Earl P (BamZipPow)
TVWBB Member
Using most of the knowledge on this board, I started a new mini build. I'm not painting this one as I need to test a few paint schemes first. I would like to thank all the previous builders fer their knowledge! Cost of this build was just under $80. 
Using CaseT's approach to the lid (and Mickey M's quest fer piccies), I re-purposed the IMUSA tamale pot lid on the base. I cut the diffuser supports from the lid scrap and sandwiched it between the new base and the bottom of the pot using self tapping screws. I made the top fer the ash vent can from the remaining lid scrap. I still have to tie it together on the charcoal grate. I turned the grate over since it will fit better. I also noticed that the charcoal grate doesn't sag in the center with the ash can support.
I massaged the pot rim with my Quick Grip bar clamp with one rubber pad removed (on the outside of the lip) until the Smokey Joe lid fit snugly. The key was taking yer time! After cutting a slot on the lip fer the temperature probe wire, the lip relaxed a little more and the lid fits very nicely and not snug at all.
I had a new Old Smokey 3" thermometer dial that I installed just below the top grate screw. This hides the grate support screw from the front.
I put the nickel coated grate on the bottom and the 18" Weber charcoal grate on top since the charcoal grate is easier to lift out.
I went with three bolts fer the grate support since tri-supports don't wobble. I used the legs on the bowl (after it was assembled) to mark my points fer the supports. I set my tape measure to 4" (just below the handle rivets) and locked the tape in. This was to ensure that my marks would be consistent. I made my marks with a pencil and made sure they were where I wanted the grate support bolts to be. I used a #8 self tapping screw to make my holes and then screwed in the stainless steel #8-32 x 1/2" bolts into the pot. I used 2 stainless steel nuts to lock the bolt in place.
I still have the knobs to install fer the upper and lower vents as well as building an upper vent diverter to keep the lid handle clean. I'm thinking about building a thermometer support stand that locks in place on one of the handles so one isn't always looking fer a place to put the thermometer unit.
I was asked to build this fer a friend who's gonna give it to her husband fer Christmas. I guess I'll be going over to teach him how everything works...
Using CaseT's approach to the lid (and Mickey M's quest fer piccies), I re-purposed the IMUSA tamale pot lid on the base. I cut the diffuser supports from the lid scrap and sandwiched it between the new base and the bottom of the pot using self tapping screws. I made the top fer the ash vent can from the remaining lid scrap. I still have to tie it together on the charcoal grate. I turned the grate over since it will fit better. I also noticed that the charcoal grate doesn't sag in the center with the ash can support.
I massaged the pot rim with my Quick Grip bar clamp with one rubber pad removed (on the outside of the lip) until the Smokey Joe lid fit snugly. The key was taking yer time! After cutting a slot on the lip fer the temperature probe wire, the lip relaxed a little more and the lid fits very nicely and not snug at all.
I had a new Old Smokey 3" thermometer dial that I installed just below the top grate screw. This hides the grate support screw from the front.
I put the nickel coated grate on the bottom and the 18" Weber charcoal grate on top since the charcoal grate is easier to lift out.
I went with three bolts fer the grate support since tri-supports don't wobble. I used the legs on the bowl (after it was assembled) to mark my points fer the supports. I set my tape measure to 4" (just below the handle rivets) and locked the tape in. This was to ensure that my marks would be consistent. I made my marks with a pencil and made sure they were where I wanted the grate support bolts to be. I used a #8 self tapping screw to make my holes and then screwed in the stainless steel #8-32 x 1/2" bolts into the pot. I used 2 stainless steel nuts to lock the bolt in place.
I still have the knobs to install fer the upper and lower vents as well as building an upper vent diverter to keep the lid handle clean. I'm thinking about building a thermometer support stand that locks in place on one of the handles so one isn't always looking fer a place to put the thermometer unit.
I was asked to build this fer a friend who's gonna give it to her husband fer Christmas. I guess I'll be going over to teach him how everything works...
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