Hello, I'm a service tech for a propane company and I plan on using a scrap tank to build a grill or smoker. I cannot stress this enough: DO NOT REMOVE ANY VALVES IF THERE IS LIQUID IN THE TANK. Have a professional remove the liquid first. Then, you can open what's called the "bleeder" valve until there is no pressure being released. I strongly suggest finding a tank that already has the valves removed. And like Apex mentioned, purge the remaining fumes with water. Excellent content Apex! And thanks for showing your builds.
Thank you SO MUCH for weighing in on this from a professional's stand point. Smoker builds are meant to be a fun experience, not a dangerous one. Thank you also for watching!
Smart info given in regards to safety. Great process and build style! I am loving this! Will be in the Philippines soon and looking to have one pretty much like this built for me. Love this offset smoker!
Welding propane tanks always makes me sweat, even when I fill them with water. When I made my 500 gallon propane tank smoker I filled it with water, the jet ski trailer I had it on handled the weight but the tires didn't. I wish I would have recorded that because one of the tires blew while I was cutting the tank open. I just about 💩 myself, I quit working on it that day and started back up the next day, lol.😅😅
BEFORE cutting into a tank, the valve needs to be CAREFULLY removed (NO HITTING IT) safest way is to strap it to a post, so it doesnt move, and use a pipe wrench to remove the valve. Make sure all this is done OUTSIDE AWAY FROM OTHERS, once the valve is off it has to be filled full of water, then and only then, should it be cut into, ensuring there are no sparks. Just purging the tank isn't enough to get all the propane out, there will always be some residual fumes left over, that is what makes it so dangerous.
@abc-ed1nr so I have had a few people come back to upgrade to something bigger down the road. Most went with that size because it was their first offset and didn't want to spend a lot without knowing if they'd like it or not. That being said, I haven't built one in 2 years as I offer an 18" offset made from 1/8" thick steel instead of 1/4" to keep the cost down, ends up being cheaper if you're paying for the tank. But it depends on how much bbq you'll be making on a regular basis.
Thank you! The firebox I believe was 16" square (it was adequate for the cook chamber size, however I'm currently building another one for someone else and am going to go slightly larger with the firebox) the stack is 3.5"x42". Thanks for watching!
I would make getting water into the tank the first priority. It's easier to cut the handles off first to get at the valve but that's where danger with the BLEVE is, the metal heating up from the outside grinding, igniting the residual propane fumes inside. So for sure, I'd take my time, get the valve off, fill it with water completely before taking the grinder out.
Great video thanks for sharing. I’d like to ask, what kind of welder and plasma cutter are you using? Also, what is the diameter and length of your stack? Finally, what would be the price for one of these 100 lb smokers?
What are the dimensions of the tank you used? I have a 100lb tank that is about 43” high and 14 3/4” diameter. Was the food rack in your build located at about the mid point?
Hello, I'm a service tech for a propane company and I plan on using a scrap tank to build a grill or smoker. I cannot stress this enough: DO NOT REMOVE ANY VALVES IF THERE IS LIQUID IN THE TANK. Have a professional remove the liquid first. Then, you can open what's called the "bleeder" valve until there is no pressure being released. I strongly suggest finding a tank that already has the valves removed. And like Apex mentioned, purge the remaining fumes with water. Excellent content Apex! And thanks for showing your builds.
Thank you SO MUCH for weighing in on this from a professional's stand point. Smoker builds are meant to be a fun experience, not a dangerous one. Thank you also for watching!
I have my G2 gas license and con not agree more. Safety first!
That’s awesome! Thanks for showing us how to make a smoker from a smaller propane tank. That’s ya skill I hope to one day learn
Thanks for the comment I appreciate it!
Great work! I'll enjoy checking out your channel and other work!
Thanks!
What are the dimensions of the cutout for the smoke chamber?
Awesome cooker my friend. Great build🔥👍
Thank you for watching and for the comment.
Smart info given in regards to safety. Great process and build style! I am loving this! Will be in the Philippines soon and looking to have one pretty much like this built for me. Love this offset smoker!
Thanks Paulie! I can't wait to see your Philippino offset! Cheers my friend!
Good build bud! I’m taking a welding class starting in September to start building pits on my channel too! Great info
That's awesome! It's a blast for sure! Let me know if you ever have any questions.
Welding propane tanks always makes me sweat, even when I fill them with water. When I made my 500 gallon propane tank smoker I filled it with water, the jet ski trailer I had it on handled the weight but the tires didn't. I wish I would have recorded that because one of the tires blew while I was cutting the tank open. I just about 💩 myself, I quit working on it that day and started back up the next day, lol.😅😅
That would've scared the bejesus outta anyone! 🤣 😄😄 but that footage would've went viral for sure! Appreciate you watching Ron!
What are the dimensions of the fire box?
How hard is it to purge thetank before cutting into it?
BEFORE cutting into a tank, the valve needs to be CAREFULLY removed (NO HITTING IT) safest way is to strap it to a post, so it doesnt move, and use a pipe wrench to remove the valve. Make sure all this is done OUTSIDE AWAY FROM OTHERS, once the valve is off it has to be filled full of water, then and only then, should it be cut into, ensuring there are no sparks. Just purging the tank isn't enough to get all the propane out, there will always be some residual fumes left over, that is what makes it so dangerous.
I was wanting to build a smoker out of the 100# propane tank too. My concern was how small diameter it is. How does this cook? Any complaints!
@abc-ed1nr so I have had a few people come back to upgrade to something bigger down the road. Most went with that size because it was their first offset and didn't want to spend a lot without knowing if they'd like it or not. That being said, I haven't built one in 2 years as I offer an 18" offset made from 1/8" thick steel instead of 1/4" to keep the cost down, ends up being cheaper if you're paying for the tank. But it depends on how much bbq you'll be making on a regular basis.
you should fill it up with water after emptying the gas, to make sure all gas is out.
Fabulous build... What dimensions of the burn box and the diameter smoke stack?
Thank you! The firebox I believe was 16" square (it was adequate for the cook chamber size, however I'm currently building another one for someone else and am going to go slightly larger with the firebox) the stack is 3.5"x42". Thanks for watching!
You’re quite welcome and thank-you very much for responding.
With what you now know about BLEVE, is there anything you would do differently in preparing the tank for a build that you didn't do on this one?
I would make getting water into the tank the first priority. It's easier to cut the handles off first to get at the valve but that's where danger with the BLEVE is, the metal heating up from the outside grinding, igniting the residual propane fumes inside. So for sure, I'd take my time, get the valve off, fill it with water completely before taking the grinder out.
Great video thanks for sharing. I’d like to ask, what kind of welder and plasma cutter are you using? Also, what is the diameter and length of your stack? Finally, what would be the price for one of these 100 lb smokers?
Thanks for the comment! Email me at sales@apexcustomsmokers.com
And we can discuss everything. Thanks again!
What are the dimensions of the tank you used? I have a 100lb tank that is about 43” high and 14 3/4” diameter. Was the food rack in your build located at about the mid point?
Those are the dimensions, and yes the rack sat in just under mid point @ 14".
What’s the cost and do u ship
Where are you located? Send an email to sales@apexcustomsmokers.com
🔥🔥🔥
nice
Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers 🍻