• working on DNS.. links may break temporarily.

Ugly Drum Smoker

Good news, just found out I have a food grade drum waiting for me. My uncle was able to get me one from his work that prev. had molasses in it, he even washed it out already. Not sure if it has a lining or not.

Anyway my question is, how hard is it to drill the holes into this thing. I am in the market for a new drill anyways, so just wanted to get some suggestions on how powerful a drill I will need. Is there anyway to get around using a step bit, those things aint cheap.
 
CarrsvilleSmoker said:
Good news, just found out I have a food grade drum waiting for me. My uncle was able to get me one from his work that prev. had molasses in it, he even washed it out already. Not sure if it has a lining or not.

Anyway my question is, how hard is it to drill the holes into this thing. I am in the market for a new drill anyways, so just wanted to get some suggestions on how powerful a drill I will need. Is there anyway to get around using a step bit, those things aint cheap.
Click to expand...
Trust me brother...buy the step drill bit! :biggrin: Life will be better.:wink:
 
I bought a new 1" holesaw for my cordless drill and got 3 drums worth of holes (9) before it wore out. that size hole accepts a 3/4" pipe thread perfectly!
 
Bbq Bubba said:
I bought a new 1" holesaw for my cordless drill and got 3 drums worth of holes (9) before it wore out. that size hole accepts a 3/4" pipe thread perfectly!
Click to expand...
Use a bit of 3 in 1 oil, I have gotten at least 20 holes from mine.
 
I will be doing a drum this weekend, have to look in my basement to see if I have any old rotobroach bits. then I won't have to worry about wearing drill bits out.
 
Meat Burner said:
Trust me brother...buy the step drill bit! :biggrin: Life will be better.:wink:
Click to expand...

There is more truth to this than you will ever know. I went through 2 in my drilling life which was a total of 6 holes before the step down bit. You can find them reasonably at sears hardware.
 
chinesebob said:
There is more truth to this than you will ever know. I went through 2 in my drilling life which was a total of 6 holes before the step down bit. You can find them reasonably at sears hardware.
Click to expand...
Harbor Freight also sells the import unibits which are holding up pretty good for me so far. They go on sale once a month for $8.99/3pc set. I think the regular price is only 12.99/set which is still cheaper than buying a single original one. I do feel the originals are sharper and are made out of a better tool steel than the H.F.'s but you can never have too many tools.
 
I got a step bit off eBay for $6.00. May not be the quality of the one at sears, but my UDS didn't know the difference. Buy the cheap one, it will work well for a while if you like it, then go with the $40 one at sears.
 
Fastenal carries all grades of step bits and hole saws. Check there and you may come out with on you prefer. I buy the higher quality hole saw, and it has served me well. Just keep your hole saws for either metal or wood. Interchanging the material will shorten their life.
 
IMHO go with the step bits they worked great and I have built 5 UDS and 1 UDG. The one we used is still in great shape. Harbor Freight for that bit.
 
I'm using the same holw saw I have has for eight years the trick is to use cutting oil and not force it. Remember adjust the drill bit no further than 1/8 of an inch above the holesaw or you wil break it. Those drums are fairly thin so no need for a massive drill but I would buy a quality one with plenty of torque and it will last you for years.
 
Not to get off topic of the UDS, but would a quality name brand drill, i.e. DeWalt, would a 12 Volt cordless do the trick or do I need something more powerful. I am somewhat new to having my own tools(lived w/ roommates for years that had plenty of them, so no need to buy)

I was able to find a 13/16 hole saw bit for under 10 bucks, which should match up to the 1/2 inch pipe nipples I was planning on using. This board is great, thanks for all the advice.
 
De-Walt is great as is just about any other brand including a K-Mart special when it comes to drilling a drum.

Lets put it this way, if you took a hardened nail and a hammer you could pierce a drum like these, it's not thick material.


BTW I use a cordless Black and Decker for just about everything.
 
Stainless bolts are in and set eight inches from the top of the drum.

fbvozd.jpg


2qmf1gn.jpg


2npov6.jpg
 
I drilled my holes, 2 inch intake and exhaust, with a 1/2 bit and then sawzall. Cleaned up the holes with the dremel. I thought about using my Rotozip but didn't.
 
If you had your choice between the step bit and a 13/16's hole saw bit, which one would you choice. I was planning on going with 4-1/2 inch intakes, but thinking about taking it up to 4-3/4's intakes.

On another note, I need a drill to get this project going, the sales guy at Lowes was trying to get me amped up on a 18 vold Dewalt drill, just so happens the wife walked up at the perfect time as he was pitching the complete 18 volt combo kit, and agrees that it was a great deal, looks like I may have some sweet tools in my future, pluse a sweet UDS as well, picking up the drum tomorrow!
 
CarrsvilleSmoker said:
If you had your choice between the step bit and a 13/16's hole saw bit, which one would you choice. I was planning on going with 4-1/2 inch intakes, but thinking about taking it up to 4-3/4's intakes.

On another note, I need a drill to get this project going, the sales guy at Lowes was trying to get me amped up on a 18 vold Dewalt drill, just so happens the wife walked up at the perfect time as he was pitching the complete 18 volt combo kit, and agrees that it was a great deal, looks like I may have some sweet tools in my future, pluse a sweet UDS as well, picking up the drum tomorrow!
Click to expand...

A step bit would be like an all in one tool. For one that does not need to drill many holes very often it is a good choice. Just got to be careful and drill slow and check the hole size as you go. Nothing like saying I drilled the hole 3 times and it is still to big.

18v Dewalt a good choice, try and get a back-up battery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
How to fire WSM/UDS/Drum smoker [PDF]
Replies
5
Views
403
Nuco59
N
T
Pitts & Spitts adjustable charcoal grill. Reviews?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Nuco59
N
BruceB
Outlaw patio smoker giveaway
Replies
5
Views
2K
BruceB
BruceB
J
Billows on a Drum Smoker
Replies
4
Views
466
JoeGuitar
J
cayenne
FIRST COOK on the new Offset Smoker!!! Pictures and comments...
2
Replies
22
Views
855
Bury Me In Smoke
B
Back
Top