Did some fabing today (non-cc though)
 

I have a few of these laying around here from years past and every now and then I come up with something to use them for. I have one that I cut a 12 inch whole in the top and made a nice fit for a cooking pan lid, It is nice to take to camp and cook corn and such in or even just to heat up 15 gallons of water in. They even fit rite on some of the bigger heavier made turkey frying bases, can't buy a cheaper or better made pot this size.

I have been wanting a small, portable, self contained, charcoal smoker for at camp. I did some looking on the net and found pictures of these, so I figured why not.

If you split it just above the apex of the top ring, then do a little bending with a crescent wrench, the top will fit just inside the bottom. There are 2 types of keg spears ( the pressure rod and valve ). One kind is threaded and the other is snap ring. once you get the spear out, you will see how to take the ball valve out. Just reassemble it and put it on upside down for the smoke stack. The rest is pretty self explanatory from the pictures.

The elbow, black pipe and ball valve will get put on the side for air flow into the bottom. It was nap time for my helper, so I had to stop.

"I have a few of these laying around here from years past"

As in 2011 LMAO :biggrin2:

Nice work JB :beerchug:

Nice idea jbollis :beerchug:

At least back far enough that the deposit was still only $30 or less. Now a days around here the deposit for the keg is more then the beer inside it. I still have my keg fridge , but now it holds corny kegs instead of half kegs ,as I brew my own. It a lot cheaper, better tasting, and is a reason to get together "test" what we made.:beer2:

I have about $55-$60 in this , not counting the keg. This is all stainless ,copper,and brass except for the piece of black pipe, so it will last forever. unlike the $150 and up units you see that are rusted out after 1-2 years.


JOE

Pretty cool Joe. You can bring that next time we meet for breakfast and I'd be more than happy to test it out for ya. :biggrin2:

Very neat, Joe! Thanks for sharing.

Aluminum though right ? it melts at 1100 degrees , simple glowing coals near 3000 , so keep it on the cool side :beer2:

Almost all of your newer style half kegs are Stainless steal. Most companies quite making kegs out of aluminum in the early 80's , during the big "aluminum is bad near food scare".

When smoking , you really don't even want any red coals. Just enough to make steam and keep the wet wood smoldering. 225 degrees at the meat tops. A coffee can full of charcoal will 6-8 hours in a good air tight smoker.

JOE

Here is a finished picture with the air valve installed. I still need to pick up a good thermometer to put in down thru the top. Pretty simple to make , I hope it is as simple to use.

Looks great Joe!:beerchug: