Ugly Drum Smoker

[Barbarian]

Well built another drum, basic drum with flat lid, but I had a charcoal basket made like the one that JDER30 did except I added an ashpan to the bottom so I just lift the frame out, pull the ashpan out and dump. So clean up is easy like the drum I built with no bottom so I could lift it off for cleanup, but should be airtight where that one was not. Got a lever-lock ring just to help keep it airtight.

Also just for fun to have things flush on the outside I used a stainless T-nut with a steel spacer, locknut and nut on 1.25" stainless bolts for the grate bolts.

Was thinking about the bottom like Jaranimo, but this looked easier to build.

Just finished the lid so the only seasoned so far, gonna do moink balls for a Super Bowl party on Sunday. Pron to come.

[Dr_KY]

I stinkin love it!!!!!!!!
Looks like the idea of the tall baskets is starting to take hold. If you ever want to use a pan or defuser it makes the perfect place/stand for em.

[Mo-Dave]

Originally Posted by Beerwolf

HINT... legs are shortened and center support is scaled down...Do you remember my questions in my PM to you about sealing the drum to the kettle? It worked Slicker than Goose Grease...Pron to follow when completed and painted, hopefully this weekend

The main advantage to this is that you are using the whole weber instead of making another firepit out of the basin... as well as doing away with nipples and a ball valve... Oh Ya... its now self cleaning

Can you please share the method used to seal the drum to the kettle, I have an extra and think I would like to try that. Thanks
Dave

[Beerwolf]

Originally Posted by Mo-Dave

Can you please share the method used to seal the drum to the kettle, I have an extra and think I would like to try that. Thanks
Dave

I wish I had taken pics...

First I made 2 cuts in my drum, one at the high point of the rib, all the way around and a second about 2 inches down from that, making a ring.

then I cut the ring and put it inside the barrel upside down, so it forms a channel against the remaining half of the rib. I cut the ring to fit and butt weld it back together. The ring is then tacked inside the barrel and 1/2" stove gasket is glued inside.

This is as far as I have gotten.. Im not sure how tight I will have to secure the drum to the kettle.. if at all. I will probably do a test on it on Saturday... if all goes good I will do a big fattie on it while the Steelers kick ass on Sunday

[Mo-Dave]

Thanks for the info and please keep us posted on the results.
Dave

[ve3rpm]

Shouldn't there be a tshirt or something for reading all of these?

[Beerwolf]

Well FARK... Ungrateful Bastage!.. How else are you gonna learn to make a drum? If ya dont want to read it all... make yer own! Or go buy one online from BDS... no one said you HAD to read it.... Just DO IT, you will be way ahead of the curve if you do... I was in the same state of mind and was glad I read it.

This thread is like the AA Big Book.. no prize except the one you have earned for yourself!

[Barbarian]

Easy Beerwolf he is a Canadian. Have a beer, lol.

[Beerwolf]

Eh... I was just kidding ... ya know

[jaronimo]

Jerry, I like the paint job on the new UDS. How did you do that? Sponge?

I like the flush t-nuts. Good idea. I have been welding everything. Gotta play with the toys when I can.

I have been busy the last few weeks and today is my first chance to do my test run on my drum. I found some 5/8 stove door gasket (rope) and adhesive for about 8 bucks and but it in place of the silicone seal on the drum. With the clamp on it appears to hold pretty good and I think the bottom drum will seal nicely to the top drum.

Its coming up to temp as I type. I have a fatty and a pork tenderloin that are going on it shortly. Pics to follow....

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Norcoredneck

Remember the Tide warm water deal. Cleans oil residue real well.


Looks cool but bet you won't have enough exhaust. Adapt some fishtails on the Harley Drum using auto header adapters.

Ding, ding, ding. I think I've got a pair of fish tails out in the shed. Thanks Norco.

[Barbarian]

Jaronimo, yes I used a sponge one of those natural painting sponges. Just wanted something different. Will be waiting to hear how it works out, good luck.

[jaronimo]

OK, the food has been on the UDS about 45 minutes and the temp is holding rock solid. It has not moved even one degree! I seriously think I am going to spend a lot of time cooking on this UDS.

Heres the fire basket loaded up...


Heres the food, a fattie with apple and cheese, and a pork tenderloin with Kosciusko mustard rubbed on and then some dry rub...



Here is a shot of the UDS. It is very ugly now, but as soon as I get a day that warms up enough to paint outside, it will be beautiful!!!

[Barbarian]

Lookin' good!!!!!!!!!
I like your paint job to, nice rusty hue.

[DaveT]

It has been over a year since I stumbled across the UDS tread while I was surfing for BBQ smoking tips. Not sure how many times I have read this tread for great ideas, not very good at keeping notes. I want to thank everyone for sharing their great ideas. Well last week I had a buddy with a nice shop full of equipment like: plasma cutters, multiple welders, air tools, and more help me fabricate the new stainless steel UDS. OK here goes the pron.

She is not very nice looking right now. I know it is supposed to be an UGLY drum smoker but I am going to buff it out with some stainless polish and hopefully she will look nice again. The burn turned the nice looking stainless brown.



We welded a 2 inch stainless pipe for intake and exhaust.



I copied the flapper design from my Chargriller.


Found the stainless springs in the pluming section at HD.



The basket was given to me as is and we welded a base for an ash pan. I may have a problem with ash build up because the bottom has pretty small holes.




Used a Weber grate from HD.


Put a hook to hang the door like a Weber.


O yea she has a sister! I got the drum for free from a guy who owns a metal supply company. I was telling him about the UDS and he said "I have two stainless steel drums out back. If you build one for me you can have the other drum for nothing." Can't beat that.


Only thing left is to get her greasy.