds a octagon or whatevergone smoker or anything i don't believe they realize the amount of welding and grinding,

 That table you are working on is very nice that makes life allot easier.

Ours new big rottissoriecooks very nice we did 50 pork butt's last month these work like a dream.

it will be neat to see yours in action!

Danny
Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on January 30, 2011, 05:08:44 pm
Day 5 Rotisserie is mounted. I am at a cross road on the length of the trailer. Question is, "Should I cut the excess off so you can approach the smoker without interference. You can get right up to it but my lower leg contacts the frame. I like the storage area it provides but don't like the way it effects you when you walk up to it. The smoker needs to be positioned so that 60 percent of the weight rides forward of the axle. I positioned it this way and did a highway test. It pulled great at 70 MPH no bounce. Well if you have some input let me have it.

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Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: MeatInc on January 30, 2011, 08:14:59 pm
The pit is looking GREAT!  I think I would have to go for comfort and cut off that back end to get into the pit easier.  It is nice to have storage but maybe you can compensate by cutting some off the back and adding a second "floor" on the front to compensate for the balance shift.  This will add some much needed storage but maintain the balance.
Title: all most finished
Post by: Smokin' Kelley on January 31, 2011, 07:15:13 pm
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j415/popskelley/Photo241.jpg) 
still have to run plumbing for gas assist, wiring, and paint etc. need to find out best way to season it
heard different stories pam oil not sure


(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j415/popskelley/Photo240.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j415/popskelley/Photo239.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j415/popskelley/Photo238.jpg)

(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j415/popskelley/Photo219.jpg)
Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on February 01, 2011, 07:23:54 pm
Took your advice and cut the trailer today. Its very approachable now. I have only a few days to work on it before I off to Boise for a couple of weeks. I will have it ready for Scottsdale. I think it is going to be one nice rotisserie. Thanks Kelly for the PICs  I had been on you post a few times and looked at them. Are you building this or having it built?
Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: brandon on February 01, 2011, 10:12:45 pm
I am late with my reply David but for future thoughts, I would have kept the storage space and moved the cooker to the rear and re-positioned the axle to accommodate the shifted weight. One cannot have too much storage. Your build looks great and i look forward to seeing it cook.
Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on February 01, 2011, 10:22:59 pm
I thought about that also and decided to leave the axle where it was. I want to convert it to a removable tongue and add storage up front enough for coolers wood etc. I would rather weld than grind any day.
Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Smokin' Kelley on February 02, 2011, 01:06:48 pm
Looks pretty sweet. you did a nice job engineering on everything
Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on February 06, 2011, 03:08:01 pm
Installed the doors today and began working on the fire box door. Stopped there and decided to think about hoe to put that door on. I want it hinged or it can be removed. if they can be removed the cleaning of the firebox will be so easy.

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Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on February 23, 2011, 06:46:09 pm
All the goodies have arrived and now I have some decisions to make. Should I make it a direct drive or not. I cannot see an advantage to it but what all all your thoughts. I have also posted a couple of projects I have been working on along with the rotisserie smoker. I built a bar today and another larger 24x48 Smoker Grill Combo (SGC). The 24x48SGC is going to Josh Dae in Phoenix and the bar is for the 305th Rescue Squadron that I fly for. Well should be done with the rotisserie soon. I plan on renting it out so if interested keep me in mind.

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Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Jeremy on February 24, 2011, 09:07:47 am
Dave,

You are on a roll!!!!  I love it!  Great work.  Nothing but quality.  I love my grill!
Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on February 27, 2011, 06:39:15 pm
Worked on the supports for the shelves. The cross shaft I was not to pleased with. too much play. Going rework it. Any one have any thought. Should be done with it soon.

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Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: Soncho on March 10, 2011, 08:40:54 am
Looks great. I like it. I would have cut the back off too, it makes getting at everything much easier. You culd add a second layer to the front part of the trailer to get more storage and it would look great. You have done a fantastic job. You asked early in this thread how much meat my four rack would do with its 12vtDC motor. I can put about 200lbs in it as long as it is balanced good. I used a double reduction grears set which means that there are two seperate gear assemblies linked with drive chains which give me a lot of torque and it seems to work well. I did more research on the five rack setup and your friend is right. It does work better, crap, now I have to build a five rack. Oh the burdens of this life :laugh:
Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on March 10, 2011, 05:56:05 pm
Speaking of the 5 Rack. Got the racks installed today. It is balanced so well that all you need to do is push the rack and its spins on its on. Had to remake the rotisserie it was to flimsy. Made the new one from 1/4 inch steal plate and redesigned it make the arms stiffer. The motor is huge should cook lots of meat.  I should have it done by saturday or sunday only a few things left to do. Yea Right. Its all the detail work now. Here is a pick of the rack set up. Oh by the way just purchased a slip roll. I will be able to roll 3/16 steel plate 5 feet wide x whatever. The slip roller is Heavy Duty. included a picture.

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Title: Re: Building Rotisserie Smoker
Post by: AZBBQGRILLS on March 21, 2011, 07:16:34 pm
Motor installed and works. Stacks are up and a few more items. Been so busy I have not had much time to work on it. I will be done in a couple of days.

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