New Cart for SI #3D

[ArsenalFan]

So, I got the idea from kz0m, but I thought I'd share my set-up that I put together tonight.  I got a new Craftsman 4-drawer 26" rolling tool cabinet from Sears:

http://www.sears.com/26-in-5-drawer-ball-bearing-bottom-chest/p-00938093000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

Here are some pics:

 

[ArsenalFan]

The drawers are big enough to hold the racks.  There is enough space between the edge of the top of the cart and the bottom of the smoker for the drip pan too.  Time to load it up with all of my utensils and wood chunks/chips.

Oh yeah, and anyone looking for dimensions...the top of the Craftsman cabinet is 18"x26", and the dimensions from the outside edge of the legs of the SI #3 is 17"x22" (so it fits well on top of the cabinet).

 

[SconnieQ]

Wow! Looks like a perfect fit!

 

[kz0m]

Now that looks VERY familiar ;>))
Glad it worked out, let me know if you decide to put the folding tray on the front, it sure does help out with loading and unloading items in the smoker!

Also thank you for posting the web page for the cart, I looked and they gave me different options on the site but not that exact one, you have the exact same cart I have with mine and I love that thing!  Mine was $99 on sale and as you stated, the size is perfect, you get a roller cart with plenty of storage for an excellent price!  Thanks for posting!

Carl

 

[Tom]

Carl,

How hard was it to do the drop down shelf mod? I'm getting more interested in this route, seeing how an all stainless prep table even here in the Bay area with all the commercial food industry, is north of $400 easily and often $500. I made the mistake in the past by getting a cheap table off Amazon and only the top was stainless. the legs and lower shelf were galvanized and didn't play too well in the cool humid Pacific air here.

 

[kz0m]

Very easy to attach.  I painted 1/2" birch plywood black that matched the tool chest then used melamine glue (good for attaching slick surfaces together) and sheet metal screws to attach to the tool chest, let set over night then attached the drop down hinges through the plywood and the tool chest with the same type sheet metal screws, I believe I used #14 screws.  Then I opened the brackets and laid the cookie sheet on top of then, marked the holes from underneath side once the tray was centered on the brackets and drilled the holes in the cookie sheet where I had marked them.  I attached the cookie sheet onto the brackets with machine bolts and finished the project.  I have mine outside but on a covered patio so moisture isn't a big problem.

 

[danorum]

These look awesome. I was looking at the harbor freight cart ones, but I think the finish would hold up really well on this one for not much more $, and you get the great drawers.

It looks like one of these is this 3 drawer cart and one is the 4 drawer one linked, right?
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-26-in-wide-3-drawer-basic-ball/p-00931016000P?sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

How did you attach the smoker to the top? Any chance you could post pictures of how you did that?

Also, really like the fold out cookie sheet and may look to do that too.

Dan

 

[ArsenalFan]

These look awesome. I was looking at the harbor freight cart ones, but I think the finish would hold up really well on this one for not much more $, and you get the great drawers.

It looks like one of these is this 3 drawer cart and one is the 4 drawer one linked, right?
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-26-in-wide-3-drawer-basic-ball/p-00931016000P?sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

How did you attach the smoker to the top? Any chance you could post pictures of how you did that?

Also, really like the fold out cookie sheet and may look to do that too.

Dan

That's the one (or at least the top surface is the same size - mine is the 4-drawer model), and it's a good price on sale right now. 

I only set the smoker on top of the cart - I didn't physically attach it.  The cart comes with a rubber-type tool mat that goes on the top surface, so that helps to keep the smoker from sliding around.  I thought about attaching it, but I don't think it's going anywhere when I'm moving it.  However, if you think you NEED to attach it, there is a thread around here that says what size the holes are (thread size/spacing, that is) on the bottom of the legs that receive the caster wheels - and you could easily put bolt holes in this cabinet.  Let us know if you go this route and how you do it.

 

[danorum]

I picked up the 3 drawer. It is the same height, but instead of $129 it was $99. Also, I think the big bottom drawer will work well for my bags of wood for smoking. 

I found the other thread. M12-1.75 threads was the answer. I only have a #1, so maybe I even have to worry about it less, but I want to make sure it doesn't fall off.

The part that makes me the most mad is I didn't see any of these threads and have been putting a gardening knee pad down so I can get on the ground to put stuff in the smoker. This will make it so much nicer to both move around and use.

Dan

 

[Durangosmoker]

I would love to have my #2 higher off the ground, but worry that this box would raise it too high to be able to see the temperature control knob.  I'm fairly tall (5'11"), but it still seems like the top of the smoker would be at about chest height, which might make setting the temperature a bit difficult.  For those of you who have one, is this just not an issue, or should I look for a stepping stool, too?

 

[ArsenalFan]

My 3D is on top of this, and I'm 5'11" and I'm still able to reach (and see) the control panel.  It's a little bit of a reach, but nothing too difficult and I can still see the control panel easily. 

 

[danorum]

I found the other thread. M12-1.75 threads was the answer. I only have a #1, so maybe I even have to worry about it less, but I want to make sure it doesn't fall off.

That M12-1.75 must be for the larger smokers. I have a #1 and the bolts on the casters are smaller. I picked up the right ones. Based on the fact that the #1 and #2 have the same casters, they should both use the same. The ones that fit were M10-1.5 (for future reference).

Dan