Ugly Drum Smoker

[Barbarian]

Weiser you should probably go to the Penalty Box in the Woodpile.
And you got the 3,000th post out of it, lol.

[Chenernator]

Originally Posted by Digi

24" from the bottom of the charcoal basket. so in ur case 27.5" from the bottom of the barrel.

If you're only going for one grate, the 24" is easy to do, but if you want two grates, then you may have to fudge it.

He can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Norcoredneck http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=43943 measures 8" down from the top of the barrel for his lower grate. If the barrel is 33 1/2" tall (like mine), then the grate is 25 1/2" above the bottom of the barrel. If your charcoal basket is 2-3" above the bottom, then the grate is 22 1/2" - 23 1/2" above the basket. Also, the bottom of the barrel is not as low as the rim of the barrel, which is where many people measure from. Net result - it seems that there is some leeway in where you put the grate.

[Digi]

Originally Posted by pinghacker

Hey Digi, Where did you find a new drum for $35?

there's a local place in the dallas area. i was actually quoted $45 on the phone, and then when i bit the bullet and decided to go get it, it was only $35...

[Digi]

Originally Posted by Chenernator

If you're only going for one grate, the 24" is easy to do, but if you want two grates, then you may have to fudge it.

He can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Norcoredneck http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=43943 measures 8" down from the top of the barrel for his lower grate. If the barrel is 33 1/2" tall (like mine), then the grate is 25 1/2" above the bottom of the barrel. If your charcoal basket is 2-3" above the bottom, then the grate is 22 1/2" - 23 1/2" above the basket. Also, the bottom of the barrel is not as low as the rim of the barrel, which is where many people measure from. Net result - it seems that there is some leeway in where you put the grate.

yeah on mine i just measured 27" from the bottom for the 1st grate and then just put the 2nd grate at the very top. that left me about 5.5" between the grates...

[Phubar]

I succesfully scored the Weber!
The cooking grates are a lil' rusty but I'll get them clean.
The rest seems to be intact.
Plus....the kettle fits perfect!
So far spend:2 barrels and 1 Weber 57cm/22,5"= 45,00 euro's/58,00 dollars.....plus a little time and petrol.

[biggs98]

Anyone with a flat lid drum have 2 racks inside? I know it will be a little tight if you move the top rack down 3 inches or so. But maybe if you moved both down 3inches or so it'll work.

Just wondering if anyone played around with any of these ideas.

[Norcoredneck]

Originally Posted by biggs98

Anyone with a flat lid drum have 2 racks inside? I know it will be a little tight if you move the top rack down 3 inches or so. But maybe if you moved both down 3inches or so it'll work.

Just wondering if anyone played around with any of these ideas.

It works but after a few cooks you get a lot of drippings off lid and right on the meat.

[biggs98]

Originally Posted by Norcoredneck

It works but after a few cooks you get a lot of drippings off lid and right on the meat.

Thanks Nord.....I think might cut another drum and make a lid out of that. I saw someone do it on here.....going to have to sift through again

[vinny]

Hey Jtank i'm in ct are those barrels near here?

[jaronimo]

Originally Posted by biggs98

Anyone with a flat lid drum have 2 racks inside? I know it will be a little tight if you move the top rack down 3 inches or so. But maybe if you moved both down 3inches or so it'll work.

Just wondering if anyone played around with any of these ideas.

Mine has two racks, but its been heavily modified.

[biggs98]

Originally Posted by jaronimo

Mine has two racks, but its been heavily modified.

Nice looking drum.... Does it leak smoke on the bottom or does the band take care of that? I was thinking of doing the total opposite. Cutting the top off a sealed lid drum and using that as my top. I guess as long as it holds good temps and cooks good Que, you're good to go!!!

[Weiser]

Biggs, I really like the idea of keeping the splice at the bottom...
Smoke rises, right?

Weiser

[udoughguy]

After about 8 cooks I've noticed quite a bit of liquid in the bottom of my UDS. I put some Floor Dry in to absorb it. Anyone else having this? I do not recall reading any commenys about this. Thanks!

[Smokin' D]

Originally Posted by udoughguy

After about 8 cooks I've noticed quite a bit of liquid in the bottom of my UDS. I put some Floor Dry in to absorb it. Anyone else having this? I do not recall reading any commenys about this. Thanks!

Yep, after each cook there is a small amount of moisture under the ash pan.
I think that this is probably some condensation just finding the lowest point in the drum.
Simply take a couple of wadded-up paper towels and give it a wipe.

[wingnut]

Well, you all have really inspired me. I just joined bbq-brethren.com thanks to this thread. I'm only half way through reading this thread, but I just finished my first UDS. Here are some pics, including my umbrella mod due to some heavy rain today.

Thanks for all the shared input and helpful advice. Good stuff.