Well, it took about 2 weeks but I finally finished my UDS.
First, my $10 drum. This one is unlined and held veggie oil in a prior life.
Next I used masking tape to get the circumference and divided by 3 for the 1" intake holes.
Now, drill my pilot holes.
And finally the 1" intake holes.
Next....THE BURN!!!! Here is my weapon of choice.
BURN BABy BURN!!!
Now to make her pretty. Grind away.
Primer and paint.
Primed first...
And painted (I'll get the to lid next)...
Now...about that lid. I definitely wanted a dome lid but I know a lot of people had issues finding one that fits nicely. I wanted one that I didn't need to makes any mods to (i.e. hammering out the rim). I checked Walmart, Sears, Target, Lowes and HD. I finally found teh perfect sized lid at K-mart. The ID is exactly 22 7/8" and the OD of my drum is 22 5/8". It if a perfectly snug fit!!!
Prime/paint the intakes. I am using 2 vertical and one capped.
Mount the intakes (My lowes had only 1 3/4" ball valve in stock).
U-bolts installed as grate supports (forgot to take pics of the handles and thermos being installed).
This is pretty much the finished product. Getting ready for seasoning.
Almost forgot...my fire box. 16" pizza pan, 16" charcoal grate from donated grill and 2x sheets of 12 x 24 expanded metal w/ hog clips.
Seasoning. Top grate holdinhg steady @ 300. The bottom grate is about 15 hotter.