First oil tank evaporator build, what kind of pans?

[GoldyCon]

I found a free fuel oil tank that is 5ft long and was wondering what kind of pan(s) you would recommend I use to start with. Part of it comes down to how I cut the arch I guess, would you cut 4 feet off the top and leave a foot for the stack or would you vent the stack off the back to give you a full 5 feet of pan space?

Initially I was just going to run 3 or 4 of those steam trays to keep it simple but its not the most elegant solution. Does each one function like its own separate pan or do you usually try and connect them together somehow?

I did find a local 2x3 ss pan for $150 that is baffled so that is another option but I was hoping to get a 2x4. I'd rather not buy brand new for cost reasons but if that is strongly recommended I might consider it.

[Super Sapper]

I would go with 5 feet of pan but it depends on how many taps you will run and how strong you are at resisting the urge for expansion. The 2 X 3 pan would be a good start. If you can find a 2 X 2 to add to it that would be great. If you can find a 2 x 2 pan that is divided use it for a syrup pan over the firebox but if you find one undivided you can use it on the stack side for a type of preheater pan. Good luck with your build.

[psparr]

I made mine out of an oil tank. If you cut the top 1/3 off completely, you can use the top section to extend the arch. I made mine a 2x6 and still had enough of the tank left to make the stack base. Here's a video of it. https://youtu.be/whRR8BlfocY

[Bernie/MA]

I've made a couple out of a tank. I cut it like a baby cradle leaving a foot at the end for the stack on top and made a 2x4 flat pan. In the pan I put one divider crosswise in the middle, 3 from the middle to the front lengthwise making four 6" wide sections, and two crossways in the back section making three 8" sections. Drawoff is from the middle on one side. It is not reversable but it works really well, I think because the drawoff is right over the back of the firebox.