Smokin-It User Forum!
Upgrades and Suggestions! => Upgrades => Topic started by: DHurd on May 25, 2014, 10:53:39 AM
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Happy? I'm delirious!
I have plans to mount the Mod 3 onto a cart that have been on hold while this business has been up in the air. With this issue resolved, I can proceed with the project.
If it turns out, I believe I'll have a nice alternative roll around cart option to offer the forum. The parts are from Harbor Freight and Home Depot, so no bank-breakers. A little fiddling and a little assembly and bang! Nice looking, utilitarian, reasonably priced, nearly instant cart.
Fingers crossed.
Dan
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I have been toying around with some ideas for building my own cart as I am not willing to pay the (what I think is way too high for what you get) amount of money for the Smokin-It cart.
I have been toying around with a wood cart that would have an enclosed space with shelves to store my unused racks as well as foil rolls etc.
I am curious as to what you are working on though.
I am surprised that there aren't more pics of people making homemade carts on this forum.
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Gregg,
While I'm waiting on the finish to dry I can give you a rundown on what I've done for a cart over the Smokin-It version.
I bought a 2' x 3' roll-around cart from Harbor Freight for $59.00. I also bought a couple of finish ready planks from Lowe's for $16.00 each. Some spacer blocks, hardware and varnish I had in my shop and bang! Smoker Cart.
I went a little overboard in some areas, but I think you can put a nice looking and highly functional cart together for right near $100.00 that will serve your smoking needs for years to come.
I hope to have this project complete by the end of the week, depending on how the two coats of varnish dry. It's been pretty humid lately. But it'll get there. Once I get it done, I'll post the pictures.
Dan
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I am looking forward to seeing what you have come up with.
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Here are the pictures of my new cart. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. A lot of the parts came from stuff I had lying around my shop, but I believe that even if I bought it all new I'm fairly confident that I could keep the cost under $200. As it is, I'm in for around $150 and I went overboard with sanding and finishing and such. No more working on my hands and knees!
I wasn't sure where to post these, so let me know and I'll move or re-post them as necessary.
Let me have your feedback, I'm curious to hear what you think of it.
Dan
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That looks great! It has definitely given me some ideas on how I want to make mine.
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I sure like it... so far anyway. No frills, just function. I haven't used it in a smoke yet, that'll come very soon and then I can report on how well it works to support the cooking function.
The Auber will sit on top, as before. The top of the unit sits about 5 inches below eye level, so the Auber will be easily readable and accessible from there.
Dan
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Looking good, Dan! Being from Arkansas, I'm a fan of "redneck engineering!" And believe me, that's NOT a bad thing!
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I like the idea of incorporating storage for you beer. Classic design choice.
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I'm glad somebody noticed. I'd also like to point out that the lower tray will accommodate full cases as well - even the tallest long necks. But for some reason they don't stay on the cart very long... ;D
Dan
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Actually, it looks like there would be room for a cooler or even a small dorm fridge. :)
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An integrated beer cooler makes just about anything better! ;D
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My 2 cents, maybe 3.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161133199542?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Email him for a better price. Can be fitted with wheels and free shipping.
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I viewed the cart on ebay, then sudden had a moment! That would work out great to incorporate into an outdoor kitchen, we'll call it "the smoker station."
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Bought this cart from Sears about a month ago. Works great with my #1 smoker. (https://www.smokinitforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1125.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl592%2Fdjblock1%2F100_2603.jpg&hash=d147682130ac1025612dd9fb87197b1a7ca8c2e4) (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/djblock1/media/100_2603.jpg.html)
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Bought this cart from Sears about a month ago. Works great with my #1 smoker. (https://www.smokinitforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1125.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl592%2Fdjblock1%2F100_2603.jpg&hash=d147682130ac1025612dd9fb87197b1a7ca8c2e4) (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/djblock1/media/100_2603.jpg.html)
Lol, I have the same cart. It has my wireless printers on them. I just bought the one from SI and was done with it.
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I like the cart from Ebay, but have the SI cart. I like the side shelves, and the fact that it's already drilled to bolt the unit onto it. The #1 can go on about anything, the #2 is heavier, but you need a sturdy cart for that hoss of a #3! Lots of weight, so you want stable and tip-resistant.
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I don't know guys... I'm liking the dorm fridge idea a lot. That would certainly provide enough ballast to offset the weight of the Mod3.
My son-in-law has one - I think I'll ask about a dry fit tomorrow just to see how it goes.
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Now that's using your available resources to think "outside the (smoker) box!" ;D ;D
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I am a strong believer that the smoker cart should include a keg fridge to help pass the time while waiting for that great Q.
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An integrated beer cooler is great when you're sitting around, outside, with friends or family. But, since I smoke with as little human intervention as possible (my style of "Lazy Q"), my beer stays in the house with me. lol. ;D
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Son-in-Law's mini-fridge proved a bit too tall for my cart, but I'm pretty sure that with some diligence, I could find a model to fit.
