Ugly Drum Smoker

[huaco]

Got all my ducks in a row... Finally got 2 drums this morning. $5 a piece! Closed head with 2" bung and a small port of some type. I flipped the drums over and both ends of the drums measure 23" Dia. to the outside of the rolled lid.

I want to use both the flat lid and my Webber lid for turkey cooks. I have my welder all squared away on what I want to do, I just need to open the drums up and burn off the light rust inhibitor. I peered into the bung and there was light surface rust on the drum wall. These drums held kerosene so no liners!!!!!!

I am thinking of grinding around the circumference of the rolled edge of the lid to separate it and still allow me to use the flat lids.

I plan to have:
-(3) 3/4" ball valves +1" from the bottom. 4" off bottom for use of an ash pan
-Coal grate at + 2" from the bottom.
-First grate at + 26" from the bottom. 24.5" off bottom
-Second grate at +31" from the bottom. 29.5" off bottom
-Top of drum head is +33.5" from the bottom.
-(4) 1" holes in flat lid for vent.

Does this sound like a good plan to you fellas?
After some consideration, I plan on making the changes in red

[PhilipW]

My thoughts...

1" is really close to the bottom for the intake valves. I've been really happy with 2".

If you are not using an ash pan under your coal grate, 2" is good, or if you have an ash tray, 2" above it or so.

Lid vent holes aren't necessary if you wish to use the 1" bung hole instead.

I think grinding the lids off is a great idea. When I fit my weber to my barrel, I was able to grind the outside down a bit at a time till it fit perfectly.

I'd think about washing it out good before you go grinding that lid off.

[huaco]

Is just the 1" bung large enough to vent? Maybe I could use the larger bung?

Originally Posted by PhilipW

My thoughts...

1" is really close to the bottom for the intake valves. I've been really happy with 2".

If you are not using an ash pan under your coal grate, 2" is good, or if you have an ash tray, 2" above it or so.

Lid vent holes aren't necessary if you wish to use the 1" bung hole instead.

I think grinding the lids off is a great idea. When I fit my weber to my barrel, I was able to grind the outside down a bit at a time till it fit perfectly.

I'd think about washing it out good before you go grinding that lid off.

[RyGuy]

I would appreciate hearing input from anybody who is using a BBQ Guru to run his/her UDS.

I certainly get the sense from reading the whole thread that most people think a Guru/Stoker isn't required on a UDS.

Still, for any who have done it, did you find it added more stability or predictability to the cook?

Also, I currently use a 4 CFM fan on my Backwoods Chubby. Will that unit produce enough air to stoke a UDS?

Looking forward to hearing thoughts on this as I plan for an 85 gallon "salvage" drum build later this summer.

Ryan

[1FUNVET]

Originally Posted by huaco

Is just the 1" bung large enough to vent? Maybe I could use the larger bung?

Use the 2" bung and you will be fine. I used PVC for exhaust stack on mine and painted to match my LSU drum.

[huaco]

Originally Posted by 1FUNVET

Use the 2" bung and you will be fine. I used PVC for exhaust stack on mine and painted to match my LSU drum.

Threads on the PVC or did you just jam it into the hole?

[PhilipW]

Originally Posted by 1FUNVET

Use the 2" bung and you will be fine. I used PVC for exhaust stack on mine and painted to match my LSU drum.

What he said.

There are lots of examples of people just using this and I personally know two who use just that.

Four 3/4" holes would be just like the weber so that would be fine instead.

Just keep in mind you'll want to keep them covered up from rain, whatever you do.

[jalon]

Not really bad...but, I was really hoping a trick I read along the way in this thread (the Easy-Off) would work to get the inside cleaned up. Here's a couple of pics...thinking of just getting a new unlined barrel, this one had sunflower oil in it.

Oh, and I'm a woodworker...not a metal worker, obviously, haha I do have another barrel though, if I really screw this one up.

For those who did grind their way through, about how long did it take?

Thanks in advance,
Jalon

[Downtown Smokeout]

WHERE TO FIND DRUMS

I looked back several pages, and don't remember seeing this thread when I spent two weeks reading this thing. Here you go drum seekers.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=85478

[jcinadr]

I used the larger bung hole and an metal electrical conduit fitting - threads matched.

Personally I don't like the idea of just using holes - I think you would get a lot of water in your drum during a rain.

[1FUNVET]

Originally Posted by huaco

Threads on the PVC or did you just jam it into the hole?

2" Male pipe thread connector glued to the PVC.

[huaco]

Originally Posted by 1FUNVET

2" Male pipe thread connector glued to the PVC.

Will-do...
Any way I can use the 1" bung to place a thermometer or are they better placed at rack level?

[huaco]

Saw a cast iron wood chip box the other day at Wally-world. Was wondering if that thing was loaded up with chips and then placed on top of the UDS fire basket if it would offer enough smoke to do the job. I had planned on placing small chunks of wood in the basket, but if this would work with wood chips, then all the better... right?

[brickie]

I used a foil pouch on some rib tips last week and thought smoke was great,maybe a little strong for my taste.I think you'll be fine. I would have used my cast iron smoke box but pharking mouse made a house in it, so now gotta be sterilized to wifes standards!

brickie

[huaco]

Originally Posted by brickie

I used a foil pouch on some rib tips last week and thought smoke was great,maybe a little strong for my taste.I think you'll be fine. I would have used my cast iron smoke box but pharking mouse made a house in it, so now gotta be sterilized to wifes standards!

brickie

Ummm... fire sterilizes...right???? All the mouse turds would burn up before you put meat on the grates anyway.

Do you still soak the chips in water before putting them in the box?