Materials source for offset smoker build (used propane tanks)

Maker Talk
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Hi,

I’m thinking about building an offset smoker. A good place to start for the cooking chamber would be a 120-150 gallon propane tank that is no longer usable. Does anybody know a good place to source one?

Best,
Jeff

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I dont know of a propane tank source, but if you do find and use one, please be extremely careful. They will still catch fire even when empty.
Westbrook does happy pipe sections they are advertising as BBQ pit material, not sure of the price or size.

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100% fire risk. There are proper ways to check pressure and uncap the tank. You can also buy the pipe section that @jamesfreeman mentioned. I have seen people selling bbq end caps on FB marketplace if want the propane tank look.

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You may also consider a used air compressor tank. Its served me well, although its not as big as a propane tank.

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I’m not dead set on a propane tank. I just started looking at the forces required to bend 1/4" steel and at least need to start out with something cylindrical, unless I go with an octagonal design or something like that.

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an octagonal smoker would be pretty cool though…

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There are probably plenty of videos on how to properly prep the tank so you can safely cut into the tank once you uncap it. Preferably find a tank that is already uncapped. I have had a large propane tank recertified. I would check with a propane company who does recerts. I think Direct propane does this service.

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That’s beefy. A smoker out of that thing could feed the neighborhood. But…also take a long time to heat up and use a lot of fuel/space. :slight_smile:

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These are hard to come by nowadays, but if you really want to go big….
IMG_4409

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This, or one like it, used to be along 290, Austin to Houston.
image

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I would look at a defunct air compressor tank. There are usually 50 gallon tanks available on FB market place

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I have done the propane tank grill. You can get free/cheap expired tanks from Suburban Propane or sometimes from the dump. You can watch a video on YouTube (How to properly purge propane tanks for fabrication - YouTube) on making the tank safe. You use a screwdriver to open the release/purge valve. When empty you unscrew the valve stem assembly and wash out with water. Then you can use a plasma cutter or torch to cut open and making something like this!
Despicable Me Minion BBQ - YouTube