.... I searched and found only one site (which I guess might be the 'original') @ bigdrumsmokers.com.
Tom, that is the correct web site.
Shipping will probably kill me (from NC), but I worry about lots of dumb mistakes if I try to have one fabricated here in my small town. Is this pretty straightforward, or do I just bite the bullet and go for one of these?
I don't recall what the shipping costs were, but it made it to my door in two days. I had looked at them for a while and talked with Rocky for over an hour a couple of days before actually ordering. Once I decided, he shipped it out before he had recieved payment. As you said, I bit the bullet. It is a good product and Rocky is a good guy. I don't think it is any secret that the design lends itself to copying, as there is no welding or cutting, only drilling some bolt and vent holes. The grates are standard Weber grates and the charcoal basket is made from your favorite material, expando (in red due to the amount of blood you shed on the BGE mod. LOL).
If so, and since I do not typically cook for even medium size groups, is there a huge advantage for the two grate version or do I just pick one of the single grate 'base models' ?
The size of the BDS lends itself to larger cooks (well, for me that means larger than my Eggs can handle), that is one reason I own one. The other reason is mine weighs about 100 pounds, so I can tote it around (or loan it out) without any problems. You could use it on smaller cooks, and like the Egg, just close the vents and let the lump go out then re-use it next time. In the large Egg, cooking on two levels, I can do 4 butts but 3 is easier to manage. The BDS will cook 6 butts using both levels with no problem and I think 8 would be possible. Unlike an Egg, there is some turning involved when cooking on the BDS. A typical butt cook would involve 3 or 4 turns during the cook. The two grates in mine are 7" apart, so big things can fit without crowding the air circulation. When I only need one grate I use the upper. With two grates, you can do a lot of ribs or chicken pieces.
Finally, can these cook with wood or is there a fundamental design diiference for the stick burners?
I suppose It's possible to cook using wood, but the preburn, cleanup and heat control may be a bigger hassle, plus the BDS do not have a door like the BigMista Drum.
Sorry to depart a bit, but you guys should certainly be a good source for me on this BDS topic.
I can get a new 17H drum from SLC for $52. plus shipping (probably another $25.).
Regards,
