Jim H.
TVWBB All-Star
Bought a used 18.5" WSM last night off CL. I looked it over it very well before I agreed to buy it, and here's what I found:
Top damper code DR=2006. Looks like it has been used some, but not recently. It sat covered on the seller's patio, since he had a newer GOSM behind this WSM, and I think that has become his go-to smoker. The vinyl cover leaks a little water, as I saw some pin holes in the fabric cover when I looked from the inside towards my patio light, and the lid dumped a little water when I removed the smoker lid. Will not be a problem on my covered patio, and I may get a new cover.
Cooking grates have some surface rust (may need to get replacements if they don't clean up or if plating is flaking off, or if I just feel lazy), original small water pan has no rust and is fairly clean, all vents open & close easily, charcoal ring & grate are both in good shape, and no problems in the charcoal bowl. The knob is tightly attached to the door, and keeps the door closed with very little gap. Seller had put some foil on the door edge, presumably to seal it up a little better. The lid has 3-4 very small areas of surface rust I assume from moisture that need cleaning (I could scrape it off easily with my fingernail) and I think that's about all I will have to deal with in getting it ready. I plan to clean it up tonight & tomorrow night to have it ready for my first rib cook in it on Saturday.
since it is a pre-2008 model, I plan to install a thermometer & I think I will get a terra cotta saucer from HD or Lowe's & try foil wrapping that and the water pan, or I may try the foil balls covered with additional foil. It will be fun to experiment with different ideas that I have been studying here.
Before & after pics to follow when I can find my missing memory card reader.
Can't wait to try it out!!!!
Top damper code DR=2006. Looks like it has been used some, but not recently. It sat covered on the seller's patio, since he had a newer GOSM behind this WSM, and I think that has become his go-to smoker. The vinyl cover leaks a little water, as I saw some pin holes in the fabric cover when I looked from the inside towards my patio light, and the lid dumped a little water when I removed the smoker lid. Will not be a problem on my covered patio, and I may get a new cover.
Cooking grates have some surface rust (may need to get replacements if they don't clean up or if plating is flaking off, or if I just feel lazy), original small water pan has no rust and is fairly clean, all vents open & close easily, charcoal ring & grate are both in good shape, and no problems in the charcoal bowl. The knob is tightly attached to the door, and keeps the door closed with very little gap. Seller had put some foil on the door edge, presumably to seal it up a little better. The lid has 3-4 very small areas of surface rust I assume from moisture that need cleaning (I could scrape it off easily with my fingernail) and I think that's about all I will have to deal with in getting it ready. I plan to clean it up tonight & tomorrow night to have it ready for my first rib cook in it on Saturday.
since it is a pre-2008 model, I plan to install a thermometer & I think I will get a terra cotta saucer from HD or Lowe's & try foil wrapping that and the water pan, or I may try the foil balls covered with additional foil. It will be fun to experiment with different ideas that I have been studying here.
Before & after pics to follow when I can find my missing memory card reader.
Can't wait to try it out!!!!
