Thread: My pig

Originally Posted by schnitzel

I've had an OZpig for a while and am thinking about modifying the front door of it with a larger appeture to draw in air (maybe with the ablity to adjust airflow with a shutter or a slide). As we all know, you can't run the thing with the door closed and I'd like to be able to regulate the heat for slow cooking a bit better...

Any thoughts? I'll give mine a crack in the next couple of weeks and let you know how I go...

On a separate note - the spark arrestor cap on your flue will affect the draw that you can achieve. Mine draws better with 4 chimney sections on it rather than 3... So I'm going to make up another couple of sections also...

Adam

I've thought about some sort of air valve a few times. I reckon the neatest way to do it would be one of those rotary valves with the slots in it that match up with similar slots in the door, but not the simplest to make.
If you did it with just 2 holes they would look like nostrils
Simplest way would be some form of horizontal sliding valve but wouldn't look as nice.

To be honest though, I've never had too much issue controlling the heat. Dont go berserk with the fuel, and close the door up apart from about a 10mm gap and it slows right down. Cooked plenty of roasts and stews like that and never had a problem. I guess thats the main reason why 4 years after I made it that it still doesn't have a vent.

Steve

They sell a replacement door that is full of holes for better airflow.
My kids had a great idea. Getting my name cut out on the door. No idea how to get that done but something cut out would look pretty good.

Looking back on the photos I posted of my pig, perhaps I shouldn't have been drunk in charge of a fire and a blower and a camera. Normally our pig is much more sedate.

Have cooked a lot on it and do like that with the standard door you can regulate the heat very well by opening or closing.

Some of you have said extending the chimney can help it draw more and run hotter.
Recently went to the caravan camping show in Brisbane. Oz Pig were there, I bought myself the replacement door with all the holes. Needed a few minutes with the grinder at home to make it fit, but what an improvement in heat and ambience.
The chimney extensions were $15 each. I left them. Today I stopped by an exhaust specialist just to ask, 10 minutes later I left with a 1 meter extension for $20. Very happy.
Kenley

This is my home made Pig and since this photo I have drilled a few holes in the front of the door.

Ive also got another were ive cut the top of the gas bottle and put legs on the bottom and the camp oven fits inside with a door to put the wood in but cannot find a photo.

I love using this thing on a sunday listening to the footy on the radio cooking a roast while having a few beers.

Originally Posted by kenleyfred

Some of you have said extending the chimney can help it draw more and run hotter.
Recently went to the caravan camping show in Brisbane. Oz Pig were there, I bought myself the replacement door with all the holes. Needed a few minutes with the grinder at home to make it fit, but what an improvement in heat and ambience.
The chimney extensions were $15 each. I left them. Today I stopped by an exhaust specialist just to ask, 10 minutes later I left with a 1 meter extension for $20. Very happy.
Kenley

Any chance you can post a pic of the door?

Love to. But the pig left yesterday along with the Defender rooftop tent and rest of family for a two week camping trip.
Lucky me, I'm stuck home working and feeding the dogs
Kenley

I'm in no screaming hurry. Sounds like you got the dirty end of the stick tho

If you check out the Oz Pig website on the accessorys page they have a pic of the vented door, they charge an extra $38 for it.

http://www.ozpig.com.au/

Cheers,
Terry