quote:

Originally posted by LDean:
RE: fit of lid

I have 2 IMUSA steamers and 2 Smokey Joes. One SJ lid fits both steamers perfectly, the other is too tight, so I suspect that the problem may be that SJ lids vary a little in diameter. I also have a problem with the Weber grill racks, one is larger than the other. I have to force one grill into the barrel, while the other fits both barrels perfectly. I have gone to a $3.95 accessory rack, which is only 13.5" in diameter, vs 14" for the Weber SJ grill. For those that are having problems, might pick up a Craigs list SJ, usually available for $10-15. LDW

Where did you find the $3.95 rack?

quote:

Originally posted by Justin W:
Thanks Branon.

Just took some plier and slightly crimped the rim downward. It didn't take much at all. Think 1/8th of an inch all the way around.

How did the paint job hold up?

Brannon:
Regarding the 13.5 accessory grill. I bought the 13.5" grill at Academy Sports, but it is probably available elsewhere. It is China made, not as sturdy as Weber. After a few smokes, it was virtually impossible to get the 14" rack into the lower part of the barrel, due to residue build-up. I just set the small grill on top of the foiled terracotta disc at the bottom, using the 14" for the top. LDW

quote:

Originally posted by Branon S.:

quote:

Originally posted by Justin W:
Thanks Branon.

Just took some plier and slightly crimped the rim downward. It didn't take much at all. Think 1/8th of an inch all the way around.

How did the paint job hold up?

Hard to say just yet. Overall it looks great, but there are about 3 tiny spots where it speckled a little. If I had to guess, I would say that's my fault because I didn't think to wipe down the bucket between the time I cut it and the time I painted it. I just flipped it over and went to town (I'm a total noob at this type of stuff) and it's possible it just little places where aluminum shavings got under the paint.

I can say this, the rest of the paint (besides the specles looks great. It hasn't fadded or anything.

Then again, who knows. If you want to wait a few months to paint, I'll give you a better update after more use.

LDean Thanks for the grill info. I looked everywhere for a cheap grill grate and found nothing. Academy Sports does not have a location in St. Louis.

Justin: I will probably paint the cooker this weekend. I figure the more I fire it up the more grease and gunk will get on the outside making it even harder to get a good coat of paint on there.

Makes sense. I painted mine first for the same reasons.

I think it's going to hold up fine. It definitely didn't fade or seem to have any issue sticking to the aluminum. Only time will tell, but even if it wears off over time, it would only take about 5 minutes to spray it down again.

What color are you going to go with?

I was thinking the same thing as far as spraying it down as needed.

I already have some high-temp black spray paint so that's what I'll use.

How did it turn out, Branon?

I think it turned out pretty good. The paint took very well to the pot and held up just fine to todays ribs and fattie.







The fattie's been on for about 30-45 minutes.

Looks good.

The spares look like they were a crowd pleaser...at least according to the kiddo shot.

ok, i've got my pot ready to go. well, i will when i get the sticky tape off that held the label on. how have you gotten yers off.?

quote:

Originally posted by george curtis:
ok, i've got my pot ready to go. well, i will when i get the sticky tape off that held the label on. how have you gotten yers off.?

I ran it for a few hours (making ABTs and a Fattie) and after it cooled most of it was gone. What was left rubbed off with a green scrub pad.

quote:

Originally posted by george curtis:
ok, i've got my pot ready to go. well, i will when i get the sticky tape off that held the label on. how have you gotten yers off.?

I used Goo Gone. Took it right off.

thanks guys, i tried wd40 but it didn't phase it.

Try cooking oil. Spray Pam will work. Just make sure to wash it very good if you plan to paint it.

Wow some amazing work guys! Is there any concensus on what smokey joe is the better base for this?

quote:

Originally posted by John09:
Wow some amazing work guys! Is there any concensus on what smokey joe is the better base for this?

I have the silver model and I think it works great. I've seen people mention the gold model is really good for this mod because the vents are on the sides more like a regular WSM. Personally, I say whatever is cheapest is the one to go with. I had no problem controlling the temps in the silver during yesterdays long cook.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Branon S.,

quote:

Originally posted by Branon S.:

quote:

Originally posted by John09:
Wow some amazing work guys! Is there any concensus on what smokey joe is the better base for this?

I have the silver model and I think it works great. I've seen people mention the gold model is really good for this mod because the vents are on the sides more like a regular WSM. Personally, I say whatever is cheapest is the one to go with. I had no problem controlling the temps in the silver during yesterdays long cook.

I have the SJS, and I bought the tamale pot back when this first thread started. I still havent built it yet, but its coming. I am visting my bro in law in st louis in a few weeks, and I am going to build one of these for him. Should I get the SJG since it would have less of an ash issue as the vents are on the side? Or is the SJS better from a temp. control perspective? I guess there might be someone with both, but opinions from anyone that has one or the other is appreciated. Thanks!

i only have the sjs so thats what i'm gonna be using. my bil says he will give me his old sjg but who knows. right now i think the sjs is the way to go cuz it can also be used as intended as a regular grill and we know its better doing that than the sjg.

I have both. I've only used the gold so far and it's been great. I think it's pretty much perfect for this application but I HATED it as a grill...which is the reason I got the silver in the first place.

My gut reaction is (if you are buying new) to recommend that if you plan on using it primarily as a smoker, go with the gold and if you want a multi-tasker, then get the silver.

If you are buying used off Craigslist, grab whatevers cheapest and don't think twice about it.