But in the mean time, I'd miss a lot of time smoking and that would be counterproductive in my opinion. Besides, I do most of my smoking in my garage (smells great!) and we have a full sized fridge just steps away. No need to stress for a cold one, but nonetheless, a good design idea.
Thanks,
Dan
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Ha! Great prioritization and time management, Dan!! ;D
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I ended up with the SI cart for the SI #3. It's built very well. The only thing I don't like is that the shelves are a bit dodgy. It's worth every bit of the $200 balloons.
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Well, I went ahead and bought the same cart from Harbor Freight that you got Dan.
I'm gonna do things a bit different. I'll create a new thread when I get to mine.
Thanks for pointing me in the direction of Harbor Freight though. I had looked for a similar cart and everywhere else I looked was way more expensive.
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Can't wait to see what you put together!
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Here is a table with wheels and a shelf for my number 2. Very sturdy and gives me a place to put a drip pan to catch the drippings when I pull the racks out. Had the guy cut the legs to give me a height with wheels around 31". He knocked off a few bucks when I emailed him and free shipping, ended up around $141.00. I would like to figure out some type of shelf to hold my Auber and Maverick up higher while cooking, the probes are long enough I can use the shelf below just think I would like them better up around eye level.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131222972035?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2661
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Nice-looking table. With both cart/table designs, I notice that the table sticks out quite a ways in front of the smoker. Just curious - do you find it kind of awkward getting things in and out of the smoker when you have to stand off to the side? Seems like not being able to get close to the front of the smoker would be. Pictures can be deceiving, though, so I thought I'd ask.
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I like what Big Bass has. The price seems fair. I really like how there is a place to put a pan to catch drips when the racks are pulled out.
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When I first set the smoker up there I had the extra space to the right but really like it this way to catch the drips. The pic makes it look like it would be hard to reach but it isn't. I really like not having to get on my knees to use/clean it.
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Thanks Mike - I was wondering if the pic was deceiving. Looks like a long way back!
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I don't find the shelf/countertop portion of the cart too deep at all - in fact, I designed it that way. To have some work space in front of the open cooker so I could set a tray of product there and not have to look around for a place to set something.
I've since made a small mod to it. I've grown tired of measuring the foil time and again to line the bottom of the cooker, so I've drawn a set of index lines the size necessary. All I have to do is hold up the foil to the marks, tear off a length and simply fold to the correct size. No more referring to the book for the dimensions. See photo, attached.
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Anyone worry the unit will be top heavy and flip over, especially with a load of meat in it?
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It's not a cart but here is my fix.
I don't need a roll around because my SI2 is in my outdoor cook shack. All I need is to get it to a good height for cooking. I decided a standard height of 30 inches would work just fine. With that and the width & depth measurements I headed to the thrift stores. Found a computer desk with a shelf on top of the desk that fit the bill nicely. I had to saw off the left side of the top shelf but for a total of $20.00 I am satisfied.
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Another alternative I found on-line....
photos courtesy of bigbirdk on another forum
$59.99 at Sam's Club
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/utility-cart/prod9070084.ip?sprodId=prod9070084
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I've seen that cart at Sam's, John, and thought it would be a good one! I thought you could cover the top shelf with a sheet of plastic, to prevent drips and spills. It's a solid cart, though.
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Unfortunately, the closest Sam's to me is 50+ miles away. An out of state friend has a membership, but with shipping, the chrome version came to about the same as the zinc one through Amazon, so I ordered it through Amazon. I was told that it comes with the commercial utility cart liners that you spoke of, so that was a plus.
It has room enough in front to act as a shelf, and three shelves/baskets underneath to store my wood, and accessories.
I'll use the wheels through the mesh technique shown in the pictue to secure the #1 to the cart, and so I don't have to worry about the wheels wandering off.
All in all, seems to offer good value for the $$.
A big thank you to bigbirdk whose pictures swayed me.
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After reading this thread, I ordered the Seville Classics cart for my new #1 from the manufacturer during a Christmas sale ...10% off and free shipping. It works perfect as other have said. I went ahead and attached without the wheels on the # 1 to give a bit more space. Remember to switch the top shelf position with the second shelf or you get to assemble twice like I did.
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I use a sams club cart which has 3 shelves and mats
The auber sits on the second shelf elevated and covered for air flow, the container has holes drilled in the side. Fairly in-expensive and sturdy
Mike
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I don't know. You guys scare me putting that heavy unit on top tables with wheels and that looks to be very top heavy. Accidentally hit something when moving it and I would be afraid it would tip.
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I did leave the wheels off, but used the Harbor Freight cart (without plywood topper). I don't have it bolted down yet because I wanted to be sure if I wanted it on the swivel wheel end or the fixed wheel end. There's a 2" lip going into my storage closet (apartment living) and I haven't had any instances where it felt remotely close to tipping or sliding off. I could see concern with it sliding off if it weren't bolted on when going over grass or some other rough terrain, but it's pretty stable.
