UDS Question

Depends on who your asking. It doesn't HAVE to be a food grade barrel but a lot will recommend it. When I built mine. I searched for a barrel found one for 15 bucks and bought it with no questions. Had labels on it which told what was in it which was some kind of skin lotion. But it didn't matter because what was in it before my hot ass fire wasn't in it when the fire died out. Really depends on what you want or trust.

I trust no one when it comes to a UDS. I bought a brand new barrel when I built mine. That being said, I know a lot of people who have used barrels with petroleum of some sort stored in them. They feel it's safe once they burn it out.

Insecticides and other poisons can't be burned out, IMO, and those kinds of things I would most definitely draw the line on.

Try not to get one with a sorta red painted liner inside. That is a food grade liner but not acceptable for cooking in unless you completely burn it out till gone. It does not come off with anything except high heat(propane weed burner till the steel turns red) or sandblasting.

1. Like mentioned, many will recommend that you do. Obviously, avoids the potential for hazardous chemicals in your BBQ...

I do not. Most food grade barrels come with a red painted liner on the inside that prevents the contents from corroding the barrel and contaminating the product. This liner is SO difficult to get out that many will curse the barrel and start over with an unlined barrel. That is what I recommend. It may be tough to find one, but I was able to find a reconditioned barrel without the liner (try searching your region for container companies). This cost a little more, but was SO worth it.

2. Read the mother of all UDS threads. You will find more knowledge there than you will ever need. Start at the beginning. Get a good feel for what is needed, and read as much as you can (you probably won't read it all). Then use the Google search bar at the bottom to find answers to your specific question. If it's related to the UDS, it's been asked before. :thumb:

Welcome brother!

You don't need a Food grade drum! As long as you burn it out it will be fine once it is burnt there will be no trace of anything that was inside. But try and find one without a liner it will be much easier to build.

Boshizzle said:

I trust no one when it comes to a UDS. I bought a brand new barrel when I built mine. That being said, I know a lot of people who have used barrels with petroleum of some sort stored in them. They feel it's safe once they burn it out.

Insecticides and other poisons can't be burned out, IMO, and those kinds of things I would most definitely draw the line on.

Click to expand...

I conquer Bozhiznit
Perhaps all that crap CAN be burned out. But why take a chance?

bbqchicken said:

I conquer Bozhiznit
Perhaps all that crap CAN be burned out. But why take a chance?

Click to expand...

I am glad to hear that Boshizzle has finally been conquered!

bbqchicken said:

I conquer Bozhiznit
Perhaps all that crap CAN be burned out. But why take a chance?

Click to expand...

Why take a chance driving to work? You might get t boned? Better stay locked up in the house.:biggrin1:

I used oil drums for all my inventions.... but I also did a big muther of a fire in it. i just dont trust a sort of paint that cant be gotten off easily by paint stripper and the likes... All that dust from burning and grindin gotta be bad for y'all.
Some say oil may imbed in the top micron of steel in a oil drum but I dont think so.. how come they go rusty so quick once y'all give em a wash out with engine degreaser. Once thats done I givem a hot fire for a fewhours, more for fun than anything. then usem for whatever quik B4 they start 2 rust too bad.

Fire can get it out, and a wire wheel or grinder, palm sander, etc. First run with mine was building the fire in it, that got the exterior stripped down well, interior still had some stuff in it so I let it cool and sanded it out, sanded the outside, then had the powder coat shop bead blast the exterior and even the interior to brand new.

From there I rubbed Crisco inside it and set a basket of coals in and let her do her thing. I am happy with mine. VERY happy.

Buy a Weber.....Had to say that

If you find a barrel that has a liner in it, try to get the yellow liner thats used for juice barrels, Pinapple, apple, grape. It comes out with a little effort much easier than the dred red liner...

If you can find a barrel that held, cuttiing fluid from a machine shop, or oil or transmission fluid from a garage you will be much better off. I have seen food grade barrels that have plastic bags inside that would be great unlined and clean...

Another alternative is to call Jones Barrel Company in Omaha. I know of at least one brethren who got his drums there.

Chris

I like oil drums or transmission fluid drums. No liners and you can burn them out no problem. I like to burn mine till the outside of the barrel is glowing red.