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UDS Build Plans, Parts List, and Ideas

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Mattlsmith

Knows what a fatty is.
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I was hoping to build a UDS this weekend and wanted to get some plans, part lists, or other ideas. I know that we have that giant UDS thread but I was hoping (if we don't already have it) we make a thread that simply has links to plans and part lists to build one. Maybe even your favorite tutorials or videos on how to build a UDS.

Thoughts? Anyone have any UDS plans, part lists, videos, or tutorials they can share with a beginner like me?
 
Here is my UDS parts list with all cost. Understand that I use all stainless bolts, nuts, etc and include costs for everything. If you can get the stuff for free, cool, if not this is what it costs around here. Have fun!




Fire Basket Cost

¾ #9 expanded metal 8”W X 60”L $17
Charcoal grate from Weber 22-1/2” grill $10

Feet
3 3/8 X 4” Stainless bolts $10
6 3/8 stainless nuts and washers $3

Bail
3/16D steel rod 24”L $2

Ash Catcher
1 16” aluminum pizza pan $9
18” ¼” steel rod $5

Drum
1 55gal drum open at one end $25
3 ¾” short black Pipe nipples $3
2 ¾” Black caps $3
1 ¾” Ball Valve $11
2 22-1/2” Weber cooking grates $40
6 ¼” X 2 Stainless bolts $8
12 ¼” Stainless nuts and washers $4
2 6-1/2” metal handles $12
4 ¼ X ½ stainless bolts, washers and nuts $4
3 cans of high temp(500 deg) spray paint $18
1 22-1/2” Weber kettle lid $30
6 feet 3/16D steel rod $6
1 drum thermometer $17

Misc Supplies
1 tank of propane $15
½ roll .035 Innershield flux core wire $7



Total $ 259
 
Question for you guys.

So I'm looking at Martys parts list and I think that it's a lot to spend on a UDS (no offense Marty, I really appreciate the list). If you take out the things that I already have (weber kettle list, grates, etc) then I'm down to $167.

This may be personal preference but at that price, why wouldn't everyone buy the Big Poppa Smoker kit and call it a day?
 
bakerk7 said:
Question for you guys.

So I'm looking at Martys parts list and I think that it's a lot to spend on a UDS (no offense Marty, I really appreciate the list). If you take out the things that I already have (weber kettle list, grates, etc) then I'm down to $167.

This may be personal preference but at that price, why wouldn't everyone buy the Big Poppa Smoker kit and call it a day?
Click to expand...

Myself, I enjoy the scrounging for parts to build things. It can be a challenge to do it as cheaply as possible. And you can use less expensive hardware if you soak it in an acid or put it into a fire to remove the plating. Refrigerator magnets can be used to cover the intake holes in place of the pipe parts and valves.
For some, having to bend over to operate the vents rules out the Big Poppa Smoker kit. Others want something no one else has.
 
I'm with Dads- I like the plotting, planning and scrounging aspects. Not having a ton of tools, space and setting myself a restricted budget makes it an enjoyable challenge.

Will say this though- if you are cobbling together a UDS, you really ought to take a look at the Hunsaker axle and the the bottom mounted intake. I'm scrounging a SS barrel for my next UDS and I will drop a few dollars to Mr. Hunsaker for sure.
The Vortex Basket and the integrated stack/handle/thermo holder ARE both cool- would not mind having them- but the wheels and the intake will be on my "must have" parts list.
 
I am looking to do a 110 gallon UDS myself and definitely echo the part about having something no one else has.
 
Love my UDS -
perfect cooker? - no
perfect for me? - yes

if you need a more "manly cooker" complete with splitting wood and tending fire in the face of the elements and a hungry dinner group, haggard but head high after an overnight cook- then the UDS is not for you.

I love the smell of my UDS in the morning... it smells like... victory. :-D
 
I went to Lowe's and right now I'm $90 for hardware. Still have handles, a step drill, fire basket and paint left. Since this is my first drum I want to build it all myself. I'll be right around what I thought but that's fine.

It's the lessons that I learn from this one that will improve my next.
 
I have been wanting to build one of these too but what if any is the difference between a yes and a pit barrel cooker?
 
I have about 500.00 in my stainless build...
This includes:
2 level grill grates
Rotisserie unit
Dome SS lid and handle
3 thermometers - one wireless
meat hanging hooks
SS fire pit flame ring to hold hanging meats
2 x step bits... SS burns bits up!
SS pellet smoking tube

I would not trade it for anything!
 
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