UDS Build From The UK
 

Hi, Thought I would make a thread for my UDS build I am doing.

It all started when I started watching ManVFood then I went on the watch DDD. (I have watched every episode of MvF :shock: ) I then wanted to sample BBQ food, so I went to Bodeans in London, which was tasted good to me! I then thought it must not be anything like american style BBQ as the food was most likely reheated and not fresh and I thought i could give it a go myself and maybe produce better results.

That got me thinking what i could use, I then searched online for smokers and saw the ProQ range and WSM, both of which I couldnt justify the price of, so I started to look at smoker forums and found this amazing place! I then saw the term UDS being thrown around so done some research and decided thats what I wanted to build!

Which lead me to other forums and plans for UDS'.

I then purchased a 45 Gallon barrel. After receiving this I ordered a step drill bit and drilled my intake holes, grill holder, thermometer and also exhaust holes ending up with this.

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...ps08e1491e.jpg
http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...ps691272b3.jpg

I drilled 8 1/2-3/4 inch exhaust holes as recommended on one forum. It was stated that this gave the users a more stable temp.

I also drilled three 1 Inch holes for the intakes and will control the air flow with fridge magnets as I wanted to keep this as simple as possible for now.

I then sourced a wooden pallet from my GF's dad and spent a good hour breaking it up sweating like a pig in this ridiculous weather and then proceeded to burn the barrel out. This was good fun but I don't think the neighbors were best pleased! :lol: :twisted:

Looked a bit like this.

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...psec54d1ab.jpg
http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...psb8af8aa3.jpg

GET READY FOR IT!! :twisted:

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1491da0f.jpg
http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...ps86d907b0.jpg

That was good fun!

Its all burned out and cleaned up now just waiting for my paint to arrive so I can tidy this bad boy up.

Today my washing machine drum arrived which ill use for my coal basket and it was bigger than i thought it would be! :shock: but it still fits, I'm going to have to drill holes in the bottom for air flow.

This is where I need some advice, shall I drill bigger holes in the side of the drum? Pics to follow. or is it okay as it is?

Also shall I cut off the bit on the top to make the top portion wider?

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...psb5668b7e.jpg
http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3726985e.jpg
http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5b26e269.jpg

Once I've got the paint and basket ready and received my pit thermometer I'll update this thread with more pictures and info. Looking forward to my first cook on this!

Thanks for reading. :D

Looking Good Bud
Never would have thought of using a washer drum for a charcoal basket. As for holes I would probably make some a little bigger for better air flow and to let the ash drop out easier so you fire don't get choked out.
Cutting the top off might not be a bad idea so that the heat is dispersed wider rather than being concentrated toward the middle.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of your build and the first cook.

Good Luck Bud :thumb:

glad to see i'm not the only mvf,ddd addict
got my uds up and running about a month ago
ribs and butts taste far better than some so called bbq restaurants
enjoy

You're gonna need some place for the ash to go. I think it will fall and clog up the small holes in your drum, even potentially on the sides and that will choke your fire. That being said, I would definitely drill some holes in the drum you are using for the coals.

Most guys use expanded metal for their baskets. Also, make sure you have standoff's so the basket sits up off the floor of the UDS. Again, gives the ash a place to go. Here's a shot of the material most guys use.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...psdb56eb16.jpg

Edit :

Here's a good charcoal basket thread as well.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=150155

Maybe cut the base off the washing machine drum, then flip it upside down. Then the top is wide open, and you can use that step to hold the expanded mesh up (leaving room for ash). More holes will be needed, but this might save you a lot of time.

Thanks for the replies, looking forward to getting her finished.

As above I tried to get some expanded metal but found it hard to source where I live in the UK so opted for a washing machine drum with a few modifications.

Have an update.


Gave my UDS a lick of paint today, must say shes looking a lot nicer than she was. Heres some pics.

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...psbcbc6cd3.jpg
http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...pscf3635f6.jpg

Nice and black.

Then I set to work on the washing machine drum, firstly I decided i needed to remove some of the top of the drum. This was the end result, compare it to above.

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...psbd4a81f6.jpg

Much better! Will be better for those temps.

Then I went on to drill some extra holes in the bottom of the drum.
http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...ps982bc00b.jpg

Looking better already. Then went on to drill extra holes in the side, done about 30 holes when my drill decided to stop working :evil: :evil:

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/...psc2a0ed93.jpg

This is one side then I have the same in two other places evenly spaced.

Now the question I have is, do you think I should borrow someones drill to make even more holes round the side or will it be okay as it is?

Thanks for reading brothers.

Welcome from Michigan(US). Looks good so far. The holes in the sides of your basket aren't as much as an issue, but the bottom will most likely clog with ash, especially with briquettes. I'd cut it out and fit expanded metal in there or drill it out till there's almost nothin left lol.

Looking good. Keep us updated.

Leave the drum for now. It will be easy to tweak after you have cooked for a while.

looking good.
I managed to track down some Expanded metal for a decent price. http://www.fhbrundle.co.uk/ Delivery is + £10 though. Maybe you have a branch near you? they have a few around the country.

What is a UDS?

^^^:laugh::laugh:^^^

something I bring home from a nightclub

You nailed my Sister:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Here...this'll get you started: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=43943
:razz:
Good to see you again Norc!


Nice looking drum...you're gona love it!