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]