My UDS Build Thread

u-joint · Dec 17, 2012

It's official, you guys have corrupted me. I am building a UDS :whoo:

I am currently on about page 50 of "the UDS" thread, lol. A lot of reading ahead of me. However, I've made my first (small) step of building a UDS. Today, I purchased a 55 gallon drum.

It's really nice and clean, and doesn't have a liner in it. The guy who sold it to me said it previously contained something "like glue", but was separated from the bare metal by a plastic bag/insert. Still going to burn it out.

Nothing much else to show, or say. I'll update this thread throughout my build process.

1911Ron · Dec 17, 2012

Good luck! :thumb:

HeSmellsLikeSmoke · Dec 17, 2012

Great start.

Johnny_Crunch · Dec 17, 2012

Nice start

woodbutcher1 · Dec 17, 2012

u-joint, good luck with your build. Since you are only on page 50 on the MOTHER of the UDS thread, do yourself a big favor. Take lots of notes as you read on, or at least certain highlight points for what ever,page #, post# etc. for future reference.

When i started,there were only 320 or so pages and i ended up re-reading it all over again. A lot of guys don't like to read that many pages,they just like to fire away with asking questions because they want the answers right now.

Wyley · Dec 18, 2012

If you want to save yourself a lot of reading just go here.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43943

It is the definitive KISS instructional for the UDS. Build your first one like this, learn to cook on it and then experiment at will on future builds. You won't be disappointed if you follow it.

Don't worry if you don't have a welder or welding experience, I simply threaded my pipe nipples in the holes and locked them down with electrical conduit nuts. Another thought is to stay away from galvanized hardware. If that is all you can find you can either burn the coating off with a weed burner or soak in toilet bowl cleaner. That will take the galvanized coating off also.

Militant83 · Dec 18, 2012

Good luck and keep us updated on the build

cowgirl · Dec 18, 2012

Looking forward to your pics!!

bo_b_q · Dec 18, 2012

I second the taking notes suggestion. I read through about 300 pages or so. It started out innocent enough, but then the ideas start piling up and when you go to actually start building you can't keep any of it straight. I spent as much time going back through and digging for information as I did reading. Good luck on your build...just finished mine a few weeks ago, only two cooks in but I love it!

u-joint · Dec 22, 2012

Thanks all for the tips and encouragement.

I made a trip to Lowe's this morning and picked up most of what I have remaining for my UDS build. Since today marks my first day off work for the holidays, I am going to be starting the build today. Expect updates and photos as I'm working through it.

I haven't seen anyone mention this, so I figured I'd throw it out there. Those seals on the 55-gallon drum lids are a pain to scrape off. I just took some MEK and within minutes the seal literally came off in one piece, leaving nothing but bare metal behind.

Mauricio · Dec 22, 2012

That drum cap is really nice. Mine didn't come with a cap so I had to use a Weber lid which doesn't fit well.
The fire box It’s probably the single most important design element of the unit. The basket should be big enough to hold 10 lbs. of charcoal and some wood chunks, plenty of fuel for very long cooks. When I burned it with 10 pounds of hardwood charcoal it lasted 15 hours.
it cost me $100

otterpop · Dec 22, 2012

Wyley said:
If you want to save yourself a lot of reading just go here.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43943.

I followed Norcoredneck's plan for my UDS, and it was simple to build, and cooks great!
:thumb:

enasnidx · Dec 22, 2012

Best of luck! My basket is really simple but works awesome and was really cheap to build. No welding. I use a "top down" Minion Method for burning coal in mine: I put about 15 hot coals into maybe 4 little clusters spaced evenly on top of my unlit coals with wood chunks in it. The fire burns down and around my basket for hours. I have no problem with long cooks and I always have left over coals. My basket:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112518

u-joint · Dec 22, 2012

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1356208555.127582.jpg

Working on my basket. This is my first attempt at welding, a friend let me borrow his MIG welder.

sweetheatbbq · Dec 22, 2012

Looking good!

u-joint · Dec 23, 2012

Progress update:

Yesterday I was able to burn out my drum, and almost get done with my charcoal basket. I ran into a small snag on the basket, where I had purchased 24x12" expanded steel. This, of course, resulted in a basket that was about 12" tall, lol. Also, I didn't quite have enough to go all the way around. So, some trimming is in order :biggrin1:

Today is about the last nice day we're going to have for a while, so getting the drum painted was today's priority. Using Norcoredneck's design as a starting point, I was able to get all the holes drilled, the inside & outside wired brushed, and even welded the air intakes.

Next I primed it, and painted it. It's currently setting in the backyard drying.

Remaining is some work on my basket, and final assembly.

So far, things are going really well, and I am surprised how quickly it's coming together. My wife is already talking about smoking a boston butt in it :whoo:

My UDS Build Thread

u-joint

Is lookin for wood to cook with.

Attachments

1911Ron

is Blowin Smoke!

HeSmellsLikeSmoke

somebody shut me the fark up.

Johnny_Crunch

Babbling Farker

woodbutcher1

is one Smokin' Farker

Wyley

Knows what a fatty is.

Militant83

is one Smokin' Farker

cowgirl

somebody shut me the fark up.

bo_b_q

Knows what a fatty is.

u-joint

Is lookin for wood to cook with.

Mauricio

Is lookin for wood to cook with.

Attachments

otterpop

Full Fledged Farker

enasnidx

Full Fledged Farker

u-joint

Is lookin for wood to cook with.

sweetheatbbq

Knows what a fatty is.

u-joint

Is lookin for wood to cook with.

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