Ugly Drum Smoker

I used a draw latch, I attached it after taking the pics... you can kind of see them on the pics in the link I posted earlier.
 
I know it's not the norm to put a door in but you went way outta the norm and did duals. That is so friggin cool. Anyone that doesn't likethe look of that needs there head worked on. I was thinking of doing the one door deal just cause I have the parts and extra material but now I have a new project to work on. I think mine will use woodstove gaskets though. I have two tubes of the red silicone but I think I'll still use the gasket. Thanks
 
I would have preferred a stove gasket, but used silicon to keep cost down. Plus, the red matched my dolly!
 
Wow. Pretty cool. I think most people shy away from doors because of the air leaks you can get. But, if you can make em work, then more power to you. Sure does make access easier. Thanks for the pics. I likey.
 
I've got an idea for the doors that I'd like to try. I would cut the opening out in the drum and them use a donor drum to cut a slightly larger opening to cover the door. My mod wouldn't use a latch though. If magnets are good enough to seal the intakes for many, why wouldn't lining the perimeter of the door with magnets prevent the air escaping? The gauge of the steel would be similar so heat loss should not be a problem. You could use magnet strips if they were strong enough or I was planning on "borrowing" some high powered mags from the physics dept at school.

Do you think silicone would still be necessary? I've got 2 barrels in the yard and might just try this for version 2.0. Probably not anytime soon...wife is due next month so I'll be on lockdown! If anyone thinks it's a good idea try it out and let me know.
 
I had considered magnets, just make sure you find some that are rated for high heat. Regular magnets (even standard neodinium (sp?) magnets) will lose their power under high heat.
 
yes... some do deteriorate under heat... but those using fridge magnets dont seem to have an issue...
 
jkstone said:
OK, so first off... thanks for the great info... really, everyone! I decided to through the K.I.S.S. method out the window despite a lot of advice to the contrary. Anyhow, here is my UDS:

http://stonejk.blogspot.com/2010/02/smoker.html

Let me know what you think!
Click to expand...

Drum looks nice. Looks like you got a nice seal on the doors! You use the doors much? I thought about making a drum like that ages ago. Now, I just like 'em plain and ugly as I can. I don't even paint 'em, just let 'em rust.
 
I would venture to guess that there is a signifigant heat difference and strength needed to hold a door shut inside the barrel versus the heat on the outside the barrel and strength needed to simply bock an intake vent.

I have only cooked (still cooking) on mine once... we'll see how often I use the doors after a few cooks. I don't anticipate using them a lot, but I like the option.
 
Mirage_Man said:
What are the bolts for that are sticking through the beaten flat lip? Also and chance you would post a close-up pic of how the lid sits on the drum? I have a SS drum that I'm trying to decide what I'm going to use for a lid.
Click to expand...

Since the lid was a tad small I had to mash out the lip of the dome so it would fit on the drum. It sat fine on the drum but in a wind I felt that it would blow off and it didn't seal real well. So I sat back and thought......light bulb momennt and I drilled four holes and installed four nuts and bolts. They just happen to angle in on their own and now hold the lid securely. Still did not seal to my likeing so I applied some furnace gasket to the lid. Now with the bolts and gasket I have a secure lid with no leaks. Smoke on......

Pic:
DSCF5297.jpg


Lid with gasket:
DSCF5292-1.jpg


Hope this helps, if not ask away :biggrin::biggrin:.

If you take note the pic of the drum with the lid on it is in use.........

Paul B
SS UDS
 
Last edited:
jkstone said:
I had considered magnets, just make sure you find some that are rated for high heat. Regular magnets (even standard neodinium (sp?) magnets) will lose their power under high heat.
Click to expand...

I'm sure that there is truth to what you say but I think the defining temp is much higher than our drums achieve. I have often seen people use magnetic probe holders on the grill, and I have used magnetic intake dampers on my UDS at temps above 400 degrees.
 
Only one way to settle this: FIGHT TO THE DEATH!!!

Or someone could try it. My biggest concern is the temp difference inside the barrel. I noticed during my cook yesterday that I could lay my hand flat on the outside of the barrel, but when I touched the cooking grate... OUCH!!
 
I found a few barrels that I am not sure will work. They used to hold spray-in foam insulation glue. He said the inside is bare metal with some small traces of glue. Do you all think these will be alright if I give it a burn and washing?
 
No police or firefighters. Guess I made it through the drum burn out ok. 98 percent of exterior paint gone. Only casualties to report are a few singed eyebrows and eye lashes.:icon_shock1: My kids could not tell that there was anything different about my face, so I guess I am good.:lol: A few more holes to drill, clean up paint, assembly and I will be ready to season my UDS.
 
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