My completed UDS build (w/ pics)

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.

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Next I used masking tape to get the circumference and divided by 3 for the 1" intake holes.

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Now, drill my pilot holes.

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And finally the 1" intake holes.

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Next....THE BURN!!!! Here is my weapon of choice.

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BURN BABy BURN!!!

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Now to make her pretty. Grind away.

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Primer and paint.

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Primed first...

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And painted (I'll get the to lid next)...

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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!!!

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Prime/paint the intakes. I am using 2 vertical and one capped.

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Mount the intakes (My lowes had only 1 3/4" ball valve in stock).

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U-bolts installed as grate supports (forgot to take pics of the handles and thermos being installed).

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This is pretty much the finished product. Getting ready for seasoning.

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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.

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Seasoning. Top grate holdinhg steady @ 300. The bottom grate is about 15 hotter.

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That thing looks awesome! One question I've always had about these projects is how do you know which metals are safe for cooking? The u-bolts/nuts etc. Is stainless steel pretty much safe for this sort of project?
 
Looks like she just came off of a factory assembly line!

Only problem .. there is NOTHING ugly about it! :grin:

Nice job! Looks fantastic! Now lets see her get dirty! :mrgreen:
 
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