15 gallon mini UDS build question

Bob13 · 01-20-2013, 08:42 PM

Hoping some of you who have built a 15 gallon mini can help me out with a couple of questions. I've searched and searched here, but haven't found answers pertaining to a 15 gallon drum.

What size holes should I drill for the air intake? From what I've been reading here, sounds like for a 55 gallon UDS, most folks drill either 3/4" or 1" holes. Since my drum is only a 15 gallon (27" high), should I go smaller than that (1/2")? Will it even make that much of a difference?

Next question... how far up from the bottom of the drum should the holes be?

Any help is appreciated.

fr8erfxr · 01-20-2013, 09:36 PM

I went with 3/4" nipples on mine just so my ique 110 adapter would be the same, but 1/2" will work fine. I put them 2" up from the bottom. Hope this helps.

woodbutcher1 · 01-20-2013, 09:43 PM

I put in three 3/4 " dia. holes in my drum about 2" up from the bottom rim. I fabricated 3 sliding brackets and mounted the legs from an old Brinkman smoker to the drum.see att.pic. The Weber SJ lid fits perfectly on my drum. But i mostly use a Charbroil lit that is a little taller than the Weber lid.

Bob13 · 01-20-2013, 10:51 PM

Thanks, fr8erfxr and woodbutcher1. Definitely appreciate the input. woodbutcher1, I like the idea to use the ECB legs and handles. I've got an old Meco that I've already used some parts for a different project... held onto the legs and handles figuring I'd need them somewhere down the road. Looks like I've found a use for them! I like your sliding brackets, too... will need to figure out an easy way to fabricate them. Thanks!

rob_stang2000 · 01-23-2013, 11:31 AM

Sheet magnet works good to cover the holes, or ones that business give out for advertising that are about the size of business cards.

01-20-2013, 08:42 PM	#1
Bob13 On the road to being a farker Join Date: 07-29-12 Location: St. Louis, MO Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	15 gallon mini UDS build question Hoping some of you who have built a 15 gallon mini can help me out with a couple of questions. I've searched and searched here, but haven't found answers pertaining to a 15 gallon drum. What size holes should I drill for the air intake? From what I've been reading here, sounds like for a 55 gallon UDS, most folks drill either 3/4" or 1" holes. Since my drum is only a 15 gallon (27" high), should I go smaller than that (1/2")? Will it even make that much of a difference? Next question... how far up from the bottom of the drum should the holes be? Any help is appreciated. __________________ 22.5 WSM (AU/BBK mutt), Redhead SS Weber Performer (N-1991), WSmokerJ (ER-1996), WGA (A-1979)

01-20-2013, 09:36 PM	#2
fr8erfxr Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 12-29-10 Location: Lake Cormorant, MS Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I went with 3/4" nipples on mine just so my ique 110 adapter would be the same, but 1/2" will work fine. I put them 2" up from the bottom. Hope this helps. __________________ UDS w/Pitmaster iQUE 110, mUDS, Weber Performer, Grillmaster gasser, Red Thermapen, Modded Maverick ET-73 & ET 732.

01-20-2013, 10:51 PM	#4
Bob13 On the road to being a farker Join Date: 07-29-12 Location: St. Louis, MO Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Thanks, fr8erfxr and woodbutcher1. Definitely appreciate the input. woodbutcher1, I like the idea to use the ECB legs and handles. I've got an old Meco that I've already used some parts for a different project... held onto the legs and handles figuring I'd need them somewhere down the road. Looks like I've found a use for them! I like your sliding brackets, too... will need to figure out an easy way to fabricate them. Thanks! __________________ 22.5 WSM (AU/BBK mutt), Redhead SS Weber Performer (N-1991), WSmokerJ (ER-1996), WGA (A-1979)

01-23-2013, 11:31 AM	#5
rob_stang2000 Is lookin for wood to cook with. Join Date: 06-29-10 Location: Marine Il. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Sheet magnet works good to cover the holes, or ones that business give out for advertising that are about the size of business cards.