I assembled the Cajun Bandit Saturday, no problems, took less than an hour, even as slow as I am. I used a step drill, which is preferable to the drill bit supplied with the kit, for drilling the three holes in the bottom kettle to attache the legs. Today, I started to "pimp" the unit, by buying 3 2" casters from Northern Tool, attaching by drilling 5/16th holes centered on bottom of each leg.Since the metal is 1/4 inches thick, mild steel, a new bit is desirable. The wheels add 2.5" to the height, actually makes it easier to remove the ash pan on the OTG. If I were looking for a kettle to convert, I would prefer the old 22.5 kettle with the three wheel type bottom vents. Find a red one, paint the barrel red to match!

I have a Weber Rotisserie ring and tried installing it on top of the CB. I found it fits much better than it does on the Weber Kettle, much tighter.

If anyone srioulsy wants photos send me an email at larry943@gmail.com.

quote:

If anyone srioulsy wants photos send me an email at larry943@gmail.com.

I think we'd all like to see some photos. It would be great if you could post a couple here.

Bill

Yes pictures, please, please, please! I'm really almost ready to pull the trigger on this, and more pics will make me happy. If you're not comfortable posting them, email them to chaosjake@yahoo.com, and I'll post them.

I sure would like to see pics of it in action-especially the rotis ring fit!

I've been building BDS clones and using kettle lids for added cooking space, and have some of the old kettles with the 3 daisy vents and they would be perfect for the CB mod! I run my WSM's dry and really have no need for an access door. And if there is a run on Stainless steel cylinders I have a RED kettle that would beg for it!!

Brian:

I forwarded the photos to Jake and he said he would post. I am embarrased to say that I have never posted photos. Send me an email and I will take some closeups of the Rotisserie and send to you tomorrow. The Weber Rotisserie fits very tightly on the CB, much tighter than installing on the the Weber kettle. I usually use lots of foil to seal, don't think it will be necessary on the CB

Cajun Bandit and Mini-WSM photos courtesy of LDean:

Bandit with Weber rotisserie courtesy of LDean. Looking good!

I'd love one of these. And I already have several 3 vent Craigslist kettles. My only concern is that you have to drill into the grill. Can you leave the smoker on it's original legs/wheels or would that be too tall?

Bill

LDean,

What's the story with the smaller cooker that looks like it has a converted turkey fryer pot as a barrel?

Bill

Bill:
The Mini WSM is made from a 20 qt tamale steamer and a Smokey Joe Gold. I made a prior post in the Portable Grill forum, on its construction. I use it camping in my RV and occasionally cook chickens and pork loin at home, rather than fire up the WSM. Uses about 2/3rds chimney for a 5-6 hour cook, using a ceramic heat sink.

The CB will work fine with an unaltered Performer or any 22.5 Weber Kettle, by just setting it on top. Only problem, the top is 58" high when setting on Weber kettle with factory legs. Use a step stool? I think I would pick one of your old kettles for sacrifice, use that as an excuse to buy another. No problem with a OTG or OTS, but easier to adjust the old models for a slow burn.

quote:

Originally posted by Robert McGinley:
My CB arrived yesterday. Just by lifting the box it is apparent that no cheap material is used to build this item. The fit of the lid on to the barrel and of the barrel into the bowl is also very good. I placed it on my performer and it measures 49" from the ground to the top edge of the barrel. To the top of the lid handle is 58".

If anyone locally would like to check it out just shoot me an email.

You guys should check out this one also.
Smoke-EZ

quote:

Originally posted by Robert McGinley:
If anyone locally would like to check it out just shoot me an email.

I'm not quite local, but I might want to check it out next time I get to San Diego. Maybe when I'm there for comicon.

Bill

I don't know about the itty-bitty water pan on the Smoke EZ, seems more like a drip pan than anything else.

Robert: I had trouble seeing your picture. In case anyone else had the same trouble, I took the liberty of reposting...

If I'd seen this I may have purchased it instead of the $300 wsm I just got. I like the way the rotisserie fits. I have a 22 1/2 platinum as well as a rotisserie. I would definitely consider this instead of getting the 22 1/2 wsm if I outgrow my 18" or want another... $170 seems reasonable. I wish it were not painted though. The weber durability and 10 year warranty can't be beat.

How much are the stainless replacement doors, and how can we order one?

If Chris Perres doesn't reply on this thread, I would try the contact form on his website.

OK- I tend to overthink BBQ mods and this is no exception. Granted the CB would look nice sitting on top of my RED Performer Tn'G. I like the idea of having the workspace. But I got to thinking about adding the Guru into the mix and took a close look at some of the donor kettles that could be sacrificed here. The thing that concerns me is airflow and ash accumulation. I was planning on using a Silver with the three 4 hole daisy vents, but the placement of the WSM Guru adapter could be a problem if I were to mount it through a vent, as they are on the bottom of the bowl under the charcoal grate as opposed to the WSM vents situated on the side of the bowl at and above the charcoal grate.
http://i163.photobucket.com/al...0Smoker/IMG_0050.jpg
Which led me to consider using an OTS and modding it with the daisy wheel vents from the old Silver and still be able to use the bulkhead adapter in the vent. And be able to clear any ash with the One-Touch. Since I don't have an OTG to sacrifice and I wouldn't consider drilling into the Performer for this, I'm just curious if you guys with the ash cans (Performers/OTG) have any thoughts about something like this? I usually use my Performer with the EZ-Que and not for low temp cooks. I have made marks on the bracket where the vent handle slides with increments for the vent openings. Any issues you see with my plan?

BTW: Chris Perres has been very prompt with any questions or concerns I've asked regarding the CB.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Brian Moriarty,

I've been overthinking the same thing. If you're going to start modding a OTS (like I will as soon as the checking account recovers from my performer) to use a Guru with the bandit, why not just drill a dedicated port? Similar to the directions on the guru website for mounting on a kettle.

I was thinking of doing that, and keeping the hole right under the charcoal grate. Avoids extra airflow variables with three daisy wheels plus the one-touch system, ash shouldn't be a problem until the whole kettle is full, and you can still crank the one touch open if you need lots of air to get up to temperature.

Hey guys, I know a lot of you have bean waiting patiently for the stainless door for the WSM, I've had tickets for Talledega for a few months now and it's this weekend , so i wanted to post a pic of the prototype in steel to tide you over for a bit, hope it works. I'm not bringing my laptop with me so i will answer any questions on tuesday. Thanks for your support on the Bandit also. Any and all input welcome and helpfull.prototype door(steel)

quote:

Originally posted by Jake S:
I've been overthinking the same thing. If you're going to start modding a OTS (like I will as soon as the checking account recovers from my performer) to use a Guru with the bandit, why not just drill a dedicated port? Similar to the directions on the guru website for mounting on a kettle.

I was thinking of doing that, and keeping the hole right under the charcoal grate. Avoids extra airflow variables with three daisy wheels plus the one-touch system, ash shouldn't be a problem until the whole kettle is full, and you can still crank the one touch open if you need lots of air to get up to temperature.

I've had a Guru adapter on my OTG for years. There used to be a picture of it somewhere on the forum.