Pellet Fan
Pit Talk -- Comments and Questions Regarding These Pellet Pits => recteq => Topic started by: okie smokie on January 18, 2020, 05:17:46 PM
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No problem using the 590 in cold weather, but it is not double layered inside. So after some research, I am going to adapt one of the Traeger coats for it. It is the coat that will fit the Tex or new Pro 780. I measured the 780 and it is 32" wide. (odd number--usually 24" or 36" for most models). No problem with a little side overlap. However, will have to measure and cut out holes for the 3 exhaust vents. I worried how I would keep the fabric from sliding over those vents when opening and closing. Pending solution: I have ordered 2.5" flat round ceramic magnets, very powerful, to place over the fabric around those vents. The SS is 430 so is magnetic. Ceramic magnets are the best at keeping their magnetism with heat (good to 300* C ==572* F) and are not depleted till much hotter. Once I get it trimmed down as nec. I have a neighbor who does sewing for others. Will have her seam around the holes, etc. I can get a good sear now with the GGs but takes longer at 470* and gobbles pellets. Should pay for itself in short order on the long slow cooks. :cool:
"Someone asked Edmund Hillary why he climbed Everest. He answered Because it was there." Or something to that effect.
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There is a guy that makes these on the one FB page.
They look well made, would keep the exhaust open.
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There is a guy that makes these on the one FB page.
They look well made, would keep the exhaust open.
Looks great but with those I would have to slide the blanket down to the chimney base and that would work. However, ads a lot of structure (which you will have to clean out from time to time). I think my adaptation will work for me. Just have to get it together and trim, sew, and once the magnets are added, it won't move. Just got the magnets, wow, they are powerful! He sure did a nice job with the mod. Thanks for the input. I will send pics when I get 'er done. Fingers crossed that it does not get too complicated.
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Sounds good to me okie. Waiting to see the pics and how it worked. If your cold is like ours, the inaugural run should prove the insulation blanket's worth.
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Mild winter here, but we have our cold days. Enough in the 40's and below to make the blanket worth while. Not serious enough though to go ahead if the task is going to be too difficult. Waiting to see the exact width of the blanket. Seems like no one wants to give up that dimension. Would appreciate it if someone out there with a Texas will tell me the width of the barrel. The new series pro 780 is 32 inches but the blankets were made for the Texas series. Not sure if they are 32 or 36 inches. I emailed the Traeger service and they answered 15" x 2.5" ?????? Hard to get good help these days! I'm sure your winters are are more blanket worthy. :help:
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Not sure if this will help answer anything for you, heck you probably already have seen it, but just in case.
Also I believe the Texas was replaced by the 34, the Texas is also what RT cloned for the 680 and 700. I had a Treager Texas front shelf on my 680, bolted right on.
https://www.traegergrills.com/images/en-us/PDFs/Full-Comparison_LoRes_3.25.pdf
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Well the Traeger series 34 blanket is 36" wide, bulky, and thick, It is very good for the Texas series but won't adapt for my 590. Too thick for the magnets too. Also looked at a fiberglass welding blanket today. Piece of xxxx, with loose fiberglass everywhere which gets into your skin, sticks to the pit and will get inside on the food as well. Also an inhalant hazard. So will avoid that. Back to the drawing table. If spring comes first will skip all this. :'(
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Not sure what you want to drop on something, maybe you could make this work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2M17RL/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07H2M17RL&pd_rd_w=Uty5f&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=Ar6mx&pf_rd_r=B67HENB1E6H61AGAHN0G&pd_rd_r=a34cb3fe-96a1-4673-b7f8-d2fc89ab1104&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzT1VNRjZJWEhORDdTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQ2MDk5RDBJNkNHVlVSQzZKJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1NDE4MjUyRklYQ0FMVThXVEFNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
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Not sure what you want to drop on something, maybe you could make this work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2M17RL/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07H2M17RL&pd_rd_w=Uty5f&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=Ar6mx&pf_rd_r=B67HENB1E6H61AGAHN0G&pd_rd_r=a34cb3fe-96a1-4673-b7f8-d2fc89ab1104&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzT1VNRjZJWEhORDdTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQ2MDk5RDBJNkNHVlVSQzZKJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1NDE4MjUyRklYQ0FMVThXVEFNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Nice. No fiberglass contamination there. I would warn all who have used the fiberglass welding blankets. They shed pieces of fiberglass everywhere and are poorly woven to begin with. That stuff gets into your skin, your clothes, into your smoker and is dangerous to your health if swallowed, or inhaled. Also, foreign body in your eyes. I would advise all our friends who have used the fiberglass welders blankets to get rid of them pronto. There are some silicone covered fb blankets that are probably safe enough but I would not go for that either. Carbon fiber seems ok and perhaps a better insulator? Thanks for the info. Pricy.
