Where to get Expanded Steel in DFW
i've gone through hundreds of posts this weekend and purchased everything I need except the expanded metal for the charcoal basket.
Can anyone tell me where I may be able to locate some expanded metal? I tried Home Depot and they didn't have any, I called a local machine shop in Dallas and they were going to charge me $74 for a sheet that is 8" by 44", which seemed a bit high to me.
Another question just came up, if I were to purchase a barrel with a teflon coated inside, would I need to burn out the teflon or could I use some sort of cleaner? Assuming of course it would be safe to cook/eat from after cleaning out the inside.
Any opinions/recommendations would be appreciated
Got my expanded steel from metal supremarket in Ft. Worth, I had tried in dallas but Their shear had just gone down. Luckily I had to go to Ft. Worth that day anyway.
I was buying a 1/2 so I got to specify which way I wanted the opening oriented (which is with the length if you are telling them what you want).
I got 6 pcs of 8x48 9ga HRS Expanded for $6 each and 6 pca of 1/2 square tubing I'm gonna try to make T-bar handles for the baskets.
I know you could just get 1 piece if that's all you want, but you may not be able to ask for orientation. IMOHO you should get the half sheet and get it exactly the way you want. You will also have more expando ready for the other cookers you will be making for friends and relatives once they taste your 'Q. :biggrin1:
pm me if you want more advice or help, I live in Irving, TX and already went through the search process here in the DFW area.
I'm currently working on my first two UDS drums my self. One for me and one for my son-in-law. I was given ten open top drums (some with dirt, some with cutting mud and water from a soil sample dona at a local strip mall) that I aam using to make my UDS smokers. I plan on using a couple to make high tops or also expansion rings to give more cook area without using a Dome cooker lid.
I also am getting a new neighbor who has access to tons of drums through their family countertop business. Some have had glue, don't want those, but a lot more have had onl thinner in them and they will work great for future builds.:becky:
