Little Mike
Found some matches.
Hello all, building my first UDS and have a design/cook time question I'm hoping you all can help me with. After much reading I have purchased all the parts and mocked up my basket. Using a Weber charcoal grate (17" in diameter), a 16x2" cake pan for an ash catcher, and two pieces of the Home Depot 12x24" expanded metal for the basket itself. Incorporated a rod with eye bolt for lifting in and out. Here's what I believe my possible issues are going to be with the rest of the build. I'm planning on using a dome lid with the aluminum flat mod for increased room on the top rack. I'm wanting to add a second rack below that and a place for a diffuser below that lower into the drum. The coal basket, in it's current configuration, between the bolt heads used to attach the coal grate to the ash pan, the ash pan itself, coal grate, basket and eye bolt it stands at approximately 16.6" tall and 15.5" around (basket itself is 12" high by 15.5" around). I'm building this primarily for long cooks like brisket and butts and am afraid that if I cut the basket shorter to make adequate room for the two grates and diffuser that I'll negate my main reason for building one and won't get a long enough cook time out of a load of coal. So, for those more well versed on UDS smokers than myself, how long of a burn are you getting out of a load of coal in your basket and what are it's dimensions.
I've included a picture of my mocked up basket. I was also think that if I CAN cut down the height of the basket that I can add a little more space between the ash pan and coal grate for better airflow.
Thanks in advance for any and all input.
Mike
I've included a picture of my mocked up basket. I was also think that if I CAN cut down the height of the basket that I can add a little more space between the ash pan and coal grate for better airflow.
Thanks in advance for any and all input.
Mike