Closed top drum question

[Fwismoker]

I'm making a UDS for a friend for a Christmas present and my open top source dried up for now so i might be stuck with a closed top.

IIRC correctly someone said to just run a grinder along the top outside edge and it will pop off. Do they end up sealing as good as the open top? Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[ShencoSmoke]

Can you invert it and use the bottom as the top? Once you cut the whole the rim will still be intact

 

[c farmer]

You are right about grinding it off.

Mine fit very tight after cutting it off.

 

[DjPorkchop]

Yeah if you take a grinder around the outside lip, you will see where it was pushed together. You may need to use a screw driver and pop it loose. As far as how good it seals after, that I am not sure.

 

[Firby13]

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134708

How to info in thread linked above.

If done correctly the top will seal as well or better than open top cover.

It will most likely only fit back on correctly in its original position.

I just lined one set of rack bolts up with the big bung for reference.

YMMV,
Steve

 

[ButtBurner]

the one I made for my charcoal retort fits tight

just be careful when you are first removing it after grinding you dont bend the lid prying it off the drum

 

[SmittyJonz]

Down here ALL the FeedStores sell open top drums- cuz ppl like to keep animal feed in them in their barns or sheds.