UCS (Ugly Ceramic Smoker) Progress / Questions?

garagewear · May 9, 2010

Some of you have been watching my slow progress on the Grill-Pod / BGE Frankenstein assembly.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81658&highlight=kamado

Had a few minutes last night to put the dome and hinge on. The dome will sit solid and flat on the bowl however when I installed the hinge it is lifted up on the left hand side about an 1/8" therefore the dome is not sealing. How do you adjust this? The hinge and rings are Grill-Pod but look to be the same as BGE.I did shim the hinge away from the bowl to center the dome since the dome is a 1/4" larger in diameter but I wouldn't think that would torque it. Any ideas?

Bill

jlondon · May 9, 2010

Looks good!

Big Kahuna · May 10, 2010

Bill, I to have what I call a UCS. Almost the same as yours and have been watching your struggles in anticipation of your first cook. The only way I am able to maintain a tight seal all the way around my base is to not tighten the bands super tight. I have to leave them "snug".
I use a thin piece of metal, ( long feeler gauge) and while tightening the band maintain a slight drag on the feeler gauge. If the resistance disappears I know I have to loosen the nuts a bit to maintain the seal. To keep everything in adjustment and the bands snug I have to carry out this process about every two months.
On my unit the whole back side by the hinge will lift off if I tighten down the bands, so I was thinking of a thicker gasket. When it comes time to replace the gasket, (which is soon) I'll test my theory out and let you know,
Hope I was of some help,
Al

garagewear · May 11, 2010

I got it ready (or as close as it is gonna be). I bought a piece of ceramic tile at HD for .87 and broke it with a hammer. Used the pieces to shim the fire box. Adjusted the lid some more and got a better seal but still not all the way around. May have to put one of the nomex gaskets on it.

Went to a local patio store and bought a Kamado Joe heat deflector (plate setter) $49. I like it better than the BGE one because it can be setup different ways. Grand total in the UCS $313

Images (c) Kamado Joe

Ready to do first smoke. Any suggestions as to what it should be?

UCS (Ugly Ceramic Smoker) Progress / Questions?

garagewear

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jlondon

Knows what a fatty is.

Big Kahuna

Knows what a fatty is.

garagewear

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