I am having a heck of a time getting my UDS up to temp.
I have 3 3/4 inch intakes, one is just a straight nipple with a cap and the other 2 have an elbow with a 2 foot pipe and a ball valve.
The intake holes are drilled 3 inches from the bottom.
The lid has 4 3/4 exhaust ports.
My charcoal basket is a Weber 18.5 charcoal grate as a base and 16 gauge expanded metal welded to it.
I added 4 inch tall legs to the bottom of the basket. I have attached a picture of both my barrel and charcoal basket.
I have tried methods such as lighting a few briquettes and adding to the top and letting them burn down.
Also today I light a whole chimney of coal and poured them on the bottom and add the unlit coals to these.
Both of the methods failed to get the temp up after waiting at least a half hour.
My best guess is to eliminate the legs on my basket? I'm baffled anything will help thanks.
I have read through most of the posts in this thread, thanks to all that have posted for sharing. Putting together a UDS finally and I am seeking some assistance. I sprung for a new, unlined drum in the hopes of avoiding the need to do a burn. From what you see in these pictures, do I need to do a burn or can I start building? The inside feels like bare metal.
Also, am I OK to paint over the existing paint with high temp? Just directly onto the existing paint?
I know this has been mentioned before, but I want to get it right.
Thanks in advance and apologies for the noob Q's.
Mike
Thanks.
I read this entire thread along with as many others I could find here.
Took everything in stages and took some time to look for answers here before moving forward again.
"Borrowed" a lot of great ideas from here and came-up with a couple of my own too...
Very happy with the results.
I used a 4 inch hole for the exhaust that I do have adjustment for and 2) 1 1/2 pipe elbows for inlets that are also adjustable. I am able to reach and hold temps from under 200 to over 700 degrees ( the gauge does not read above 700 but the needle goes way past). So yes it does work, but for 350 degrees and lower you will need to control the exhaust. You have to be able to control the air flow at both ends with an opening that large for the exhaust. I do use that large opening to check on the stuff in the smoker without having to lift the lid.
