Ugly Drum Smoker

sandiegobbq · Jul 7, 2011

Crazydave said:
I figured it was about time to add my $0.02.... I've been lurking around the bretheren for a while....

With the help of Brother Thawley I build a UDS.

Here's it working:

Here's the fire basket:

Here's there UUDS(tm) foot operated vents

and here's my first smoke:

Got lots to learn... but so far it's been fun

None of the links are working for me.

spareheat · Jul 7, 2011

Hello, newbee here, glad to have found and read (most of this thread ) thanks guys. Lots of info except I can't find any about using bottom feed air instead of side feed or a combination of each. Seems to me that if I install a 1" valve in the bottom for air supply and grease cleaning and a 3/4" valve on the side. Open both valves for start up and then close bottom 1" valve. Regulate with the 3/4" valve. If more air is needed slowly open 1" valve untill desired temp is acheived. I know a drip pan will be needed under the 1" valve to catch the stuff that marks the spot of a well used BBQ unit. I have not built mine yet- next week I hope. Everyone using 3/4" valves talk about running with just the valve open and the nipples closed to purr at 230 and only opening one and then closing the valve down to 50% to get 300 degree temps. Am I wrong ? Wouldn't center feed under the ash pan provide even air supply to the fire no matter where the the fire is in the basket ? The 1" in the bottom will be handy for cleanup afterward. Please advice me on this before I actually do it. I had given up on smoking with a cos, but now that I found the UDS, I can't wait to build mine. Thanks

Sammy_Shuford · Jul 7, 2011

Boshizzle said:
I used hinges to hold the grates. It makes it a lot easier to remove the grates, charcoal basket and ash pan.

Where did you order/find this hinges? I want some, bad!

Skidder · Jul 7, 2011

Yup that hinge deal will be on my next UDS. Thanks

Joe Steel · Jul 7, 2011

spareheat said:
Hello, newbee here, glad to have found and read (most of this thread ) thanks guys. Lots of info except I can't find any about using bottom feed air instead of side feed or a combination of each.

Here's a thread with pics of air intake from the bottom of the drum: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82554

Another example: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1247488&postcount=24

Crazydave · Jul 7, 2011

figured it was about time to add my $0.02.... I've been lurking around the bretheren for a while....

With the help of Brother Thawley I build a UDS.

Boshizzle · Jul 7, 2011

Sammy_Shuford said:
Where did you order/find this hinges? I want some, bad!

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/MP80810844.htm

spareheat · Jul 7, 2011

Thanks. :loco:

malibuskier · Jul 8, 2011

Well, it looks like I will taking the plunge very soon. I pick up my barrels on Tuesday and have already located a Weber parts pit. One more and I will be diving in. Have some great ideas from this thread, especially for carts. The UDS will, for the most part, be a simple one. Only a few mods from Norcoredneck....

Dave

brewerjamie15 · Jul 9, 2011

Looking at pics of people's work it seems that the 3/4" black pipe nipples are a pretty common way of air intake. Is this some big advantage over the more budget conscious "use a baffle over a hole" method? I can't see the pipes adding any "pull" for the air inlets but I can see them adding price to the smoker. Lots and lots of price.

Capozzoli · Jul 9, 2011

Nipples shouldn't add too much cost.

The advantage is that you can screw on caps and valves. You can also add some pipe so the valve is at the top so you dont have to bend over to adjust the valve.

mike5150 · Jul 9, 2011

brewerjamie15 said:
Looking at pics of people's work it seems that the 3/4" black pipe nipples are a pretty common way of air intake. Is this some big advantage over the more budget conscious "use a baffle over a hole" method? I can't see the pipes adding any "pull" for the air inlets but I can see them adding price to the smoker. Lots and lots of price.

When I make mine I am going to put (4) 1" holes then cover them with a baffle that's just me....that's what's great about the UDS make how you think if that way doesn't work change it. Great forum

Myershp · Jul 9, 2011

Hi guys, after reading a ton of info on here and other sites, finally got my UDS built last weekend and did the liner burn out. Cleaned it out and coated the inside with oil and did an initial just charcoal burn yesterday. Working like a champ!

Thanks for all the advice on here! I've never dealt with any kind of smoker beyond just eating before, so now to find some recipes and cooking temps and all that good stuff.

Myershp · Jul 9, 2011

I ended up using magnets for my air intake control. Only word of warning is they get dang hot if you have to adjust them!

mike5150 · Jul 9, 2011

Myershp said:
Hi guys, after reading a ton of info on here and other sites, finally got my UDS built last weekend and did the liner burn out. Cleaned it out and coated the inside with oil and did an initial just charcoal burn yesterday. Working like a champ!

Thanks for all the advice on here! I've never dealt with any kind of smoker beyond just eating before, so now to find some recipes and cooking temps and all that good stuff.

Let us see some photos!!!

Dave S · Jul 9, 2011

Rising Temps

Hey guys, I just finished my first UDS and I'm having an issue with rising temps. I have about 10lbs of Kingsford in the basket and added 12ea hot coals to it. I started out with all three 3/4" pipe threads open and when the temp got to about 140 (very quickly) I shut all of them down and they have remained shut down. Im into my 2nd hour and the temp is a steady climb and is currently at 265 degrees. I'm thinking that I'm getting an air leak from the bottom of the drum. I used an open head drum and I'm using the removable top as the bottom of my UDS. I removed the white rubber gasket that was attached to the top of the drum so that it would not melt during cooks. Do you guys think that is the source of the leak? Those that have used open top drums and flipped them upside down, did you leave the rubber gasket on? What about running a silicon bead around the lid (bottom)? Any advice would be appreciated.

brickie · Jul 9, 2011

I built mine exactly as you did but yeah I ran a bead of silicone around the bottom of mine..Also not sure but 12 coals may be too much too start out with.I always start with 8 and it's been rock solid ever since. First time I used around 12 and I fought my temps as well.. Hope this helps.

brickie

Dave S · Jul 10, 2011

Okay, here is my first UDS's maiden voyage with food. When I seasoned it yesterday I had a hard time keeping the temps from escalating. I think I just left my intakes open too long. This time I kept them closed when I first lit it up and put the lid on quickly. Much easier keeping constant temps this time. Just gotta keep using it to get a better feel. Thanks to Norco and Marty for their help and suggestions. I think I'll paint it in another couple of weeks.

Jay871 · Jul 10, 2011

Was looking for anyone's opinion on when to put the meat on the UDS. I have no problem getting my barrell up to temperature, is it better to put the meat on right away or wait until you get to your targeted temp? I guess a follow up question would be, are you losing smoking time while you are waiting for your temp to rise?

MushCreek · Jul 10, 2011

When you first start it up, you will probably get some white smoke, which can taste nasty. I usually let mine run for 1/2 hour. By ten, everything should be stable. If made and run right, you can get 20 hours or more out of a burn, so don't worry about that first 1/2 hour.

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