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Not sure what you want to drop on something, maybe you could make this work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2M17RL/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07H2M17RL&pd_rd_w=Uty5f&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=Ar6mx&pf_rd_r=B67HENB1E6H61AGAHN0G&pd_rd_r=a34cb3fe-96a1-4673-b7f8-d2fc89ab1104&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzT1VNRjZJWEhORDdTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQ2MDk5RDBJNkNHVlVSQzZKJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1NDE4MjUyRklYQ0FMVThXVEFNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I've been trying to figure out something for my Maverick and this might fit the need (or one of the smaller ones). Especially since the factory version is $275 and out of stock. My GMG blanket works kind of, so I might stick with it but I don't like the fit because of the way the chimney is positioned in the roll top lid. We don't get too terribly cold here, so I'm not sure why I think I need one.
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Current status: Traeger, and welders blanket are out. Both returned for full refund.
Pending: Pit Boss 820 series blanket will be here to test Friday. This blanket was reported to be 29.5" wide. Will need a little mod around the handles, and holes for the exhausts. Looks promising. Will report when available. It will be a one piece which will cover enough of the barrel to allow for max temp with less pellets. (hopefully)
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Got the Pitt Boss 820 blanket today. It is gonna work well. My main goal is not to get the best overcoat, but instead to get good enough conservation of heat and pellets to be able to reach full high temp and save pellet expense. I decided the best way to address the handles was to remount them over the blanket. Then will have a local seat cover maker, stitch and cut the holes for the chimney vents. Will use the RT chimney extensions (poorly made IMO--but will do) to hold the vent cuts in place. Magnets if needed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Qx4XMNJl.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/tq3szv0l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AG4vXEql.jpg)
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Looks like you have it figured out.
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Looks like you have it figured out.
Cutting the vents and anchoring them adequately will be the big challenge. Tomorrow---
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Looks like that will work just fine IMO.
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Had to leave it with the seamstress at auto upholstery shop. Been here many years, and used to make tops. Still I am concerned whether they will be able to sew the outlines, cut them out and sew the magnets to the inside near the vent holes without messing up the whole thing. They have nylon/propylene thread, not sure of heat capacity. But I am planning to cover all inside thread work with gray high heat silicon which should bond well to the fabric ends. It is very strong as well as heat resistant. I think I can keep it neat enough that it will not show on the outside. The SS vent extensions do not fit flush and if I can get the top clean enough will also silicone seal those edges as well so they don't leak smoke and heat around the extensions and under the insulation. Nervous about this.
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I think what you are doing is admirable. I also think that it is more than necessary. But, that is your decision and not mine, and I look forward to continue to read you adventure in making this work for you. If I lived in the Dakotas or north Minnesota or some colder region like that and wanted to cook outside in the winter temps, I may consider what you are doing.
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I think what you are doing is admirable. I also think that it is more than necessary. But, that is your decision and not mine, and I look forward to continue to read you adventure in making this work for you. If I lived in the Dakotas or north Minnesota or some colder region like that and wanted to cook outside in the winter temps, I may consider what you are doing.
You are probably correct,(re. more than necessary.) but I get bored sitting and watching impeachment trials, and that forces me to do OCD type things. If it is a success, it will maybe help those in real need (Dakotas etc). What got me into it was that it took me 35 to 40 minutes in 30 degree weather to get to 450 when set at 500. We do have lots of those days for 3 months a year, burned lots of pellets just to grill some steaks. Remembered that I was very happy with the Traeger blanket with my Lil Tex in the past. So here we are.
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I get bored pretty easy too and look for things to do. Nothing my wife thinks is important like trimming trees and hedges, etc. Some project I deem important at the time and a reason to be outside. Keep up the good work because you never know who else this could help.
