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Ugly Drum Smoker
- Thread starter jgh1204
- Start date
jcinadr
Knows what a fatty is.
There are multiple issues that make each UDS differennt on how much they must be chocked to maintain temperature. Temperature is controlled by draft. Draft is created through your intake holes, but has no problem creating itself through cracks and the exhaust. Your exhaust holes are probably allowing slightly more draft than a smoke stack system, so I would not really worry that you need to choke at the ball valve with both nipples closed.
fwiw fuel also effects this. Damp lump takes a lot more draft to hit temps than good dry lump. I suspect that draft requirements also change between lump and briquettes.
fwiw fuel also effects this. Damp lump takes a lot more draft to hit temps than good dry lump. I suspect that draft requirements also change between lump and briquettes.
SuperJETT
Found some matches.
A few other notes:
Check for air leaks into the drum. Anywhere that air can get in is going to allow more oxygen in for burning and temp will be higher. I can put a full chimney of charcoal in on top of what's loaded in the basket and still control temp because it's all about how much oxygen can get in, not how many briquets you start with.
If you're using lump, you'll need less air than using briquets, it just burns hotter normally.
I have run anywhere from 1 cap off + the valve 1/2 open to just the valve open maybe 1/3 depending on what temp I'm shooting for. This is using Kingsford, 2 3/4" pipe nipples and 1 3/4" valve, all of which are air-tight to the drum with a Weber lid and a rope seal in it to tighten it up to the drum.
angrybird
Found some matches.
What do you recommend to check for leaks? If I close off my intakes and exhaust, my fire goes out pretty fast. I'm under the assumption that means there are little air leaks in my setup.
Thanks
B
BigBoi
Guest
New here, and ready to build a UDS.
Ive had this old Shasta soda barrel in the shed for years holding shovels, rakes, etc.
It measures 36x18 (40 gallons maybe)
Can you guys tell by the pics if its lined or not? The bottom just has surface rust, but is pretty dang solid.
Ive had this old Shasta soda barrel in the shed for years holding shovels, rakes, etc.
It measures 36x18 (40 gallons maybe)
Can you guys tell by the pics if its lined or not? The bottom just has surface rust, but is pretty dang solid.
HookedOnQ
is one Smokin' Farker
Bigboi looks to have the tan liner in it.. Your gonna wanna remove that eather by sandblasting or burning it out... Thats a smooth drum with no ribs should make for a clean looking drum when shes done..
SmokinJohn
Babbling Farker
If you sandblast it, the paint job might stand up to the heat....
B
BigBoi
Guest
Ok, Cool!
And as for the lid, I found out that my local Home Depot has the Masterbuilt 18-1/2 in. Kettle Charcoal Grill's for $39. Not a bad price, IMO.
Now I need to find some 18" grates that will fit.
Thanks guys!
And as for the lid, I found out that my local Home Depot has the Masterbuilt 18-1/2 in. Kettle Charcoal Grill's for $39. Not a bad price, IMO.
Now I need to find some 18" grates that will fit.
Thanks guys!
B
BigBoi
Guest
Just emailed 5 sand blasters in my area. What is a decent price?
SuperJETT
Found some matches.
Cap/close the nipples/valve and put a little water inside to see if it leaks. The lid is easy to tell when you're smoking, all smoke should come out your vent if sealed properly. I get a little leakage with my Weber lid/rope seal but it's not enough to affect anything.
J
Jeffv
Guest
You should take that barrel to a antique store and sell it for enough to pay for a couple UDS's.
B
BigBoi
Guest
Got me thinkin' now, LoL.
knakker123
Well-known member
Whooohoo mine is allmost finished:clap2: cant wait to try her out.
Last edited:
wjm
Well-known member
finished build and fired it up
ribs,moinks and meatballs
ran for 8hrs at a steady 113c(255f) on about 5lbs of charcoal
need the rain to stop to finish painting
best ribs this side of the atlantic!!!
ribs,moinks and meatballs
ran for 8hrs at a steady 113c(255f) on about 5lbs of charcoal
need the rain to stop to finish painting
best ribs this side of the atlantic!!!
S
swamperjmb
Guest
I second taking the shasta barrel to an antique mall.
hachi-roku_fan
is one Smokin' Farker
Ok guys here's my build
In case you guys are wondering where my name comes from, here's my project
My concern is this, barrel was burned out by a reconditioning company that burns it out in a furnace, I washed it out with soap and a Brillo pad. You guys think I'm good for seasoning?
In case you guys are wondering where my name comes from, here's my project
My concern is this, barrel was burned out by a reconditioning company that burns it out in a furnace, I washed it out with soap and a Brillo pad. You guys think I'm good for seasoning?
Banjoe
Knows what a fatty is.
Incredible thread. Way to go folks!
PhilipW
Knows what a fatty is.
It looks perfect to me.
PoppyJ
Found some matches.
It may not be pretty but this is one fine cooking machine! Did 3 butts yesterday, doing a brisket today, and 6 racks of ribs tomorrow. Gonna be a BBQ throw down! Got my hash and Brunswick stew done yesterday too. Ya'll come on. Let's eat! LOL
Attachments
Heisenberger
Knows what a fatty is.
Ok guys here's my build
In case you guys are wondering where my name comes from, here's my project
My concern is this, barrel was burned out by a reconditioning company that burns it out in a furnace, I washed it out with soap and a Brillo pad. You guys think I'm good for seasoning?
Just wondering, where did you get the drum from? I'm also in LA. I used a reconditioned drum for my first UDS. I got it from Apex drum, is that where you went?
