Yeah, I've seen that mod also. I am torn, that does look to be easier to use, but I also kind of like the "stock look" of the gasket. I don't think it would be that bad to drill for the gasket with a step bit, no?
WSM 18.5 - Salvageable?
- Thread starter M.Stein
- Start date
Yeah, I've seen that mod also. I am torn, that does look to be easier to use, but I also kind of like the "stock look" of the gasket. I don't think it would be that bad to drill for the gasket with a step bit, no?
BFletcher
TVWBB Honor Circle
We are going to have differing opinions about this. For how I am wired, I would want to drill the circular hole for the grommet. But I would want ensure that I drill the exact diameter that is needed. On my stock WSM's, inserting the grommet is an extremely tight fit.
SO, the tight fit, is that good or bad? I would imagine that being tight might be a pain to install, but once its in you don't have to worry about leaks?
BFletcher
TVWBB Honor Circle
It is my assumption that the extremely tight fit is a positive, as you suspect. I have read some users on various facebook groups share what they believe to be the correct diameter but there has been dispute over the correct diameter. If I were in your position I'd reach-out to Weber for the correct spec.
I have a 14.5 WSM that has one installed from factory, I could pop that one out and measure the hole. Probably not a bad idea, but I think I have read elsewhere that the hole needs to be 1.25"
Timothy F. Lewis
TVWBB 1-Star Olympian
This grommet is silicone, you really don’t want to go too large, if it’s a really snug fit, there is no problem. I’d simply look at the spec sheet, my guess is there will be dimensions printed on the package. A step drill should be just fine.
Hey, it was a $30 grill. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! You will be just fine don’t start the drill until you’ve read the specs, it will not take a lot of time but care should be taken not to go too fast and end up “one step beyond”.
Don’t worry, Grill happy!
Hey, it was a $30 grill. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! You will be just fine don’t start the drill until you’ve read the specs, it will not take a lot of time but care should be taken not to go too fast and end up “one step beyond”.
Don’t worry, Grill happy!
Eh, I figure while I am at it, I might as well drill for a dome thermometer. While I don't use the one on my akorn often, and can't forsee me using the one on the WSM, sometimes I feel its a nice indicator of how things are "heating up"
BFletcher
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BFletcher
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And while it sounds like you may prefer the silicon port here is an article on the notch method: http://virtualweberbullet.com/cutting-a-probe-thermometer-slot.html
Mike in Roseville
TVWBB Fan
Excellent buy at $30. I picked up a newer model for $30 last year and its my favorite WSM to cook on. A friend of mine just got an older 18WSM in nicer shape for $25.
Timothy F. Lewis
TVWBB 1-Star Olympian
I’d skip the dome thermometer, but, it’s yours, you can do as you please.
Mine had been “notched” prior to my acquiring it from a member here. The job was done so well it’s virtually undetectable. I have yet to fire my “grommetted 22” but, that time is coming, it has dome thermometer so, I will see what the differential between the two is so, if one goes bad I can still know what things are doing, sort of.
Mine had been “notched” prior to my acquiring it from a member here. The job was done so well it’s virtually undetectable. I have yet to fire my “grommetted 22” but, that time is coming, it has dome thermometer so, I will see what the differential between the two is so, if one goes bad I can still know what things are doing, sort of.
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