I did it! The UDS is finished!
 

First off, big thanks to all the guys who chimed in with great ideas and advice for how to do this. Amazing!

I had a blast doing it and I can't wait to fire it up (probably next weekend). I guess I'll coat the inside with PAM, light it up and maybe toss a naked fatty on there.

Here's some details:
New unlined drum. This is a pure steel drum with no liner. I attempted to use a propane torch to take the paint off. I started with the lid. I ended up warping the lid. This caused so much panic and pissed-off-ness that I decided to keep the black paint from the new drum on the sides. I bent the lid back to proper form and decided to paint it purple. 45 inches of expanded steel bent into a circle and attached to a charcoal grate with U-bolts. I have 1 cooking grate at 7 inches below the top and I have another option for a grate 16 inches off the bottom of the smoker. This can allow for a diffuser or a water pan down the road. Obvious bottle opener and cheapo thermometer mounted in the side. I'll be doing accurate temperature readings through one of the 1 inch holes on the top with a digital probes. I got a small circular piece of wood from a big box store and stained and sealed it black. Mounted it to the side with cheap right angle brackets. Standard air intakes and 1 ball valve for temp control.

There we go! The official Grilling24x7 UDS is complete!!!! Can't wait to get a big packer brisket!

Looks good. like the purple lid!

Only one problem, it looks to clean:loco::becky: Seriously it looks good and like the table idea.

I know! Not very ugly. I'll work on that with some pork fat!

Great looking drum! You're gonna love cooking on it.

Great looking drum pit there. Congratulations

Time to put some ugly on it! That's a sweet lookin drum - and greatidea for the side table.

DIggin that Purple Haze Lid! ("poor choice of words" From a drug fueled youth.) "Purple Haze" & "Lid" :roll:

Is that a bottle opener on the side... :wink: if so That is awesome add on...:clap: Everyone should have one. lol

Great looking drum, they look better with TBS creeping out the vents.

I would recommend keeping eyes sharp for a Weber lid as I really like the extra heigth and clearance.

That UDS looks awesome! Nice work, man! I think I need to make myself one of these.

Very nice I'm on #16. But oh I remember my first.......UDS that is!

I tested my Weber lid (22 in performer) and it was too small. So that's why I decided against doing another cooking grate 1 inch from the top.

Congratulations on the Birth of your shiny new DrumPit.....

now.....git 'er dirty!!!!

Nice work! You're going to love that thing.