UDS XL (85 gallon) build pics
 

Not done yet, but here's what I got done this afternoon. Still needing a handle for the lid and waiting on the welding shop to finish my fire box. 2 24.5" grates ordered. :-P

1) Draft holes drilled (3 1" holes 2 1/4" above floor)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...lesdrilled.jpg

2) 3/4" nipple installed

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...kenipplein.jpg

3) 3/4" ball valve installed

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...allvalveon.jpg

4) Grate bolt holes drilled (1/4" holes, 8 total, 4 per rack. Top rack 5" below top, bottom rack 10" below top)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...lesdrilled.jpg

5) Grate bolts installed

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...ateboltsin.jpg

6) Thermometer installed (used a cheap Lowes thermometer with only a 2" stem. Sounds like I'm gonna need to upgrade)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...rmometerin.jpg

7) UDS XL almost ready...just needing the handle, grates & fire box

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...lidcoalbox.jpg


Any ideas for changes/improvements? Gonna scrub it out good. Got this 85 gallon free from a customer of mine. Unlined and ready to go. :biggrin:

That's gonna make a great DrumSmoker.

Looks good so far. You should be able to cook a lot of meat on that thing!!

Forgot to mention...still have to drill the holes in the top. Haven't yet decided if I want to do 8 smaller 1/2" holes or one 3" hole with a stack. Is one better than the other...other than ease of closing it down on the big pipe?

The 8 holes in top work fine, but I found out they don't keep the water out if it decides to rain on your cook! I would use the single stack method, easier to shield in case of weather.

That's a mighty fine looking UDS. Hurry it up, so we can see it in action.

Looks great - you gonna burn that out real good before you cook on it right? Looks like you have either paint or some kind of liner in there...

Good point on the rain Drifter. Only problem is I thought I was gonna have a coronary looking for a 1" bit. The step bits were $40+!!! Finally found a 1" hole saw for $10. Afraid to even think what a 3" will cost.

It's rust run down in it. It's unlined. Was used to carry bagged medical waste (excess pills) to a landfill. A truck driver client of mine normally tosses the barrels after disposing of the contents but I asked him to grab me one. It's clean...just rusty where it sat waiting on me. I'm gonna do a good burn in before cooking anyhow just to be safe.

Do you have access to a jigsaw? If so you can buy a metal cutting blade for just a couple of bucks. Or, drill a 3" circle of smaller holes side by side and clean out the burrs with a file. Just a few suggestions.

Invest in a step drill bit.

Looks good so far.

The lid has a rubber seal on it now. Do y'all recommend keeping it on there or doing away with it. I don't know how tight of a seal I need when smoking...and whether or not the seal will melt anyhow.

Thanks for all the help. Y'all are great.

We have a salvage drum at work just like that. I have been hounding the upper management for it. He said NO. I told him that as soon as he retired it was MINE!:biggrin::eek:

Toss the gasket on the lid.

Here is the lid from my 85 gallon drum



http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_0516.jpg

Think about how heavy it is and plan your handle placement

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_0520.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_0519.jpg

Make a lid hanger strong enough to support it.

Hog-Que-Holic giving it the squeal of approval!

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_0622.jpg

Sweet!!!! Can't wait to see what you cook on it!!!