18.5 WSM Stainless Steel Cart and Work Station
Hello Daniel, and everyone else. I was in the same boat when it came to wanting a work station, cart for my 18.5" Smokey Mountain. I bought the following work table, and modified the work table, so that my 18.5" WMS would fit inside of it. I ould then be able to use the rest of the work station for storage, and while cooking, a work station:
This is what I purchased: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001TMEX7E/tvwb-20
I had all of the tool necessary to make the modification to the table, but if you don't you will have to spend a little more money.
1. Corded Drill with bit at least the width of your metal jigsaw blade
2. Corded jigsaw and metal blade (I have a battery power jigsaw, but the battery was not able to complete the job)
3. safety goggle (metal shards flying everyehwere)
4. dry erase marker
5. seamstress measuring tape
6. nail
7. clamp pliers
8. dremel work tool (metal cutting ability)
When the table arrives it is boxed, and I removed it from the box, but kept the cardboard on the ground so that I could use it for set up. I started with the stainless steel top, and placed it on saw horses. I used my dremel tool (pictured) to cut the metal welds for the center support (pictured), and then my dremel multi-tool to pry it loose.
Now I had free clearance to start measuring and cutting. Because I have the 18.5 WSM this cart works, it will not work for the 22 (because of width), and 14 (because of height). I measured the width from front to back and used a dry erase marker to mark the center. I made sure that I was far enough away from the edge that my circle cut would not interfere with the edges of the table. I used a seamstress measuring tape becuase of its flexibility and the hole at the end.
I stuck a nail through the end of the measuring tape, and the through the whole I drilled in the table. I clamped the nail in place so it would not pull out as I spun it in a circle to draw the circle.
What is not evident from the picture is I measured out 10.5 inches and drew the circle. I wanted to 21" circle this ensures enough room for the handle on the door.
I then drilled a bigger hole in the center (after removing the nail and tape). This would ensure that the metal jigsaw blade would fit. I proceeded to cut the circle in the metal by following the blue line all the way around. Make sure that your saw horse legs are spread far enough that you will not cut into them.
In addition, be sure not to go straight from the center, to the blue line edge, you ahve to take a gradually curved approach, because the blade and the saw can not handle a 90 degree angle. I had to take a couple swipes at it to get the perfect angle to continue the circle. With a corded jigsaw, this process only took a few minutes. Be sure to wear goggle as you can feel the metal hitting your arms.
Once the hole is cut, be carefuul as the edge is jagged (nut not to bad). I need to find something to wrap the edge (foam, or rubber). I tried the rubber tubing that you use for your screens on the storm windows, but it was to small of a tube, and did not fit easily.
Again, now that the hole is cut, you can assemble the cart using the provided directions. (simple, no tools required)
you can see the WSM 18.5 fits pretty good right inside, and the eight is perfect as to not interfere with the lid. Here are a few more pictures now that I have the smoker inside the cart.
So, you see there is ample room for storage, and the large wheels make it very easily to push around. Currently on the cart I have
1. 18.5" WSM
2. Charcoal
3. Rotisserie Attachment
4. Rib-O-Lator attachment for rotisserie attachment
5. lid lock attachment (not yet installed)
6. cold smoker attachment (not yet installed)
7. WOOD - pecan/mesquite/hickory/apple
All this cost was the cost for the table. $158 dollars from amazon (link above)
Happy Smoking everyone!