Looking for feedback on UDS

virginiasmoke · 07-26-2013, 04:01 PM

I'm trying to decide if I'm going to build one from scratch, use a kit (https://www.bigpoppasmokers.com/stor...rum-smoker-kit) or bite the bullet and just buy one ready made.
I don't have much time and even less skill when it comes to metal work and welding.
I'm looking at http://barrelsmokers.net/
I know he's a member here but was hoping to get some feedback from anyone that has used one.

HeSmellsLikeSmoke · 07-26-2013, 04:04 PM

Most everyone that has one seems to love it. You don't need any welding to build a great UDS yourself, though.

SurrealOne · 07-26-2013, 04:06 PM

check out the UDS thread. It's in the road map at the top of the forum. FWIW, I'm building my own. Parts and barrel cost me less than $50.

sbrader · 07-26-2013, 04:08 PM

I recently built my own UDS. I picked up a barrel for $20 and have less than $100 total into it. I have used it twice and it did a great job. (The problem with my second cook was mine, not the smoker...) It didn't require much time or much skill (Good thing because I have limited quantities of both.)

Scott

Bludawg · 07-26-2013, 05:34 PM

All you need to make a Working UDS is about 2 hrs
Tools:
uni-bit that will cut a 1" hole( 14.00 at harbor freight)
pliers
wire cutters
small Adjustable wrench
cordless drill
A dressmakers tape measure & a Sharpie

Parts:
both grates from a 22" weber, bailing wire,
8X48 piece of expanded metal
the handle from a 5 gal bucket
the magnets from the refrigerator door in your kitchen
3- 2" X 3/8" bolts with 6 nuts
3- 4" carriage bolts with 6 nuts & 6 flat washers
a thermometer
two universal metal handles

ChuckS1 · 07-26-2013, 06:39 PM

Hardest part for me was finding a barrel and then burning it out and getting my Weber lid to fit. Rest was easy. You can buy new and reconditioned drums in Richmond. Did my second cook today. Still have a learning curve, but getting there.

RatRod · 07-26-2013, 08:58 PM

There's a dude here in Chesterfield on CL that sells drums for $20 , they are lined but had cooking oil in them.... Burning was a pain but doable.

RatRod · 07-26-2013, 09:01 PM

Not a "one" off he's got a barn full of them

http://richmond.craigslist.org/bfd/3936641412.html

SmittyJonz · 07-28-2013, 12:58 AM

I built my UDS for about $120 counting charcoal basket and 3 racks .....if I was to buy one I'd try : http://stores.barbequejunction.com/-...ker/Detail.bok

07-26-2013, 04:01 PM	#1
virginiasmoke Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 02-05-12 Location: Central Virginia	Looking for feedback on UDS I'm trying to decide if I'm going to build one from scratch, use a kit (https://www.bigpoppasmokers.com/stor...rum-smoker-kit) or bite the bullet and just buy one ready made. I don't have much time and even less skill when it comes to metal work and welding. I'm looking at http://barrelsmokers.net/ I know he's a member here but was hoping to get some feedback from anyone that has used one.

07-26-2013, 04:04 PM	#2
HeSmellsLikeSmoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 04-02-07 Location: Warren, Vermont	Most everyone that has one seems to love it. You don't need any welding to build a great UDS yourself, though. __________________ Jim - Another transplanted Texan Former KCBS CBJ Large and Medium Big Green Eggs , Black 18.5" WSM, Blue Weber Performer - Stainless, Green Weber OTG Kettle , Brinkmann SnP Pro, and a Stainless UDS. One retired Portable Kitchen grill. Red Thermapen, Maverick ET-732, EdgePro Apex Sharpener. Avatar is the original 1951 Weber Kettle

07-26-2013, 04:06 PM	#3
SurrealOne On the road to being a farker Join Date: 06-04-13 Location: Broken Arrow	check out the UDS thread. It's in the road map at the top of the forum. FWIW, I'm building my own. Parts and barrel cost me less than $50. __________________ Char Broil Offset, Weber 22.5 Kettle, ECB Electric (Soon to be charcoal), UDS (Work in progress)

07-26-2013, 05:34 PM	#5
Bludawg somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-04-09 Location: Jonesboro,Tx	All you need to make a Working UDS is about 2 hrs Tools: uni-bit that will cut a 1" hole( 14.00 at harbor freight) pliers wire cutters small Adjustable wrench cordless drill A dressmakers tape measure & a Sharpie Parts: both grates from a 22" weber, bailing wire, 8X48 piece of expanded metal the handle from a 5 gal bucket the magnets from the refrigerator door in your kitchen 3- 2" X 3/8" bolts with 6 nuts 3- 4" carriage bolts with 6 nuts & 6 flat washers a thermometer two universal metal handles __________________ I'm a Proxy Vegetarian> Cows eat grass & I eat cows.

07-26-2013, 04:08 PM	#4
sbrader Found some matches. Join Date: 07-11-13 Location: North Prairie, WI	I recently built my own UDS. I picked up a barrel for $20 and have less than $100 total into it. I have used it twice and it did a great job. (The problem with my second cook was mine, not the smoker...) It didn't require much time or much skill (Good thing because I have limited quantities of both.) Scott

07-26-2013, 06:39 PM	#6
ChuckS1 Found some matches. Join Date: 07-12-13 Location: Stafford, VA	Hardest part for me was finding a barrel and then burning it out and getting my Weber lid to fit. Rest was easy. You can buy new and reconditioned drums in Richmond. Did my second cook today. Still have a learning curve, but getting there.

07-26-2013, 08:58 PM	#7
RatRod On the road to being a farker Join Date: 07-06-13 Location: Chesterfield Va.	There's a dude here in Chesterfield on CL that sells drums for $20 , they are lined but had cooking oil in them.... Burning was a pain but doable.

07-26-2013, 09:01 PM	#8
RatRod On the road to being a farker Join Date: 07-06-13 Location: Chesterfield Va.	Not a "one" off he's got a barn full of them http://richmond.craigslist.org/bfd/3936641412.html

07-28-2013, 12:58 AM	#9
SmittyJonz somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-17-13 Location: Burleson Tx	I built my UDS for about $120 counting charcoal basket and 3 racks .....if I was to buy one I'd try : http://stores.barbequejunction.com/-...ker/Detail.bok