Ugly Drum Smoker

[chuck9044]

I'm so glad I found this forum! It is great but you all know this already I got my drum made and have smoked a fattie and am now smoking two STL ribs and some beans. I'm am have alittle trouble with the temps thou. It will be holding steady at 225 but it will drop to 200. I had the ball valve open all the way and the 2 nips closed. So then I removed the 2 nips and it climbed to 250 and stays right there, with no change. Is this normal to have to keep all valves opened? Please help thanks

[chuck9044]

Here is my new toy. I hope I did that right

<a href="http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=CIMG0035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/CIMG0035.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[chuck9044]

Nope, Sorry, How do you post a pic from photobucket?

[chuck9044]

And How

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/CIMG0035.jpg

[spareheat]

I paid $52 for #9 3/4" rolled flat expanded metal 4 X 8 sheet in Memphis two months ago. I got three fire basket rings 10" X 48", three 16" round pieces to overlay the firebasket bottom grill ( 16" x 48" ) and four pieces 24" X 24" that I used for tables on each side of two smokers ( will have pics this weekend ). I made three fire baskets but just two smokers for now.
Homed*p*t has 24" X 24" pieces for $20. It would take eight of these to equal a 4' X 8' sheet. 8 X $20= $160
If you get a 4' X 8' sheet of new #9 expanded metal for $20, jump on it and smile all the way home.

[chuck9044]

A welding shop made my fire basket out of 9 gauge expanded for $25. Very nice guys and made some new friends. Very cool

[Mr. Bo]

Originally Posted by spareheat

I paid $52 for #9 3/4" rolled flat expanded metal 4 X 8 sheet in Memphis two months ago. I got three fire basket rings 10" X 48", three 16" round pieces to overlay the firebasket bottom grill ( 16" x 48" ) and four pieces 24" X 24" that I used for tables on each side of two smokers ( will have pics this weekend ). I made three fire baskets but just two smokers for now.
Homed*p*t has 24" X 24" pieces for $20. It would take eight of these to equal a 4' X 8' sheet. 8 X $20= $160
If you get a 4' X 8' sheet of new #9 expanded metal for $20, jump on it and smile all the way home.

I thought it sounded really cheap since I bought a 4 x 8 sheet of 16 gauge from them a few months ago for around $80. He never said if the expanded sheet was #9 or something else but I need something pretty heavy.
Whatever the price mmmmmeat and I only live a few miles apart and we both need fire baskets and I want shelves, etc. We need to tag team a 4 x 8 sheet.

[bbq_noobie]

Put together my fire basket last night in about 20 minutes. Used 2 pieces of 12x24" expanded steel, a couple of pieces of 1/4" threaded rod, some nuts and fender washers. Just bent each piece of steel into a rough semi-circle, overlapped them, ran the threaded rod all the way through with washers/nuts sandwiching the steel. Used a rod on the top and bottom. The one on top also serves as a handle. Used 16 gauge wire to attach the Weber charcoal grate to the bottom.

Hope to work on the barrels this weekend, but it is football season.

[zacman]

This is the greatest thread ever I read the entire thing, took notes and then planned my own UDS. I thought I should post it on this thread as I got so much inspiration from here. I created my own build thread if you want to see all the Pictures (75+) and steps along the way. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=116286

Here she is, Enjoy!

[Carbon]

Great looking smoker zacman!
After following your fantastic build thread last week I had to order that tin BBQ sign for my UDS as well.

[chuck9044]

Why do some people have their air valve come up along side of their smoker? I know some do it so they don't have to bend down to make adjustments but I was wondering if there is another reason?

[GlobalTJB]

Ive been reading this for a few weeks now and am at page 140 of 174 (50 posts per page) and I dont remember if i read anything addressing these issues. If they we addressed, then I apologize. I finally picked up the new unlined drum on Monday and a new performer lid today thanks to a brethren. I opened the drum clamp and the Weber lid doesn't fit the top but fits the bottom perfectly. Is it ok to remove the bottom and build the smoker upside down with the clamp on or are there problems with doing that? Also, when i opened the drum, I noticed about 12 pin holes on one side of the drum. they are about mid way up. Will this pose a problem? I would think not since they are tiny and are a constant but if they are, how do i mitigate their influence on temperature? Lastly, the drum is rusted inside as it was a brand new unlined drum. Im sure the pin holes let in humid air causing it to rust. Will a burn out remove the rust or do i have to sand it down?
thanks

[Sammy_Shuford]

Several Brethern have built upside down. Light up the firebasket and set the drum over it.

I would sand down and then fill pin holes with JB weld. It's rated to 500, and safe after cure.

[zacman]

Originally Posted by Carbon

Great looking smoker zacman!
After following your fantastic build thread last week I had to order that tin BBQ sign for my UDS as well.

Yea love the sign it was the perfect size. Originally I wanted to cut up some old license plates and put the cactus and Arizona on it but when I saw this I had to get it. Wanted to avoid the questions "what is that thing" it's a BBQ of course says so on the sign!

[mmmmeat]

Originally Posted by Mr. Bo

I thought it sounded really cheap since I bought a 4 x 8 sheet of 16 gauge from them a few months ago for around $80. He never said if the expanded sheet was #9 or something else but I need something pretty heavy.
Whatever the price mmmmmeat and I only live a few miles apart and we both need fire baskets and I want shelves, etc. We need to tag team a 4 x 8 sheet.

Agreed!!

Posted from my fancy android fone!!