P
Pua'a Kuka
Guest
That is exactly what I have, so my materials list is getting smaller by the hour
Ugly Drum Smoker
- Thread starter jgh1204
- Start date
Just finishing up my new UDS. I have a question that I haven't seen mentioned.
Do you remove the gasket around the drum lid? I know it'll seal better with it, but I'm afraid it'll melt and/or give off gasses or fumes from heating up.
Do you remove the gasket around the drum lid? I know it'll seal better with it, but I'm afraid it'll melt and/or give off gasses or fumes from heating up.
Norcoredneck
somebody shut me the fark up.
Definately. Some come out easily, some not. If you have difficulty heat it a little, use a toothbrush type wire brush followed by WD40 and a little brushing and wash with a degreaser, or handful of Tide in warm water.
B
Barbarian
Guest
The redneck is correct, it works great.
Bbq Bubba
somebody shut me the fark up.
Yup, remove the gasket, it actually seals better without.
jcinadr
Knows what a fatty is.
My uds is still a work in process - but am getting closer to pictures. My fire basket is 12"x48" of expanded mesh, with a 14" diameter expanded mesh grate 3" from the bottom.
Initially I used the 18" el cheapo table top grill for an an ash pan. It worked, but I felt it was keeping my temperature down. I switched to a 16" commercial pizzia pan this weekend. It is much thicker/stronger than the el cheapo grill.
Temp was marginally better - but was working with minimal charcoal (only had sausage and abt's on the grill. Will run a full test again next smoking.
Anyway, I really liked the Acemart pizzia pan - it was about $8 and about 3/32 thick.
Initially I used the 18" el cheapo table top grill for an an ash pan. It worked, but I felt it was keeping my temperature down. I switched to a 16" commercial pizzia pan this weekend. It is much thicker/stronger than the el cheapo grill.
Temp was marginally better - but was working with minimal charcoal (only had sausage and abt's on the grill. Will run a full test again next smoking.
Anyway, I really liked the Acemart pizzia pan - it was about $8 and about 3/32 thick.
P
Pua'a Kuka
Guest
Trying to do this build on the cheap. I was able to score a free King Cook thermometer for frying, can I use this in my barrel?, or do I need to use the types that everybody seems to have?.
W
Weiser
Guest
Should work. Drill the 1/8" hole about a 1/4" above your grate.
You may have to wallow out the hole a bit to get the probe to slide in. Tighter is better, but you already knew that.
That probe is only 5" long but it will get you close enough.
Weiser
You may have to wallow out the hole a bit to get the probe to slide in. Tighter is better, but you already knew that.
That probe is only 5" long but it will get you close enough.
Weiser
W
Weiser
Guest
You're right Doc! I mis-spoke.
Mine is just below also. Above would be a real pain,
especially if you placed a hunk of cool meat on it.
Weiser
Mine is just below also. Above would be a real pain,
especially if you placed a hunk of cool meat on it.
Weiser
michiana mark
is one Smokin' Farker
W
Weiser
Guest
I agree with dumping the ash pan, sounds like the sides are too high and restricting airflow.
In my opinion, 3-3/4" Intakes are plenty.
I'd be much more concerned with the Exhaust end.
Question: Are you talking about 3/4 inch Intake holes in the drum? I'm proally wrong, but it sounds like you may be using 1/2" nipples. Spank me. :|
Mine runs fine up to 350* but then again I'm using Redneck's 8 1/2" hole system for Exhaust.
Weiser
In my opinion, 3-3/4" Intakes are plenty.
I'd be much more concerned with the Exhaust end.
Question: Are you talking about 3/4 inch Intake holes in the drum? I'm proally wrong, but it sounds like you may be using 1/2" nipples. Spank me. :|
Mine runs fine up to 350* but then again I'm using Redneck's 8 1/2" hole system for Exhaust.
Weiser
Dr_KY
Quintessential Chatty Farker
If you want better temps and controll then only use sizable lump and not the shake from the bottom of the bag, it tends to choke. You may also want to blend it ( as mentioned above ) with some good charcoal.
I think that running with one hole and a valve at 225 is perfect and that's where mine runs al say long.
I only have three intakes too and it's perfect.
I think that running with one hole and a valve at 225 is perfect and that's where mine runs al say long.
I only have three intakes too and it's perfect.
Norcoredneck
somebody shut me the fark up.
Ok my take on this. On the ash catcher, When you start your fire you start it at the top of the pile so if it is a 12" tall basket say filled say 10" then the actual coals are not buried or shouded by the pan. Pan is an option not a necessity. Helps in easier clean up. I have found lower temps usually mean not enough coals lit at start, damp or old charcoal, incorrect reading on thermometer, or too long of nipples used which causes poor draw. Lets see a pic of each component of build.
Norcoredneck
somebody shut me the fark up.
Went back and read it again. The 3/4" X 1/2" bushings are restricting the airflow. The first build I did I used them for a cleaner close look. Had to have 4 to get temps. Since went to 3/4" nipples with caps and it seems to be just about perfect.
leanza
Babbling Farker
Smoke & Beers
is Blowin Smoke!
Here's my crew...
(Left to Right) # 2 is the one with the Flat-top... Silverbelly is my original UDS... I've been averaging a smoke a week on him since I built him last September. And finally, #3 is the tall one...he scored a rescued Weber Kettle bottom for a lid...a few mods and it worked out pretty good...
(Left to Right) # 2 is the one with the Flat-top... Silverbelly is my original UDS... I've been averaging a smoke a week on him since I built him last September. And finally, #3 is the tall one...he scored a rescued Weber Kettle bottom for a lid...a few mods and it worked out pretty good...
Norcoredneck
somebody shut me the fark up.
Glad to see you have taken the leap. Pretty soon all So Cal Brethren will have at least 1 UDS, oh except Country. And let me clarify that, At least one complete UDS except Country and Brian. Must be something in the first name. :biggrin:
schoonch
Knows what a fatty is.
Hey Norco,
What's this pool acid you speak of? Can you be a little more specific with the instructions (how long of a soak)? Would one get the same results by burning the galvanized fittings or is an acid bath the way to go?
Thanks!
What's this pool acid you speak of? Can you be a little more specific with the instructions (how long of a soak)? Would one get the same results by burning the galvanized fittings or is an acid bath the way to go?
Thanks!
