The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Is my smoker idea safe?

I just bought an old 2 door, 3 shelved metal ( must be steel, its rusting on bottom ) filing cabinet ( the kind that stands about 6 ft. tall ). I want to cut out the middle of the shelves and rig with a wire fencing material, and set a hot plate with wood chips on the bottom to produce smoke. are there any concerns with the paint or metal used in the construction of the filing cabinet? what about the fencing material? I believe its called contractors or builders blanket. its a type of wire mesh. thanks, stephen

Stephen Carson
hobbyist - Corpus Christi, Texas
2007

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2007

Hi Stephen,

There have been a number of letters in the past describing home-made smokers and bar-b-ques and the various ways to handle anything on the metal. Some of the best advice broke down to "don't use stuff for food if it isn't made for it or if you don't know EVERYTHING about it"... But if you are going to do it, you can get the paint and anything on the filing cabinet sandblasted off at a pretty reasonable price - that would probably be a very good first step.

With regard to the fencing material - I think the biggest issue is if it is galvanized - try to avoid it. If you can't, look through the archived letters and find some of their advice (or get it sand-blasted also... mind you, rust might/will quickly become an issue).

Please be aware I have no knowledge of your material, and if sandblasting isn't sufficient to ensure no negative effects (health or otherwise - or if it CAUSES any effects health or otherwise), I take no responsibility for it... just a couple of tips I'm offering - that's all.

Good luck!

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA