WSM table clearance?

[John Case]

I'm in the process of laying out a table for my WSM 22.5 & OTG 22.5 to be dropped into opposite ends of a table.

I would like to know what people have determined to be a safe clearance when cutting the round hole for the WSM & OTG to fit into.
I'm building the top out of maple.

I want enough clearance that I don't have to worry about charring the wood but close enough so I don't loose stuff down the gap and so it looks good.

Thanks,

John

 

[John Case]

Found the following reference while searching for characteristics of wood & heat exposure

If you're interested here is the article

Reactions to temperature exposure Temperature (Celsius)

Wood slowly chars* 120°-150° * wood chars at a rate of approximately 30-50 mm/hour
Decayed wood ignites 150°
Ignition temp of various woods 190°-260°


Another article here, rather interesting.

 

[timothy]

We use a 1" rule of thumb (code) for clearance around combustibles for flue pipes. I'm sure that will be fine for the WSM. The OTG should be Imo larger.
My table which hooks on the handle has a 2 1/2" clearance. I made that out of 2x6" T&G D-Fir and added an 1 1/2" Aluminum piece of FS to the face.
I didn't cut mine on a circle, more like a 1/4 Octagon which worked with the layout for the width of my boards.
HTH and post some pics when you get it completed.

Tim