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Progress! Retrieved the pad from the seamstress and cancelled that job. Then purchased a spool of kevlar thread, and re-designed the job with the pad turned 180*. In other words, the front of pad at back of pit. That removed the precut holes from the front and places them on the back. Took it to another seamstress, and got it done, today. Had to seal the cut edges with gray ultra high temp silicone to avoid shedding of the internal fiberglass padding, but doubt that anyone will notice. Two magnets attached at the same level as the new vent holes. Dry overnight, mount it tomorrow, and test. Pics will follow. :D
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A master of innovation... Waiting on the pics.
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Here is the final revised fitting. Did a test run and while the magnets in bottom back (3 sewn in), lost their magnetism while hot, and the back fell away from the barrel at the bottom, the results were still very good:
Temp set on full, amibient temp 36, no breeze. temp up to 404 in 20 minutes (about the same as without blanket), BUT 500*(498*) reached in 30 min. instead of 45 min. with a much smoother upward curve. Also, while not measured, I can tell that the pellet use was less, since there was not the usual deep depression over the auger area. Will be able to test pellet consumption later I hope. Now running the temp down and will turn off. When cool, will inspect the blanket for any damage etc. and also work out a way to anchor it in back better. Over all a good result.
(https://i.imgur.com/p9AjE2Nl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gjP2PwKl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NsvcBDnl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Z9Hj9z6l.jpg)
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Came out very nice!
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Nice write-up. Good to see it done and how it performed.. Most interesting is the heat-up time reduction in the high temperature range. I am sure we will be hearing more as you get some more test time on it.
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Nice idea, execution, and content for this site. I wouldn't be surprised if RecTec takes the idea for their own.
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Thanks all for the comments. Temp was still climbing to 511 when I turned it down. Might as well forget the original sewn in magnets,as they lost their grab with the heat. The big round aftermarkets that you see under the vents are not needed there. I will use them at the low back area. Will bolt them thru with large washer on top and magnet underneath, so that the whole magnet face is on the metal. It is ceramic and will hold well in the heat down there. When the top is opened the vents have great clearance, and of course the heat at that moment is coming straight out of the open pit. I found no evidence of burn, char, or breakdown otherwise. Actually surprised at the improvement in performance with the area that was covered well, just 5 of the 8 panels of the octagon barrel. If it holds up it will be a November-March season. Now___ WAS IT WORTH THE COST? $175 TOTAL. I don't think so, and would not rec. this mod unless you live in the great north where regular use would pay for it in a season or two. But it was fun for me.
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As usual I changed my plans: Found some heat resistant rope at the local Buck Stove store, and just tied the lower back of the insulator to the back legs of the pit. Good enough.
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Looks great!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Low Slow Test Results:
I usually don't low slow below 225, but as extra measure, I set the pit for 200* with ambient temp of 67 and sunny. Almost no breeze. Placed my Maverick temp sensor first on the left side-center of grill about 3 inches from left edge of grate, then moved it to center/center and finally to right/center 3 inches from right wall. Set control to 200*.
1. Only took about 8-10 min. to get to temp
2. At that temp the fan goes on and off to promote smoke. And it smoked almost continuously, so no complaints there.
3. Control remained on 200* almost all of the time with occ. drifts up to 202 (rare) and back.
4. Maverick at left side range was 194-200 but averaged about 198*
5. Maverick moved to center/center ranged 194-202 but averaged 198
6. Maverick moved to right/center ranged from 196-205 but averaged around 200.
All controls were set to factory, except the auger which I had previously set at 75 (factory default is 65)
Averaged about 20 minutes at each station.
I am amazed at how close the temps were across the grates, and how stable during the whole experiment.
No way to test the pellet use but it appeared low in general to me.
I think that will conclude my overcoat experiment on a positive note. :D
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Wow. That's some impressive okie.
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Wow. That's some impressive okie.
The promo on the box that the cover came in stated that more uniform temps in the pit were to be expected but I did not expect them to be that close. Of course it was a still, blue bird day. Perhaps different on a windy, cold day. Meanwhile I think it is time to stop tweeking and find another project, or just do some good cookin. Best to ya! :bbq: