My Mini WSM Build (w/pics)

[JMSetzler]

Grease draining out the way i drilled mine may turn into a problem actually. If you do this design, drill your pilot holes and drill you big holes from the inside of the pot so the flare out is on the outside of the pot rather than on the inside...

[posey's_pork_pit]

Originally Posted by Smokey Al Gold

I do plan to have a diffuser I was just worried about grease collecting in the bottom and being a mess. If grease drains pretty good I think drilling would be a better option. I just want to be able to get higher temps in the 350 range and was wondering if the holes method affects temps.

I also drilled holes instead of cutting out the bottom ~ I drilled about 12 3/4" holes roughly 1 1/2" in from the rim in a circle pattern and about 8 more in the center, also in a circle pattern.

I use the steamer insert as the diffuser and an old Brinkmann water pan on top of that to catch the grease. Works like a dream!

[JMSetzler]

I think a hole saw bit would have been a much better solution to drilling those holes than a step bit possibly.

[Matt_A]

Originally Posted by JMSetzler

Grease draining out the way i drilled mine may turn into a problem actually. If you do this design, drill your pilot holes and drill you big holes from the inside of the pot so the flare out is on the outside of the pot rather than on the inside...

You can use the step drill from the inside to flatten out those high hole edges, just go slowly.

[JMSetzler]

Originally Posted by Matt_A

You can use the step drill from the inside to flatten out those high hole edges, just go slowly.

I have a 1" hole saw bit that I bought to make holes on the UDS. I'm going to be building one of these Mini WSMs for a friend and I might give it a try. If it works, I'll go buy a 3/4" version of it. Since the aluminum is so soft, i have some significant flaring towards the inside of the pot where I drilled holes with the step bit. It is going to allow grease to accumulate if I don't use a drip pan and I'm concerned that I might get some flare-ups so I'll have to test that when I cook on this cooker Sunday and see what happens. I'm gonna toss some chicken on it Sunday afternoon...

[SmokeInDaEye]

That looks awesome!

[Phubar]

Cool thermo!
Where did you buy it?

[JMSetzler]

Originally Posted by Phubar

Cool thermo!
Where did you buy it?

http://www.4thegrill.com/competition...er-thermometer

You have to click on the link on that page to see the picture... I like these... they have a calibration screw on the back and look to be very well made. I have two of them now.

[Phubar]

Originally Posted by JMSetzler

http://www.4thegrill.com/competition...er-thermometer

You have to click on the link on that page to see the picture... I like these... they have a calibration screw on the back and look to be very well made. I have two of them now.

Thanks!
I love them too,I got 4 of them myself and ordered them here: http://www.rivercountry101.com/servl...-smoker/Detail
Easy for me is that I can read Fahrenheit and Celsius on the thermo.
On the Dutch Brethren forum we use Celsius and on the US Brethren forum Fahrenheit.

For Padawan's Midi UDS and a Dutch Brethren's Midi UDS I also ordered/used these thermo's.
Very good service if I do may say so...didn't take long between the ordering and receiving it accross The Big Pond.
Couple of other Dutch Brethren also ordered these thermo's for their smoker builds.

[AustinKnight]

Anyone use high temp silicone around the lid for a tighter seal or a oven gasket, or is it not needed I'm going to fire my mini up this weekend and just seeing if there are anymore things to mod on it

[AustinKnight]

Originally Posted by AustinKnight

Anyone use high temp silicone around the lid for a tighter seal or a oven gasket, or is it not needed I'm going to fire my mini up this weekend and just seeing if there are anymore things to mod on it

EDIT Ok I'll just go on a hunch and use the high heat silicone, I'll take some pics later.

[JMSetzler]

Mine doesn't have any noticeable leaking around the lid or the fit between the charcoal basket and the tamale pot. Try it out first...

[posey's_pork_pit]

Originally Posted by AustinKnight

Anyone use high temp silicone around the lid for a tighter seal or a oven gasket, or is it not needed I'm going to fire my mini up this weekend and just seeing if there are anymore things to mod on it

As JM said, mine does not leak smoke at all. I would fire it up and see what happens before changing anything.

[FamilyManBBQ]

One of mine fits great! Like they were made for each other.

The other one fits pretty tight...been thinking about cripming the rim of the pot to make a better fit.

Neither on leaks when running. Both fit great to bottom of smokey joe (my first even fits on top of the cats iron ring/grate support without leakage).

[AustinKnight]

THx guys my lid fits I can like spin it that's why I kinda want to give it a nice stickn to the pot just makes me feel better I guess