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John/Brad/Mike. I'm thinking about making the leap into smoking soon with a purchase of the SI 1 in a couple of weeks. I like the idea of the Seville Classic Cart. Now that you've had a chance to try it out, how do you like it?
Thanks for any input.
Dave
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John/Brad/Mike. I'm thinking about making the leap into smoking soon with a purchase of the SI 1 in a couple of weeks. I like the idea of the Seville Classic Cart. Now that you've had a chance to try it out, how do you like it?
Thanks for any input.
Dave
Dave, sorry for the very late reply .... LOVE the Seville cart. So easy to roll in and out of garage and puts the SI at a perfect height .
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Hey Dave,I also am going to get the Seville cart for my #1, when I purchased the #3 from a former forum person, it included the cart from smokin-it and also an auber. Was a very good deal I just could not pass up.
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Great alternative idea for a cart but I have a few questions:
1. Can a #2 fit on that cart?
2. Can the top shelf be adjusted lower to reduce the overall height?
Thanks in advance.
Sorry, I forgot to add that my inquiry was for John from Long Island with the Seville Classic idea.
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Hey Gary, I too have the seville cart for my #1 smoker. The #2 should fit on it without a problem and yes you can adjust the height of the top shelf. Since I am not John I hope this answers your question.
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Thanks for the clarification Bill.
I think I'm going to keep it low on the ground now that I've had a chance to pick it up; it's got some heft and the thought of being that top heavy has me reconsidering.
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Thanks for the clarification Bill.
I think I'm going to keep it low on the ground now that I've had a chance to pick it up; it's got some heft and the thought of being that top heavy has me reconsidering.
Hey Gary, Several people use a cart from Harbor Freight. Check out Divotmaker's post I will give you the address: http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=3722.0 and if that cart will hold a #3 it should also hold your #2. I just have bad knees and lower back so need my smokers up off the ground. Good Luck.
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I ordered a regency restaurant equipment stand (30 deep x 24 wide) (All Stainless) including the legs and lower shelf from Webresturantsupply http://www.webstaurantstore.com/regency-30-x-24-16-gauge-stainless-steel-equipment-stand-with-galvanized-undershelf/600ES3024G.html and a set of casters from Castor City and then build a gig to ensure the holes lined up and it works great for my model 3. The door edge is about 6 inches back from the door edge so no dripping on the deck. I also purchased a second cart 30 inches wide and 24 inches deep.
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What is the height of your cart for a #3. I know the SI cart is 221/2 but what height do you guys have. How many inches would you say is too tall?
Thanks
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Doug, the SI cart ledge, that the smoker actually sits on, is 21". I have a Harbor Freight cart that I used with the analog #3. It sits 33" high. It was a little high, for the stock 3, but absolutely too high for the 3D (you can't read the display). Personally, I wouldn't go higher than about 24-26". You want to be able to look down on the top of the smoker.
The table Peter referenced, is 26" tall....perfect!
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Doug, the SI cart ledge, that the smoker actually sits on, is 21". I have a Harbor Freight cart that I used with the analog #3. It sits 33" high. It was a little high, for the stock 3, but absolutely too high for the 3D (you can't read the display). Personally, I wouldn't go higher than about 24-26". You want to be able to look down on the top of the smoker.
Thanks, that's exactly the info I needed. Still vacillating between the 3D/4D. Good thing I'm not rushed. I picked up this animal the other day in a action. Never seen one like it before. The current model supports 175#. I sent mfg a request for info. I believe I can take out one of the 3 side panels on each side to shorten it. After it gets pressure washed I will investigate that further. Has one beast of a cutting board on it though. It hold FULL size sheet pans. I just put those 18x13 (half size I guess) in there sideways to see if they would fit.
The table Peter referenced, is 26" tall....perfect!
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How tall is it, Doug? Looks really good!
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How tall is it, Doug? Looks really good!
Currently it is 36 inches tall. 29 inches deep and 21 inches wide.
I believe when I take it apart I will be able to reassemble it to be either
19 inches tall with 4 Racks
or
28 inches tall with 8 racks.
As I recall it would be beneficial to have a full size pan to pull out when putting in meat or removing meat to catch drippings.
Looks like your telling me the best height then would be the 19 inches. I think I would come up with a different top than the cutting board because if it cleans up well, I think I would like having a cutting board
that is 28 3/8 X 20 3/8. Also being shorter it would be more stable.
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Sounds like a plan, Doug! I'd stick to the 28", and see what you think. At least for me, at 5'9", that's pushing it.
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I picked up this fiberglass topped cart at an estate sell yesterday for $12.50. Not the prettiest but does the job. After I took the photo, I added some bungee cords to the wheels to keep it from blowing off