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Yet another UDS build!! But is mine any different?

WombleNC

Knows what a fatty is.
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OK OK I know that there are hundreds of UDS builds on here and I am sure that the more seasoned members are getting tired of them. BUT....... looking at the UDS threads and builds is what drew me into this brotherhood. Its where I got ideas and motivation to start this project and get involved in the world of smoking anything and everything. If this is how I started then I should at least do the same so others may pull from what I have done. I don't believe in spreading the wealth but I have no problem spreading knowledge.

I got some 1"x 1/4" flat and had it rolled into 26"OD rings but got them to not weld the ends together so I could trim to fit. A local shop did it at a cost of $10 a ring. I had to trim them to fit inside the drum then welded them solid. Next I tacked the expanded metal on top of each, trimmed the edges and ground down any nasty edges. Took some rebar and made my handles. I did all this while burning out my 85 gallon drum that I scored for $40. Any feedback or advice is much appreciated.
 

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Of course, yours is different: You built it. I like the grates. Haven't seen that config before.
 
More pics coming...... Headed out to my shop now to get to work. Plan on using just the flat lid. I like the way they look. Plus gives me a reason to fab up a chrome stack or two. Havent got that far yet.
 
I like the grate design. I haven't seen that before either. Good work.
 
I always like seeing builds, there's always something different that tickles the brain and makes you think if it would work for your rig.
 
another build is always cool, I think. like mrbill says, you see things that other people do and it gives you your own ideas.
 
Here are a few more pics

Before and after of the 85 gallon drum. That was a nasty job!
 

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Fabbing up the grate rails and notched my grates to fit. I used 1" angle for the rails and 1 1/4" angle for the grate notches. They slide real good. Stayed up kind of late to make sure they would work out.
 

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To hold the grates up I am going to notch out the rails. The rails are already cut at the heights that I want my grates. After I finish welding them in I will just cut the tabs out. You basically will be able to slide the grates down to desired level and then turn the grate to lock it in. I will try to get some pics up tonite to show some better detail.
 
That is a slick idea - glad you posted that! and, and 85 gallon tank! lotsa room there.

I like my domed lid I have because it gives me additional cooking space on top, plus it doesn't hold any water on top - no rust, and I can cook through rainstorms. But with an 85 gallon tank, you already have more headroom, and it's cool to just use the barrel lid.
 
Here are a few close ups on the rack system. Might make a bit more sence.

Borzwazie...... You may just change my mind on the lid idea. This drum is 27" across I think and if I could find a top I see no reason this UDS couldn't cook about 10-12 Butts. Anybody know if there is even a top that will fit a 85 gal drum.
 

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Clever design! No more tilting of the lower grate to clear the upper mounting bolts.
 
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