Smokin-It User Forum!
Smokin-It Smokers => Model 2 & 2D - The Middle Kid => Topic started by: Grampy on April 25, 2015, 02:27:52 PM
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I just finished putting together and setting up a new cart for my SI#2. I purchased a 24"X36" utility cart from Harbor Freight that was on sale for $59! Here is the link to the cart http://www.harborfreight.com/24-inch-x-36-inch-steel-service-cart-5770.html This particular cart has a top shelf which has 3 1/2" deep sides which would interfere with opening/closing the door. I originally cut 4 "riser" blocks out of a 2X4 to raise the smoker up an 1 1/2". However, while assembling the cart I realized I could just flip the top shelf upside down and put the flat side on top and problem solved! Measured and drilled 4 holes with a 7/16" bit and used four M10 X 150 thread bolts to attach the smoker to the cart and total cost about $65. A much cheaper alternative to the Smokin-it carts. I am very pleased with the way it turned out.
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Nice looking cart.
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Jimmy,
I think that's the best "off the shelf" cart option I've seen yet! Nice job!
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I have a cart for my #2, but I feel a Harbor Freight run in my future for the ol' #1!
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Nice Grampy, I really like the price ;)
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Brilliant
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Thanks guys for the comments. The cart really turned out well and the price cant be beat! :)
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Use coupon codes to bring the price down even further, 89155829 takes off 20%.
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Looks great! Just ordered one for my #2 with the 20% off coupon.
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Looks great! Just ordered one for my #2 with the 20% off coupon.
Shaun, I think you will really like the cart. Especially for $47.99! That's a better deal than I got. I wish I would have known about the 20% of code. If you are going to mount it to the cart remember that the bolts that fit the SI#2 are M10 X 150.
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I have this same cart and haven't mounted it yet (wasn't sure whether I'd want it on the swivel caster end or the fixed end). May I recommend a sheet of plywood/plastic/stainless (heavier than the cart)? The top of my cart has bowed significantly so I'll wait to mount it until I get a top on there. I'm currently thinking plywood with some mineral oil rubbed in then use a large cutting board on the space between the smoker and the end of the cart.
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I have this same cart and haven't mounted it yet (wasn't sure whether I'd want it on the swivel caster end or the fixed end). May I recommend a sheet of plywood/plastic/stainless (heavier than the cart)? The top of my cart has bowed significantly so I'll wait to mount it until I get a top on there. I'm currently thinking plywood with some mineral oil rubbed in then use a large cutting board on the space between the smoker and the end of the cart.
Steven, my cart does not show any signs of bowing. I mounted mine on the end with the swivel casters. This cart is rated for 450 lbs so the weight of the SI#2 should not be a problem.
P.S. Woo Pig Sooie! ;D
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P.S. Woo Pig Sooie! ;D
+1, brother! ;D
p.s. - working on a new smoker theme that I think you will definitely like! No details from the "Skunk Works" yet, but soon! ;)
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p.s. - working on a new smoker theme that I think you will definitely like! No details from the "Skunk Works" yet, but soon! ;)
Tony, Very interesting, I can't wait to hear about the new theme. I couldn't resist the WPS for Steven, our SEC brother to the north.
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true, there should be no structural issues, it's just the surface of the cart (top shelf upside down) that is bowing down towards the middle. Not exactly a concern that your smoker is going to come crashing down, just an annoyance when I'm sitting there having a drink and/or cigar watching the smoker (because I have nothing else to do with an SI :D )
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I have the same cart and just have my #3 sitting inside the shelf while I contemplate what kind of top to put on.
I wonder if the extra weight of the #3 would be able to handle the top installed upside down?
I am also thinking of enclosing the whole thing and putting a door on with shelves inside for all of my racks since I have five regular racks and 5 seafood racks.
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I am also thinking of enclosing the whole thing and putting a door on with shelves inside for all of my racks since I have five regular racks and 5 seafood racks."
Gregg, I like the idea of enclosing everything and putting a door on it. I would imagine if you did that it would also add extra support to the top. Keep me posted if you decide to do that. I'd be interested in seeing how it turns out.
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I wonder if the extra weight of the #3 would be able to handle the top installed upside down?
I think you'll be fine, either way. The top's structural strength is from the 90° "sideboards," so it doesn't matter which orientation they're in.
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Thanks guys. I bought a cart last night after seeing this post and the 20% off coupon. It was cheap so I can't complain even if I'm not 100% sure I needed/wanted it. Who knows, maybe I'll use it and wonder how I ever got along without it.
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Dammit! Where was this thread a month ago when I bought my cart? I ordered the cart with my SI2. It works fine and I like it, but I sure like the price of Grampy's better. Great idea!
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Dammit! Where was this thread a month ago when I bought my cart? I ordered the cart with my SI2. It works fine and I like it, but I sure like the price of Grampy's better. Great idea!
I decided to skip on the cart, to keep the smoker a low profile item in my pool area. But if I was going to buy one, I would get one from Steve, they look like they are really solid!
Greg
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Greg that's true. It is definitely a solid well made cart. Should last me quite awhile
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I just ordered my cart from Harbor Freight thanks to Grampy and I got the 20% off. I was wondering if the bolt size is the same as on my SI #1 as the SI #2 M10 X 150.
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I was wondering if the bolt size is the same as on my SI #1 as the SI #2 M10 X 150.
Isaac, I think you will be pleased with the cart. My has worked out really well for me. As far as the bolt size for a #1 compared to a #2 I can't help you. I don't know anything about the #1's. However, I can tell you that the #2 bolts are not the same size as the #3. I read on here where someone posted the size for #3 and either I missed it or just didn't pay attention to that little bit of information. Needless to say I bought the wrong size bolts and had to go back to the hardware store.
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Grampy, thanks for taking the time to answer; I’ll take the caster with me when I purchase the bolts. I‘ve studied your cart and I see you put the font legs center on the cart, is this correct……….
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I‘ve studied your cart and I see you put the font legs center on the cart, is this correct……….
Isaac, I am not sure of your question. The legs on my cart only go on one way and that is on all 4 corners.
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I’m sorry Grampy, let me rephrase the question: I‘ve studied your cart and I see you put the front legs of your smoker center on top of the cart, is this correct……….
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Isaac, I got it now! I didn't intentionally center the front legs of the smoker in the middle of the cart. That is just where it ended up being. I wanted it towards the back of the cart (end with the handle) so I could have an area in front of the smoker to slide the drip pan in and out and to also have a place to set things while loading/unloading the smoker. Now I did measure from the sides of the cart just to make sure it was centered from both edges equally. I did that mainly to help with stability of the cart. I hope that answered your question.
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Grampy, again thanks for the info, I'll post a picture when I'm finished with the cart.
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I just ordered my cart from Harbor Freight thanks to Grampy and I got the 20% off. I was wondering if the bolt size is the same as on my SI #1 as the SI #2 M10 X 150.
I'm pretty sure the #1 and 2 have the same casters, but the #3 are bigger.
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Grampy, I finished my cart for my SI#1, the blue cart was a little big. This is cart is 16X30 and fits my SI#1 perfectly, I like the compact size.
Again thanks for your inspiration........................
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Isaac, the cart looks great! I looked at that cart but the #2 is a little bigger and I needed the extra room. I think you will really like the way you have it set up. I love mine.
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Luckily i had this Cart laying around.
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Nick, I saw your post a few days ago about your cart and was impressed, I like the idea of having the drawers to hide all the stuff...............nice job!
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Nick, That is a nice cart. I like that it has the drawers and shelves good job.
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Good job, Nick! Perfect!
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They have these on Ebay 24x36 is $46.00 with free shipping.
White Plastic (HDPE) Cutting Board 1/4” - .250” Thick FDA/NSF
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They have these on Ebay 24x36 is $46.00 with free shipping.
White Plastic (HDPE) Cutting Board 1/4” - .250” Thick FDA/NSF
Tap Plastics cuts to size and offers different thicknesses. If you look at the Starboard product, it is cutting board but with UV protection for outdoor use.
https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/cut_to_size_plastic
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The way Grampy has his #2 mounted to the cart could you mount a cutting board in the space between the door and the end of the cart and still be able to slide the drip pan in and out ? My smoker has not even been shipped yet and here I go adding this cart and mods
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Judge, that would be no problem. Worse case the legs could be shimmed with a few washers.
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Thanks Grampy
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Congrats on your new #2 Judge!
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I also use the same Harbor Freight cart for my 2D. Left the casters on the smoker and it fit perfect on the top shelf. Secured it to the handle side of the cart with strong zip ties and that baby is secure.
Excellent modification to your cart though Grampy - love the ingenuity!!!
Happy New Year to all!!!
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How is the working height and stability of the smoker on the cart? This sure looks like a great, cheaper alternative to the factory cart. I have a #2D smoker.
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How is the working height and stability of the smoker on the cart? This sure looks like a great, cheaper alternative to the factory cart. I have a #2D smoker.
Rooster, the cart and smoker are very stable no issues at all. As far as the working height, it should be just about perfect for the average sized man. I am 6' 5" tall so it is a little low for me but I have no issues with it.
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Thanks Grampy!
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Got my cart put together and the #2 mounted on it. Per suggestion of a member I placed 4 stainless washers under each leg. That will provide clearance for a white 16" x 24" x 1/4" cutting board that will fit flush against the front legs of the smoker. Will attach it with two stainless carriage bolts and wing nuts underneath so the board can be removed for cleaning. My Smokinlicious double filet wood chunks are stored in totes underneath. Each tote has a 3/4 inch hole in each end for air circulation. Also ordered this magnetic strip this to attach to the carts side rail to hold utensils while I smoke.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016ISHAC8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Watched this video today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2stIx-KvHs
From the competition's smoker but I found it very interesting. This guy does 30 briskets a month.
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Nice set-up. Keeps everything handy in one place.