confused with UDS

[keale]

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

I have four 3 inch pipe nipples 2 1/2 inches off of the bottom and my fire grate and ring sit right on top of them.

Same as Smokin, it rests on the nipples, no problems... wait, he helped me build mine! Maybe the next one will have short pipe nipples...does it make a difference Meat? Norco?

[Norcoredneck]

Originally Posted by keale

Same as Smokin, it rests on the nipples, no problems... wait, he helped me build mine! Maybe the next one will have short pipe nipples...does it make a difference Meat? Norco?

In my opinion it wouldn't make a difference in flavor or temp. I would think as long as the holes don't get obstructed the fire will draw the air in. The reason I go for short nipples is for cleaning out the buildup of ash and sludge on the bottom. I don't dump mine but rather scoop it out. I don't like the ash sliding on the "Protective coating" on the sides.

[Norcoredneck]

Originally Posted by Brian in So Cal

LOL
Norco, Is there a way to get a side view of your charcoal holder. I can't quite figure how you did the bolts.
.

That is Single Fins. He had posted pics of it (I forgot to take pics). I really like this set up. Next one I build will use a weber charcoal grate, expanded metal ring and an ash pan TBD. Like a 30 gallon drom cut like Mista's first Balcony smoker.

Here is what I found I had. Hard to tell but there is a gap between bottom pan and grate.


Set up like this but sandwich grate instead if drum. Lets ash drop and air flow unobstructed under grate.

[Meat Burner]

I use 4 1/2 inch valves and originally used 4 inch nipples. Worked real well but changed over to 1 1/2 inch nipples and it really made a big difference. Seems like the oxygen drew the fire out toward the outside of the basket better with the shorter nipples and burned much more even. Just my $.02.

[Bbq Bubba]

I'll reiterate what i learned yesterday......
4 - 1/2 closed nipple's meaning they stick in about a 1/2".....
6# of Rancher charcoal burned 10 hrs in 18* weather at 238* the whole time, actually had about 12 briquette's left when i shut it down!
Long or short, don't know what's better but no complaint's here!!!

P.S. ran with 1 cap off and ball valve open 1/3..........

[Meat Burner]

Originally Posted by Bbq Bubba

I'll reiterate what i learned yesterday......
4 - 1/2 closed nipple's meaning they stick in about a 1/2".....
6# of Rancher charcoal burned 10 hrs in 18* weather at 238* the whole time, actually had about 12 briquette's left when i shut it down!
Long or short, don't know what's better but no complaint's here!!!

P.S. ran with 1 cap off and ball valve open 1/3..........

Now that's a winner brother!!! Very happy it works so well.