Windy Days No Longer a Problem for UDS

QansasjayhawQ

QansasjayhawQ

is Blowin Smoke!
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One of about the only problems I ever have with my MooCow UDS is that if the wind starts to blow, the fire can become quickly 'super-charged'.
I used to try to block the wind with tarps, canopy walls, other cookers, etc.
Now I have a simple solution that's a lot simpler to use.
Fold up a piece of aluminum foil and slip one end under the edge of the drum and bring the other edge up over the upwind inlet.
Viola! No more super-charging.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B32pFVRbJlO4cE1DZ09yTHNuYTg/edit?usp=docslist_api
 
creekwalker said:
How does the upper part of the foil stay in place?
Click to expand...
Two 'secrets' here -

First off, I am using extra heavy duty Reynolds foil. I have lost too much money cooking with cheaper foil that would break open and leak after wrapping . . . so I bought some extra heavy duty. It costs more up front, but it saves me money, time and grief in the long run.

Secondly, I double up the foil when forming the wind shield to make it even stiffer than it already is.

And . . . finally, the wind blowing up against it also helps hold it up.

Just be aware that when the wind drops off, the foil may go down. If the wind comes up again, you may need to re-situate the foil shield.

I hope this helps.
 
QansasjayhawQ said:
Two 'secrets' here -

First off, I am using extra heavy duty Reynolds foil. I have lost too much money cooking with cheaper foil that would break open and leak after wrapping . . . so I bought some extra heavy duty. It costs more up front, but it saves me money, time and grief in the long run.

Secondly, I double up the foil when forming the wind shield to make it even stiffer than it already is.

And . . . finally, the wind blowing up against it also helps hold it up.

Just be aware that when the wind drops off, the foil may go down. If the wind comes up again, you may need to re-situate the foil shield.

I hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Ah, that last point is logical. I could see you doubled it up, and I use heavy duty foil myself but didn't know about extra-heavy. That's smart!
 
If mine is in the wind (and cold/winter) i just slip my reflectix koozie over it...it'll even work on PBC's although it isn't officially sanctioned! :heh:
 
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Bbq_lover said:
Would this help? I know it's galvanized but it's a wind block and not in contact with the heat.
http://t.homedepot.com/p/Gibraltar-...l-Formed-Flashing-Shingle-AE4X4X8M/204726938/
Click to expand...

No, can't see the zinc being any concern here. I don't happen to have a Home Depot near, but found this at Lowes--I believe it's the same size and shape, although the description is confusing. Good idea.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_366944-18591-A4X4X8___?productId=3499758&pl=1&Ntt=flashing
 
I wonder how hard it'd be to make a little bitty chimney cap to stick on the end of that intake.

Like this:

chimney_cap.jpg
 
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