Carbon
is Blowin Smoke!
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2008
- Location
- Los Angeles
Other than access during the cook?? (my assumption), what is the purpose of the detachable bottom? Or is it for easy cleanup?
Noticed today, windier than other days I've smoked, I had smoke return in my draw pipe.
Would a short smoke stack manage better than none?
I think the purpose is to use the bottom of the drum as the top to accommodate the Weber Kettle lid. That Weber Kettle lid will fit on the bottom of the drum (with the bottom cut off) -- but it wont fit on the top of the drum because of the rolled lip.Other than access during the cook?? (my assumption), what is the purpose of the detachable bottom? Or is it for easy cleanup?
Thank you. That makes sense. So the drum is turned upside down and the stock drum lid at the bottom is sealed permanently.I think the purpose is to use the bottom of the drum as the top to accommodate the Weber Kettle lid. That Weber Kettle lid will fit on the bottom of the drum (with the bottom cut off) -- but it wont fit on the top of the drum because of the rolled lip.
This is my first post on this thread and I apologize if this has been discussed. I'm trying to read all 549 pages but it takes a while.
Most every set of instructions seems to recommend 4 bolts or mounts to support the cooking grates. Why 4? Three would be easier and would not rock if they weren't perfect.
I've seen 3 used and suggested by a seemingly knowledgeable UDS maker on youtube and have seen pictures of at least one UDS in this thread with only 3 supports.
I've yet to see a discussion (I admit I'm only on page 75 here but reading more whenever I can) of the negatives of only 3 supports. Maybe the grate would be a bit less stable but I don't see how it would be.
Can someone tell me the negatives of only 3 supports?
I have 3 in mine and never had a problem. I also remove the grate for cleaning. Not saying you won't have any problems either, just that I don't.With just 3 bolts the grate might lift at one end when applying heavy brush pressure when cleaning which is no biggie. You also need to be a little careful when loading and unloading food off the grate, making sure one side is not too heavy.
Having said that I plan on using just three bolts on my upcoming build.
This is my first post on this thread and I apologize if this has been discussed. I'm trying to read all 549 pages but it takes a while.
Most every set of instructions seems to recommend 4 bolts or mounts to support the cooking grates. Why 4? Three would be easier and would not rock if they weren't perfect.
I've seen 3 used and suggested by a seemingly knowledgeable UDS maker on youtube and have seen pictures of at least one UDS in this thread with only 3 supports.
I've yet to see a discussion (I admit I'm only on page 75 here but reading more whenever I can) of the negatives of only 3 supports. Maybe the grate would be a bit less stable but I don't see how it would be.
Can someone tell me the negatives of only 3 supports?
I use 3 U-bolts for my grates- slightly more support than 3 regular bolts, I guess. I use U-bolts because they are round, so I don't scrape myself reaching down to the fire basket, and I also use them to mount my fire basket when in the upper grilling position. I have 3 legs sticking out from the basket that rest on the lower set of U-bolts, and they each have a stud sticking down to fit into the U-bolt so it can't slide off. I use SS acorn nuts on the outside of the drum on the U-bolts for nice bling.
I just measured mine, and there is about 5" of grill outside of the straight line between U-bolts. It would be hard to get something heavy enough to tip the grill in that small space. It's never been an issue.
I was thinking about using u-bolts. Hope it's not too hard to find them in stainless.I use 3 U-bolts for my grates- slightly more support than 3 regular bolts, I guess. I use U-bolts because they are round, so I don't scrape myself reaching down to the fire basket, and I also use them to mount my fire basket when in the upper grilling position. I have 3 legs sticking out from the basket that rest on the lower set of U-bolts, and they each have a stud sticking down to fit into the U-bolt so it can't slide off. I use SS acorn nuts on the outside of the drum on the U-bolts for nice bling.
I just measured mine, and there is about 5" of grill outside of the straight line between U-bolts. It would be hard to get something heavy enough to tip the grill in that small space. It's never been an issue.