I'm converting an old water well pressure tank into a smoker. I've just recently tack-welded some pieces on and wonder if I could post and get suggestions or opinions on what/how I'm doing before I go ahead and finish welding.
Once cutting the tank open, it revealed its flimsiness. I needed to expand the area between the smoker bottom and top cover/lid in order to put a felt seal between the two. I've added a couple pieces of flat stock (one inside and one outside the tank) in order to build up this area. I think I might need to add one more on the outside of the top and bottom.
Since the tank is round, I needed to add a flat base to put some hinges on. I plan on drilling holes through the hinges and running a pin between them. I'm trying to think up a way to put a spring around the pin so it acts like a damper when opening and closing the top. Not sure if that's possible. The red areas are where the holes/pin will be.
Any glaring mistakes? Any tips or suggestions?
Yes, I'm an amateur welder. Don't laugh too loudly.
Thanks.
Here are some pictures.
Once cutting the tank open, it revealed its flimsiness. I needed to expand the area between the smoker bottom and top cover/lid in order to put a felt seal between the two. I've added a couple pieces of flat stock (one inside and one outside the tank) in order to build up this area. I think I might need to add one more on the outside of the top and bottom.
Since the tank is round, I needed to add a flat base to put some hinges on. I plan on drilling holes through the hinges and running a pin between them. I'm trying to think up a way to put a spring around the pin so it acts like a damper when opening and closing the top. Not sure if that's possible. The red areas are where the holes/pin will be.
Any glaring mistakes? Any tips or suggestions?
Yes, I'm an amateur welder. Don't laugh too loudly.
Thanks.
Here are some pictures.



