Shopsmith Forums

Neighbor set a cast aluminum gas grill out for the trash pick up. I rescued it to make a smoker. In the back there is a 2 ½ inch gap when the lid is down. Otherwise everything is sealed except for some small holes on each side. I planned to use aluminum angle to seal the back but can’t find any wide enough locally. Since the stand-offs for the handle are wood why couldn’t I use wood to close that gap. Just attach it to the outside of the box with screws. Yes the top would be exposed to higher heat from the inside but - only on the top. Anyone have better recommendations?

The last picture depicts how far into the grill the wood would extend.

I would try it, I don't see it getting that hot. What kind of wood? Oak maybe. What kind of fire source?

Charcoal and wood chips for smoking.

That's what I figured, its not like the lid is going to get cherry red.

Use a piece of mesquite. It will add to the smoke flavor as it burns.

P.S. Wonder what the charcoal will do to the aluminum bottom .

JPG wrote:P.S. Wonder what the charcoal will do to the aluminum bottom .

The grate sits 1/2 inch above the bottom. The charcoal pan sits on that. I also have another grate that will elevate it 1 inch if necessary. Your suggestions?

That'll likely do. I was concerned about direct contact.

Too bad you don't live closer to me. I had a cast aluminum grill that was sealed that I could not give away. I finally took it to be recycled. It killed me to do it because it would have made the perfect smoker. I don't smoke food so I had no use for it.