Oil Drum Brazing.

[Maximus616]

Hi all,I have got a problem regarding my BBQ build,I have got two 45 gallon oil drums and intend to build an American type Hot Smoker BBQ,I have even bought a new Brazing Torch,However I cannot no matter what get some straight answers to the type of Brazing rod to use,I need to braze a seal of thin flat Steel around the Smoker Drum hatch,its there to seal in smoke and heat as I am sure you already know,and also other jobs like the actual food racks which there are two of,any help on getting some flat steel mesh also needed,they will have a edging Brazed to them so they will slide in and out on guides of flat steel strip,what I need is a good steel to steel all rounder type of Brazing rod flux coated,so if anybody can put me on course I would be most obliged.
The other problem I have is Firebox size,the firebox will be under slung so the heat and smoke will enter from the base of the Smoker/BBQ,I intend to make it into a Reverse Flow BBQ by simply cutting a quarter of another drum out,putting in a deeper bend then brazing that to the bottom of the smoker/BBQ,so there will be a dome like partition on the inside but I need some idea of the Firebox size so it will be balanced,I need it to be big enough to deliver smoke and heat at a steady rate and not either give too much or not enough of either if you follow what I mean.
The only thing I need to find is the Steel Mesh for the shelves,asked about Stainless steel Woven mesh but was told that bacteria would be a problem using that,it looked good stuff as well,its okay for a Chippy though,any thoughts on that.
Well I will leave this for anyone to comment and please be kind as I am a total newby at this game but one is proper determined to complete the project,Cheers All.

[aris]

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/ might be a good place to ask about welding and brazing - some very knowledgeable people there.