Long-time Toolmonger and friend Joel Miller sent me some pictures and a link to a blog post about a project he took on to get familiar with his new Hobart Handler 140 MIG welder: a 55-gallon drum smoker. When I think “beginner w/inexpensive MIG rig makes drum smoker,” I envision a drum badly cut in half with some hinges metal-glued on, and maybe a coffee can smacked on the side.
Of course, Joel’s a little more together than that.
In fact, his smoker looks completely awesome — and better and more durable than most commercial models I’ve seen.
He started with Weber’s Smoky Mountain design, then assembled his own ideas in CAD, planning to utilize two scrapyard-sourced 55-gallon drums as the basis. To notch the bottom can to fit into the top T-style, he printed his curves on a printer, wrapped ‘em around the barrel, and cut with a jig saw. He used the same jig to cut out his pretty, radiused fuel door.
Much grinding, welding, and painting later, he’s created what you see above. But that single picture doesn’t do it justice. To get the full monty, check out the link below to his personal blog where you can see the whole process including his reinforcements, recessed hinges, and a bunch of really, really nice-looking welds.
Enjoy!
55-Gallon Drum Smoker [JMillerID]
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5 Responses to The Nicest Drum Smoker I’ve Seen
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{ He should produce it in small quantities,their is so much demand ,but little in the way of products for the disabled.A little reminder,665 confirmed child... } – May 21, 2:06 PM
{ Note the similarity to the Wilton: http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-11127-Opening-Utility-Workshop/dp/B0008JF9PO/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1337607288&sr=1-2 @ $100.30 Guess I'll go for the Sears. The Amazon price is beter then a lot on E-bay... } – May 21, 7:40 AM
{ If you need an old vice, there are many on ebay! } – May 19, 6:08 PM
{ I have had little experience with Honda although people I know who own them swear by them. I have owned and used B&S powered lawn... } – May 19, 3:53 PM
{ Not having a starter on my Tiller is BS! I have one on my Snow blower and it works like a champ! No battery just... } – May 19, 2:37 PM
Pretty sure this was posted here a few weeks ago. Nice stuff though.
Welding and smoking meat gets my testosterone pressure up! Ya just gotta love it.
I really like the design, and Joel did a real nice job building it too.
Buy that man a beer.
Great job.
[...] of saddle cuts (e.g., TM drum smoker post on 1/18/2010), Instructables has a new posting on making perfect pipe saddle cuts with a bandsaw or chopsaw. For [...]
I came across that smoker while searching google for best barbeque oil drum grill . That guy Joel really make it look too easy to build that drum smoker so, I started looking around for drum & found an empty acetone drum for free from a local auto paint store . I immediately get to work and try to make one for myself & instead of a T-design and I will make it like an L-shape for more space for indirect heat barbeque rib. I have no experience whatsoever on welding . I look around for a cheap Chinese made tool store( Harbor frieght) in my area and buy me a Welder, plasma cutter, and a welding helmet. I will let you know how it turns out. Nappy
Could you post plans?