First UDS Build

Sampler · Sep 6, 2012

Hello all,

I'm a newbie and have just begun the process of process of collecting the materials to build my first UDS. If things go in the right direction by the end of this coming weekend I should have everything I need and a start on the build process.

I have been doing a lot of reading and reviewing the many threads of the subject which have driven my excitement. I look forward to someday being able to participate in sharing my own UDS and some of the delicious items to come off from it.

I'll post from pics of my build as things get started. Wish me luck!

Dana

Nemo · Sep 6, 2012

Good luck! I built my first this spring and except for one sad bone-in pork butt (terrible!), it has been fabulous to use. Steady temps and light on charcoal use.

Foxfire · Sep 6, 2012

congrats! Gonna post build pix?? :icon_cool

Sampler · Sep 6, 2012

Nemo said:
Steady temps and light on charcoal use.

Is there a general rule of thumb as to how much charcoal/wood to use depending on desired temp and length of cook time?

D

Sampler · Sep 6, 2012

Foxfire said:
congrats! Gonna post build pix?? :icon_cool

Thank you.... and most definitely!!!

Johnny_Crunch · Sep 6, 2012

Sampler said:
Is there a general rule of thumb as to how much charcoal/wood to use depending on desired temp and length of cook time?

D

I fill my basket to the top every time regardless of how long I am cooking. It snuffs out so well when closed that I can reuse coals with no worries.

Captain Dave · Sep 6, 2012

With the wood, less is more sometimes. 3 or 4 fist size chunks is usually enough to give all the smoke you need.

Nemo · Sep 6, 2012

Sampler said:
Is there a general rule of thumb as to how much charcoal/wood to use depending on desired temp and length of cook time?

D

Johnny_Crunch said:
I fill my basket to the top every time regardless of how long I am cooking. It snuffs out so well when closed that I can reuse coals with no worries.

Captain Dave said:
With the wood, less is more sometimes. 3 or 4 fist size chunks is usually enough to give all the smoke you need.

In my amateur experience, everyone is right! I usually put about 10lbs in (maybe 2/3rds full fire basket) and when done, close all vents and reuse. Also, just a little wood for flavor, for me that's been about 1 fist size chunk for ribs and 2 for longer cooks like brisket or pork butts / shoulders. Lately it's been apple wood btw.

But to be honest, I have about 5 months experience and should shut up and let the others that actually are experts speak!

Bkgsmoker · Sep 6, 2012

Uds basket capacity

My charcoal baskets are exactly on cubic foot and will hold temp for at least fourteen hours. Only time I've ever used a full basket is when I seasoned it.

razrbakcrzy · Sep 7, 2012

my basket is 11" deep by 15" dia. 3" from botttom of barrel. Holds about 10lbs of RO lump with (1) 4" by about 6" tall log standing on end. Then I place 10 - 15 lit Kingsford briquetts on top to start.

Sampler · Sep 8, 2012

First FREEBIE score...

On my way home from work tonight I spotted an older charcoal grill on the sidewalk (meaning take me home... so I did). It is a 22.5inch Weber look-a-like with a little abuse but the cover with vent is in great shape with base rim still in tact and dual hinges. The grates are still in side but a bit rusty, not sure if these can be cleaned and treated or not. I guess that's where the forum comes in.

Pic to be posted at day light. :grin:

D

TurkeyLeg · Sep 8, 2012

Johnny_Crunch said:
I fill my basket to the top every time regardless of how long I am cooking. It snuffs out so well when closed that I can reuse coals with no worries.

Same thing I do. Fill it every time, then use minion method. A UDS will hold temp, and is so fuel efficient. I built an offset out of a 55 gallon drum about 3 years ago. Man I had to babysit that thing all day. But an upright setup, it's like Ron Popeil said, set it and forget it!!

TurkeyLeg · Sep 8, 2012

Captain Dave said:
With the wood, less is more sometimes. 3 or 4 fist size chunks is usually enough to give all the smoke you need.

Unless your doing chicken. In my experience 1 chunk is all chicken needs.

J-Rod · Sep 8, 2012

Don't forget to take progress photos! And I hope for your sake you have an unlined drum- mine wasn't and I spent the better half of a day laying inside it with a wire wheel on my grinder getting all that sh!t off. It sucked!

Sampler · Sep 8, 2012

Freebie...

criffaaa1 · Sep 8, 2012

Freebies are always great scores. You can try to oil down those grates burn them off and hit them with a wire brush but you might end up replacing them.

sent from my Crifftastic $3

Sampler · Sep 11, 2012

Another nice find.

I picked up an old shopping cart from the local scrap yard with the intention of using the steel grate work in the basket to make my UDS charcoal basket out of. Plus with some slight modifications I may be able to use the push handle and back wheel assembly as an attachment to the UDS for easy mobility.

Any thoughts on this craziness?

D

Sampler · Sep 11, 2012

My only concern maybe that the steel is powder coated and I'm hoping that it will burn off in good old drum burning. Let's hope?!?

Jethro608 · Sep 11, 2012

Cart prob galvie. Would check with others. Put your grates in a plastic bag with amonia and let set in sun for.hours and hit with wire brush.
Does your new lid fit?
Great find

Sampler · Sep 11, 2012

Jethro608 said:
Does your new lid fit?
Great find

Picking up drum on Thursday. I'll let you know then.

D

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