Ugly Drum Smoker

Slight Rust

Ok just how clean does the inside have to be.. there's a little rust in this barrel but it looks like just topical .. I could probably use a brush and scrape all of is off.. is it really needed.. does anyone have any (Cheap) suggestions for getting it off?

Cheap Solution.

Build a fire in it and cook something!
That thing is good to go.

Weiser

Rodsboots said:

Ok just how clean does the inside have to be.. there's a little rust in this barrel but it looks like just topical .. I could probably use a brush and scrape all of is off.. is it really needed.. does anyone have any (Cheap) suggestions for getting it off?

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As long as it's rust and not paint. I always wash stuff off with a heavy mix of tide in warm water. Cuts grease and other stuff. Blow off with compressed air or shop vac on blow and then season with pam.

BigdogKC said:

Ok, I have 2 UDS and I went real cheap and drilled 4 - 1" holes about 3" up from the bottom. I have an OK time with keeping the temp where I want it, but I was wondering if I can improve it by installing a valve? Also if the you think I should go with a valve, how hard would it be to do considering my current hole setup?

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What sort of temps are you running? With those four holes it must be like an inferno.

Dr_KY said:

What sort of temps are you running? With those four holes it must be like an inferno.

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They are covered with a metal electrical plate that swivels. I never have more than 1 -1/2 open, so it seems like a waste to me. I run around 230-250 which is where I want to be, but sometime I have to play with it a bit. Plus it doesn't look as cool. It is easier to travel though since there is nothing sticking out from the drum.

Well on my way....and proof!

Looking fantastic MS BBQ. Throw some grease all over that raw metal and the inside is ready to rock and roll!!! You have the hard part done.

Meat Burner said:

Looking fantastic MS BBQ. Throw some grease all over that raw metal and the inside is ready to rock and roll!!! You have the hard part done.

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Thanks. Greased it up yesterday after doing the grinding...didn't want it to rust after I came out looking like I was in the coal mine!

Well I worked on the UDS again today. Hit it a second time with the weed burner. I also have the grill in place about 6" from the lid since I don't have a "bubble".. I have welded the basket together and it's 12" high.
Tomorrow I plan on welding the nipples in place and adding the 3/4 ball valve to one of them.
I'm still debating whether or not to add a smoke stack or just holes on top.. i have alot of 1" square tubing and was thinking about welding 4 together and attaching it to the flat lid.. suggestions?
I can't tell you how awesome it feels to be getting this done and I can't wait to cook on it..
I'm hoping to do some cooking tomorrow after I season and heat it.
Just thought I'd throw in a couple of pics of my progress this evening. I love my Boddingtons!! :biggrin:
I know it sounds sick but I think I'm gonna sell this one and build a couple more just for chits and grins..

I am curious about the two handles next to each other??

Too much beer mod. :biggrin:

Answer

The lid is really tight and I messed around with one on each side.. but I couldn't get the leverage to open it without lifting up on one side at a time plus I'm thinking about adding a smoke stack either in the middle or on the opposite end

Barbarian said:

I am curious about the two handles next to each other??

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The Boddington's look's refreshing :-D

Rodsboots said:

The lid is really tight and I messed around with one on each side.. but I couldn't get the leverage to open it without lifting up on one side at a time plus I'm thinking about adding a smoke stack either in the middle or on the opposite end

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I had the same problem, try turning it this direction then it will come off with ease.
A little closer to the edge works too but it a great balance running it right up to the stainless exhaust. The two bolts just under the handle are for the hanging clip.

John McCain Mod.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Weiser

Norcoredneck said:

Too much beer mod. :biggrin:

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Finished up my first UDS this weekend, and test fired it. (Ok finished is a bit of an overstatement - there are still needs a custom paint job, handles, smoke stack, and of course a bottle opener). The test fire left me with a lot of unanswered issues.

The pit currently has 3-3/4x1/2 bushings (set at 3" on outside), the 3"x18" cheep grill ash pan, and a fire basket made of #9 3/4 expanded mesh - 14" diameter, 12" tall - with the fire grill set at 3", and a 2" conduit fitting smokestack.

With a load of approximately 5lbs of terrible wood, and 5lbs of the bottom of a bag of lump, I got 175 with the valve open, 225 with the valve and one nipple open, and 300 with the valve and both nipples open.

Those temps seemed low to me. But hard to say if I work it with 10lbs of dryer lump (and a smoke stack) what the temps will end up. I am worried about the 3" height of the ask tray - I could cut it down, or ventilate it. Seems overkill to change to 1" nipples, but wonder if the bushings 3/4x1/2 bushings are restricting draft.

Anyway, suggestions are welcome - will fire it up again next week with better lump and a smoke stack (before I start drilling and cutting more).

Oh, what temps does the UDS crowd like to use for chicken? My wife read some on 350-375, which I can not reach at the moment. (Not to mention turbo brisket)

jcinadr said:

Finished up my first UDS this weekend, and test fired it. (Ok finished is a bit of an overstatement - there are still needs a custom paint job, handles, smoke stack, and of course a bottle opener). The test fire left me with a lot of unanswered issues.

The pit currently has 3-3/4x1/2 bushings (set at 3" on outside), the 3"x18" cheep grill ash pan, and a fire basket made of #9 3/4 expanded mesh - 14" diameter, 12" tall - with the fire grill set at 3", and a 2" conduit fitting smokestack.

With a load of approximately 5lbs of terrible wood, and 5lbs of the bottom of a bag of lump, I got 175 with the valve open, 225 with the valve and one nipple open, and 300 with the valve and both nipples open.

Those temps seemed low to me. But hard to say if I work it with 10lbs of dryer lump (and a smoke stack) what the temps will end up. I am worried about the 3" height of the ask tray - I could cut it down, or ventilate it. Seems overkill to change to 1" nipples, but wonder if the bushings 3/4x1/2 bushings are restricting draft.

Anyway, suggestions are welcome - will fire it up again next week with better lump and a smoke stack (before I start drilling and cutting more).

Oh, what temps does the UDS crowd like to use for chicken? My wife read some on 350-375, which I can not reach at the moment.

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It's the bushings. believe me. Go 3/4" nipples

jcinadr said:

With a load of approximately 5lbs of terrible wood, and 5lbs of the bottom of a bag of lump, I got 175 with the valve open, 225 with the valve and one nipple open, and 300 with the valve and both nipples open.

Those temps seemed low to me. Oh, what temps does the UDS crowd like to use for chicken? My wife read some on 350-375, which I can not reach at the moment. (Not to mention turbo brisket)

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I think ypou are in perfect range, just fire more fuel into it and leave the lid cracked or off for a little extra time to get the temps up when need-be for chicken. Most bew builders can't get the heat down so count your blessings.:icon_cool

Dr_KY said:

I think ypou are in perfect range, just fire more fuel into it and leave the lid cracked or off for a little extra time to get the temps up when need-be for chicken. Most bew builders can't get the heat down so count your blessings.:icon_cool

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Bet he won't get the temp with a 3 butt load.