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External access for probes

PostPosted: 24 Aug 2012, 12:37
by aris
Has anyone done a mod on their smoker, or added a hole for a probe of any sort? I'm thinking of using an engine grommet. I suspect they are designed to handle high heats. If I use one small enough, no heat should escape.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/gromets/sea ... rd/grommet

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 27 Aug 2012, 19:15
by BBQFanatic
We used grommets from Cajun Bandit for our WSM the process is documented here, a pretty pain free experience.

http://bbqfanatic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/wsm-handle-modification.html

Image

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 27 Aug 2012, 19:26
by aris
What are these grommets made from?

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 27 Aug 2012, 19:37
by BBQFanatic
Its really just a copper pipe thats been opened at one end so its got a wider opening. Then there is ring that you slide over this pipe that can be locked, as a result it does not move once you have mounted it.

http://cajunbandit.com/i/grommets.jpg

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 29 Aug 2012, 11:14
by bencops
Steve told me they're "flesh tunnels" - something to do with the ear piercing!

i feel a bulk order coming on...

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 29 Aug 2012, 15:34
by BBQFanatic
Dont know about flesh tunnels, but if you want a do it yourself, this will do - Threaded pipe, cut to size and 2x screw either side.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2024152#post2024152

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 29 Aug 2012, 16:56
by aris
I've got my probes. I'm going to try a rubber grommet. If that doesn't work, I'll try something else.

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 30 Aug 2012, 23:15
by BBQFanatic
Really? What temp is the rubber rated to? The outer edge of the wsm gets the brunt of the heat, as will the grommet, I have recorded temps of 400f+ when putting the lid on my smoker, though it quickly drops down.

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 31 Aug 2012, 08:32
by aris
Good point - I will have to get a silicone grommet rated to 250C. Might prove difficult to find in small quantities though - so in the meantime I'll use a 5 or 6mm brass compression fitting, and stuff the hole with a bit of foil if I find it is leaking too much.

Re: External access for probes

PostPosted: 31 Aug 2012, 11:42
by BBQFanatic
Good thinking. I wouldnt worry about it leaking too much. There is significantly more draw from the top of the smoker than there is from a little hole in the side. Since I have installed mine I hardly get any heat/smoke leakage out of it. There is more lost around the edge of the door and the lip of the lids. Let us know how you get on & pics please!!