Ugly Drum Smoker

Retread said:
So what do you think? would 24 gauge work?
Click to expand...

I like the concept but would probably go thicker. As long as you can compress it enough to fit inside.

As for insulation, its value comes from dead air space between the layers. Thermal eddy currents can form within this space; which lowers the insulation value. That why batting is used versus just dead air space. But some batting can absorb moisture (which acts as a conductor).

I think cutting up a couple of water heater jackets to fit would work pretty good.

All this being said, I only use wood, which is free. so I don't really care about efficiency. If I had to buy charcoal, I'd probably reconsider.
 
Mark said:
I like the concept but would probably go thicker. As long as you can compress it enough to fit inside.

As for insulation, its value comes from dead air space between the layers. Thermal eddy currents can form within this space; which lowers the insulation value. That why batting is used versus just dead air space. But some batting can absorb moisture (which acts as a conductor).

I think cutting up a couple of water heater jackets to fit would work pretty good.

All this being said, I only use wood, which is free. so I don't really care about efficiency. If I had to buy charcoal, I'd probably reconsider.
Click to expand...


What is your reason for going thicker on the metal?
 
Why not just section a donor barrel?
Cut off the top and bottom and do the math to see how much of a strip you will need to cut off the side.
Hmmmmm….. I feel a project coming on.
 
has anybody ever did a powder coating on one?
 
Should withstand the heat ok.
I looked into it, the cost is what kept me way, the guy wanted $$80 to do it.
I will stick to paint.
 
Single Fin Smoker said:
Anybody ever have issues with getting your kettle lid to fit?
I just bent the chit out of mine to get it to fit.
Click to expand...

Yep, did the same thing. Had to bend the lowest flange out to make it fit the drum. I wrapped my pliers with tape to try to lower the amount of enamel that chipped off, but I don't think it helped much. Just bend as needed and live with the result.
If you are lucky your lid will fit with no bending. Seems some have found this.
 
Single Fin Smoker said:
Anybody ever have issues with getting your kettle lid to fit?
I just bent the chit out of mine to get it to fit.
Click to expand...
Kev, I had to bend mine up bad too as my lid was out of round. I just repainted the whole lid with hi-heat black to match the drum. You can still see where the enamel flaked off along the lip but I can live with that. I think if I did it again I would sand it down before painting but then again that would take the UGLY out of UDS
 
All enamel around the edge chipped off. Sad cuz this lid is way better than the one on my other drum.
I bent that flange out just about flat, laid the lid on top and pounded down the sides with a hammer. Since that sucker sits on casters all I did was spin it(while tapping with the hammer) till it fit again.
I was thinking of using swamps lid method, but it all worked out. I just sand and paint the chipped edges.
 
Who says you can't cook competition chicken in a UDS. Bbq Bubba for the Rub, Smoke, and Sauce team placed 2nd this weekend in his drum. I could only muster a 4th from my drum. Oh to learn the 'masters" secrets. Like they say, " Walk on saturday, build on monday" Drum on!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I hear the lids from the cheaper clones like Sears and Brinkman are a little large. Anyone have a one and a tape measure?
 
michiana mark said:
Who says you can't cook competition chicken in a UDS. Bbq Bubba for the Rub, Smoke, and Sauce team placed 2nd this weekend in his drum. I could only muster a 4th from my drum. Oh to learn the 'masters" secrets. Like they say, " Walk on saturday, build on monday" Drum on!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
CONGRATS TO THE BOTH OF YOU DRUMHEADS!!:icon_cool
I took our comp with a UDS, ProQ and a Weber. The UDS got more attenion through the day than anything else on the entire comp site.
 
Couple of 10" crescent wrenches working around the lip make short work of it. If you hammer it too close of a fit it will be hard to get foo when the gunk builds up.
 
I have been collecting awards and checks using my drums this year and am very proud of them, I built them myself and this is my first year competing. I'd love to hang out and learn from Snail or the KC Can Crew!
 
I got a used Weber yesterday for free. The guy said he hated it.

I wonder why with the smell of lighter fluid and the vent on top kinda stuck shut.

Lid was flaking of soot.

I told him on his next charcoal grill to buy a chimney starter.....I'm sure he's going gas and will never go back :(
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
How to fire WSM/UDS/Drum smoker [PDF]
Replies
5
Views
403
Nuco59
N
T
Pitts & Spitts adjustable charcoal grill. Reviews?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Nuco59
N
BruceB
Outlaw patio smoker giveaway
Replies
5
Views
2K
BruceB
BruceB
J
Billows on a Drum Smoker
Replies
4
Views
466
JoeGuitar
J
cayenne
FIRST COOK on the new Offset Smoker!!! Pictures and comments...
2
Replies
22
Views
855
Bury Me In Smoke
B
Back
Top