# Using an old oil tank as a BBQ smoker \[smoker build thread\] **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [September 22, 2009, 10:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883 "2009-09-22T10:15:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 6:29am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/141 "2009-09-24T06:29:29Z")
> [@Geehee](#): > > damnit, she found out. way to be ‘friends’ with your wife on FB, Fry… LOL, and here comes the peer pressure. Thanks Nick! ---
**Author:** ![Geoff](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/geoff/32/6104_2.png) [@Geoff](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Geoff)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 6:30am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/142 "2009-09-24T06:30:05Z")
> [@facebook](#): > > [Mrs.] Fry also commented on James Fry’s status: > > "Eww. How bout u do this at someone elses house " ruh roh. edit: lol, jeff beat me ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 6:31am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/143 "2009-09-24T06:31:12Z")
[quote=“drvnkd,post:140,topic:73883"”] All that is man to all that is NOT man in 3…2… [/quote] :lol: Spoken like a true married man… ---
**Author:** ![Geehee](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/geehee/32/7238_2.png) [@Geehee](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Geehee)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 6:34am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/144 "2009-09-24T06:34:10Z")
> [@Fry](#): > > Delicious\_delicious\_bbq.jpg just went from 6 to midnight. ---
**Author:** ![drvnkd](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/drvnkd/32/109615_2.png) [@drvnkd](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/drvnkd)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:06am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/145 "2009-09-24T07:06:28Z")
FYI: I also have Nikuks old welder in stock in case you want to fab up the drilling surface, mounts, hinges and hangars. ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:18am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/146 "2009-09-24T07:18:06Z")
Far too much effort. This will be like a good date: quick, cheap, and dirty. I think the grilling surface is going to be a few pieces of re-rod spaced out across the tank with expanded steel or chicken wire spread on top of it. Step 1 place large meat on chicken wire, step 2 drink beer and tend to fire, step 3 eat delicious meat 8+ hours later. ---
**Author:** ![9c1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/9c1/32/7392_2.png) [@9c1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/9c1)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/147 "2009-09-24T07:22:40Z")
I just stumbled across this thread…and it is full of WIN. I’ve wanted to build my own smoker for years. Just make sure that whatever you use to connect the drum to the smoker has enough space for the heat/smoke to transfer from the drum into the smoking area. With that much square footage, you’re going to need a good amount of heat passing through. Post pics of this monstrosity when you can. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:26am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/148 "2009-09-24T07:26:49Z")
> [@9c1](#): > > I just stumbled across this thread…and it is full of WIN. I’ve wanted to build my own smoker for years. Just make sure that whatever you use to connect the drum to the smoker has enough space for the heat/smoke to transfer from the drum into the smoking area. With that much square footage, you’re going to need a good amount of heat passing through. Post pics of this monstrosity when you can. :tup: Yeah, cutting the 4 or 6" round holes is going to be a big PITA. Either way it should be low heat if I do it right. Nothing will be cooked for less than 8 hours on this. ---
**Author:** ![Geehee](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/geehee/32/7238_2.png) [@Geehee](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Geehee)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/149 "2009-09-24T07:28:57Z")
god, I can already taste the ribs. I’m drooling. ---
**Author:** ![ShiftDead](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shiftdead/32/7508_2.png) [@ShiftDead](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ShiftDead)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/150 "2009-09-24T07:33:42Z")
lol FRY after reading the last 2 pages I have gotten myself in trouble for having random outbursts of laughter…FML the slow and low comment killed me. ---
**Author:** ![pirite](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pirite/32/5308_2.png) [@pirite](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/pirite)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/151 "2009-09-24T07:33:52Z")
NYSpeed christen the smoker meet? ---
**Author:** ![ShiftDead](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shiftdead/32/7508_2.png) [@ShiftDead](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ShiftDead)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/152 "2009-09-24T07:37:13Z")
This HAS to happen now. There is no turning back at this point. I will even donate food and money to ensure that it does hahahaha ---
**Author:** ![9c1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/9c1/32/7392_2.png) [@9c1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/9c1)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/153 "2009-09-24T07:40:37Z")
> [@Fry](#): > > Yeah, cutting the 4 or 6" round holes is going to be a big PITA. > > Either way it should be low heat if I do it right. Nothing will be cooked for less than 8 hours on this. With how big this thing is, I would go with 6". You should mount a thermostat on it somewhere as well. Some sites to visit (if you haven’t already): > **[Smoking-Meat.com Home - Learn to Smoke Meat with Jeff Phillips](https://www.smoking-meat.com/)** > > Jeff's new eBook includes two dozen favorite recipes from the website. All instructions have been re-written and double-checked for accuracy. and their forums: [http://smokingmeatforums.com/](http://smokingmeatforums.com/) ---
**Author:** ![ShiftDead](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shiftdead/32/7508_2.png) [@ShiftDead](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ShiftDead)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:42am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/154 "2009-09-24T07:42:57Z")
My roto-zip would pop holes in that thing in minutes. ---
**Author:** ![ShiftDead](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shiftdead/32/7508_2.png) [@ShiftDead](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ShiftDead)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/155 "2009-09-24T07:49:20Z")
> [Rachel Kibler Fry](http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507001136)lol you don’t need my permission. i hope the food doesn’t smell like my house does right now though. Enjoy! FUCK YES NYSPEED WE ARE IN! ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/156 "2009-09-24T07:50:23Z")
> [@ShiftDead](#): > > My roto-zip would pop holes in that thing in minutes. So can I borrow it? ---
**Author:** ![ShiftDead](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shiftdead/32/7508_2.png) [@ShiftDead](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ShiftDead)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 7:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/157 "2009-09-24T07:53:25Z")
> [@Fry](#): > > So can I borrow it? Absolutely. I will locate it this evening when I get home. ---
**Author:** ![Eazy716](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/eazy716/32/7443_2.png) [@Eazy716](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Eazy716)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 8:02am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/158 "2009-09-24T08:02:26Z")
If by some chance you need cynderblocks, let me know. I have a bunch I need to get rid of. ---
**Author:** ![drvnkd](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/drvnkd/32/109615_2.png) [@drvnkd](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/drvnkd)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 8:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/159 "2009-09-24T08:15:26Z")
What is the wall thickness on that oil tank? I’ll bet you can find a 6" hole saw drill bit… edit:lol from [http://www.smoking-meat.com/wood-smoker.html](http://www.smoking-meat.com/wood-smoker.html) > The smoke must be allowed to move into the smoker kissing the meat genly as it passes over and then be allowed to escape effortlessly thru the full open exhaust. ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2009, 8:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883/160 "2009-09-24T08:25:52Z")
Well that’s just gay. [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883.md?page=7) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/using-an-old-oil-tank-as-a-bbq-smoker-smoker-build-thread/73883.md?page=9)