Ugly Drum Smoker

It sounds Like an AirFlow problem to Me,I think that would be the reason for the Condensation that You were seeing at the top of the drum !! Never cooked on a drum though. I am sure that the drum Users will chime in shortly. Just My $.02
 
Only condensation I ever had with mine was at a contest in the fog by the beach.
 
I left charcoal out and it drew moisture in. I experienced the same. Now I store charcoal in a plastic trash can with a semi sealed lid.
 
I am convinced am planning my next project will be on of these. I found some that were used to hold olive oil and can get them for next to nothing.
 
Started these at 10:00 today. Held 230 all day. 6:00 now and taking a nap. Hauling all + crock pot full of beans, and chips to work tonight.
IMG_1989.jpg
 
Gator- Did you clean out the ashes from the last cook? Before I started mine yesterday I noticed the ashes from my last cook were wet from the rain before I had the cover on during the week, might be something to consider. Are there any obstuctions in your vents? Ashes or a lump in the valve?
 
i had a problem with dry chucks this weekend. cooked to 197 or so and pulled off and rested for a few hours. i didnt spray at all during the cook. could the direct heat have caused this or do i need to spray
 
Do you turn them? I haven't done them yet but turning works for me.
 
motley que said:
i had a problem with dry chucks this weekend. cooked to 197 or so and pulled off and rested for a few hours. i didnt spray at all during the cook. could the direct heat have caused this or do i need to spray
Click to expand...

Mot how many times did you flip it?
 
Having a charcoal basket made for my drum and looking for dimensions.

I'm thinking the grate should be 22inches in diameter. then the ring about 18 inches in diamter and 10-12 inches tall?

I'm also thinking of having the sides made of something solid. Any ideas, opinions or thoughts on this?

Also, if you use threaded pipe nipples, will they thread right onto the hole you cut or do you have to do something special? 7/8ths hole, 1/2 inch pipe?

Also, one last question... Do you have to get the lid cut off of every drum or can you find them that com that way?

Sorry for the newb. questions.

B
 
Blutch, good questions, hopefully some of the experts will see this and chime in. I think the height would be fine at 8 to 10.

Cannot help on the pipes, I just use aluminum foil to plug the holes to adjust airflow.

Mine came with a removable lid.
 
Blutch said:
Having a charcoal basket made for my drum and looking for dimensions.

I'm thinking the grate should be 22inches in diameter. then the ring about 18 inches in diamter and 10-12 inches tall?B
Click to expand...

If you make the grate 22 inches it may be a PITA to get out to the drum. Mine is 20 inches, sits on the pipe nipples well, and I can get it out without much problem.

My ring is 18x6. When I was having it made I was concerned that it was too wide, but it has worked out well. I can't imagine ever having to load enough fuel to need it 10-12 inches tall but if you have material that size I guess it wouldn't matter.

Blutch said:
I'm also thinking of having the sides made of something solid. Any ideas, opinions or thoughts on this?B
Click to expand...

I think this might interfere with the air flow but not sure. I would stick with expanded metal for the sides. I know that works.

Blutch said:
Also, if you use threaded pipe nipples, will they thread right onto the hole you cut or do you have to do something special? 7/8ths hole, 1/2 inch pipe?B
Click to expand...

If you cut the holes with a step bit to 13/16 and clean up the cut with a rat tail file the 1/2 inch pipe nipples should thread right in.

Blutch said:
Also, one last question... Do you have to get the lid cut off of every drum or can you find them that com that way?B
Click to expand...

If you can find a drum that you don't have to cut the lid off of (they are called open top drums) that is best. The lid fits nicely right over the roll on the tp of the drum. If you get a closed to and cut it out you will find it is difficult to get a tight fit for the lid.

Here is a link to a place on eBay that sells drums. You can get an idea from the pictures of the difference on the two types of drum heads.

http://stores.ebay.com/The-Barrel-Company

Best of luck on your UDS.
 
I made 2 different sized baskets that are secured to an old Weber 22.5" cooking grate. The one that I primarily use is 17"x 8" and the other is 13"x9". Here's a pic of what you may want to consider.
nullSSCN0277.jpg



Brian
 
My basket is 13" in diameter, 9'' tall.
Fire_ring.jpg


Frri_ring2.jpg


But go with Mista's set up if you can . Saves tipping drum to empty ash. I have been using a hoe as third eye did, just havent ground it to match radius yet.
 
I tend to agree with Gator on the diameter of the grate...22" would be a Bear to get in and out...dont forget You will have bolts at the top to hold the cooking grate...I made my ash pan 15" diameter and the fire basket is 13" diameter and 6" tall.

MVC-012F.jpg
 
Oldbob said:
I tend to agree with Gator on the diameter of the grate...22" would be a Bear to get in and out...dont forget You will have bolts at the top to hold the cooking grate...I made my ash pan 15" diameter and the fire basket is 13" diameter and 6" tall.

MVC-012F.jpg
Click to expand...

I love Bob's setup... is on the list for my next one... if I can wait that long:)
 
Uds V 1.1

I finished my second UDS last night. This drum is a heavier gauage, is taller, and is wider. To use a Weber lid I will have to balance it on the top. I would have to grind the entire roll off to make it fit and I don't want to do that.

I made this one the same as the first one with the exception of adding handles. I used the Stanley garage door handles and I think they will work well (I also added them to my first one). The lid has the same handle but I put a piece of foam pipe insulation around it.

I am happy with it and am going to use both of the drums in my first comp this weekend!!

IMG_1029.jpg
 
how hot does the bottom of those get? if i built one would i need to put it on a platform to keep it off my patio (concrete).
 
I am sure they get pretty hot. I cut a 4x4 landscape timber in two and put that underneath to protect the concrete underneath. You can actually see them under the picture above.

I plan on picking up a couple of drum dollies but haven't found what I want at the price I want to pay
 
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