Dr_KY builds again...

[Dr_KY]

I need a little help please.

As of today I am starting a new build and have a few questions regarding placement of the grate(s) and size of fire basket, vents, temp gauges ect. I have a few ideas in mind that I have 'loaned' from the Brethren

While mooching around work looking through sixty or so drums one of the maintance guys hooked me up with a cylinder that measures..
31'' H X 14-3/4'' Dia. The internal height is 27'' and internal diameter is 15 3/4.

Now I know this is smaller than the UDS but if I could get a good figure or two on placement in the UDS for these things it would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance guys, I'll post pictures of the raw clyinder tomorrow.

* Bob B. you wanna find a name for this one or should we let everyone draw straws? * lol


I was looking at these out in the lot when I was given the white one i'll be using in this build..

[Bigmista]

Use the smaller barrel to make your charcoal grate and an ash pan.

Check the post here for pictures

http://www.thesurvivalgourmet.com/archives/80

[Dr_KY]

Thanks am I correct in thinking the total size of the charcole grate/holder should be aprx. half the size of the drum diameter?

[Bigmista]

To be honest, it doesn't really matter. I just found that if the charcoal basket is shorter and wider, you can add a second cooking grate without it being too close to the fire.

[Dr_KY]

That'a an excellent ideal as this will be a small smoker. I'll start on that section tomorrow.

Thanks again,
Al


I'm going in search of one of those Spicewine Thermometers too.

[Dr_KY]

A few pictures before any cuts are made..

[Dr_KY]

[Divemaster]

Great looking drum!!! I would be a little worried about the plastic casters... Is it painted on the inside??? Are you going to burn it out???

[Dr_KY]

The wheels are rubber coated and too close together so they wil have to go even though this thing is very heavy for it's size.

It's new and has a very thick coat of paint both inside and out. This is going to be a nasty burn out. lol

I have no idea what those two sight glasses were/are for but they will be removed and covered over.

The latches look like a good idea for holding a tight seal so we will have to see how they work out failing that, I have the clamp ring like a 55 gal.

Have to look into making a lid (16.5 Diameter) for her, any sugestions? Thinking of going with somethig heavy to help with the seal if the clamps don't work out or something lightweight if it holds.

I don't have a scale but this cylinder is very heavy and may take some time to heat up.

* EDIT* Sorry Divemaster I posted before I saw your reply. The wheels are rubber coated and have to go. Yes she's painted both inside and out.

[Dr_KY]

I like that is actually has a lip on it so it's easier to make a lid withough altering or cutting straight. lol

[Dr_KY]

[Dr_KY]

The glass in those ports are about 1/4 '' thick. Shame they have to go.

[N8man]

I'm liking the looks of this prebuild....as to removal of the wheels, is that because they don't work well with the height of the cylinder or do you think
you will generate that much heat thru the bottom thickness of the cylinder to affect the rubber? I have rubber wheels right next to the bottom sides of my Drumpit and haven't noticed any ill towards them.

[Dr_KY]

I honestly don't know I just figured that with the rubber that close to the heat it would become a problem. Looking at it again there is a lot of matrial between them and the botttom so they may be ok? I will remove then for the burn though, wouldn't want it to tip over full of burning wood. OH SNAP mod!

She is a little tough to steer with the height and the wheels so close together . Two of them are casters so it a bit odd.

Any ideas to offer on anything before I get into it?

I have several new and used ball valves in the range of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1.'', and a 2 '' but the two inch looks waaay big.lol

[Smokin Gator]

On my 55 gallon UDS I have 4 1/2 inch pipe nipples. Three of them have caps and one has a ball valve. Usually, I only need uncapped and the ball valve open maybe half way to keep temps at about 220-230. With the gauge of that metal it looks like to me you would be fine with just two 1/2 inch air intakes.