UDS Question (yes, I'm reading "The Thread"
 

I'm currently 10 pages into "THE" UDS thread. I'm wondering if you guys have any pages bookmarked where there is a particular concentration of knowledge/info. I'm thinking I'm not going to make it through all 500 pages...

I'm particularly interested in build tutorials that are well put together

Here is a thread that does a full build of a UDS. You can use it as a basic guide and adapt it to what tools and parts you have onhand.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=43943

Use Donnie's (Pitmaster T) indexes. They will save you a lot of time. I'm glad he took the time to do this.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...4&postcount=35

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...8&postcount=33

I used this one for my build!

Well I just booked marked this thread, thanks guys!!

AWESOME! Exactly what I was hoping for. Now I've just got to find one if these dang barrels.

I'm getting some more from a guy that works at a place that sandblasts things. The sand they get comes in unlined drums that they throw away like Kleenex. A lot better than my drum that had honey stored in it and I had the dreaded liner to deal with. I had mine sandblasted.

Am newbie, but have been lurking for a long time.

Read the entire UDS thread and built a small version, with son's help and have one question which was not really answered.

Heat rises...why not have thermometer in lid and factor in temp diff, instead of down by grille surface? Besides, with this narrow grille, wouldn't a lid version preclude problems when removing basket/cage and lower grilles?

I used 22-inch wide SS salad bowl for the top to gain height, with drafted chimney in center and tried to add pic to give ideal.


BTW, for those interested, I acquired the bowl on line from Instawares.com Amazing fast service.

Due to crappola weather here, have yet to fire it up or remove interior anti rust.

The grate is where the meat is.

Grates run at a different temperature than the lid by a significant number of degrees depending on how a smoker is designed.

I'm kinda liking the bowl :-).....I suppose you could put a bung in the lid to allow sliding a thermo in that still had it's tip at grate level. It can be a fumble fark pulling thermo's to move grates if you forget til you open the lid :-).

Is this the bowl you used ?? It says 19" ?? EDIT now I see you said 22" ;-)

http://www.instawares.com/20-qt-stai...-47949.0.7.htm

Can you provide a link to the bowl?

Here's another well documented build by a brother who used a real nice stainless steel lid for his:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=69650

Savage, Hesmells and Will,

I think it is 19" diameter, 20-22 quarts and heavy SS. Was 15 $coots.

Yes the link is the bowl...the biggest one they had. I knew it had to extend from edges...which may mean grease migration and drips, not sure. I wanted added height, and decided against adding iron or alum ring for Weber top--now have whole Weber to sell...

As to temp at grille "where meat is" I understand, but figured to simply factor in the diff by moving the prime temp spot to TDC on dial, to limit basket problems.

But, maybe in side is better, using lamp pipe to close when removed, to remove during winter storage here...gets cold...

BUT, remember I have a smaller 30 gal drum, with 19 inch top...

AND, that SS is a PIA to open with hole saw.

And may be grease drips issues later...not sure...

Also, you will have to drill at least 4 5/16 holes for rain and three size 10 bolts at angle or where screws, double nutted, will contact barrel to keep lid on in wind...or sliding off.

I bought bowl and now am honestly thinking a wide soft iron ring bolted to inside of top would have been easier and as effective, with mid-sized Weber lid.

Just my thoughts.

That vendor has the best service I have seen to date...from any on-line source. Moreover, one item was cancelled and they notified me immediately. Great source for kitchen stuff.

I noticed that site had a 30qt bowl. diam was 22.38 inches and around $30

You know, I think that is the one I bought...it really hangs low over barrel.

I went looking for receipt and cannot locate...but bet you are correct. Duh! on me...and it might just fit the standard large drums too?

Good heads-up, Haven. Sorry I mis-wrote.