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Thefiveo
07-22-2014, 07:44 PM
Hello everyone. Newbie here with one of my first solo posts. When I joined up people told me I needed to post my daughters and mine UDS project. **Moderators ** Please move me to the appropriate thread if I am in the wrong area.


So, with that being said, here are my first few posts on an ongoing project.


Barrel: I purchased a barrel for $20 on Craigslist from someone not too far from my house. The seller reported the barrel as "food grade" and when I got to their house, I found they had 15-20 decent barrels with lids. What I found ironic was the barrels previous content label was "Rendered Pig Fat". Little did the barrel know its future plans!! I took the barrel home and had a Expedition that smelled like a chicharone. (Side note...If you are in the SoCal Inland Empire Area, these people on Craigslist are in Riverside and sell these barrels from their house. Nice people, just be aware you are in an older part of town...)

This week, after dumping out the remains of "oil", I took to burning out the barrel.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker%20Project/P1010111_zps71c906ea.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker%20Project/P1010111_zps71c906ea.jpg.html)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker%20Project/P1010112_zps10591b66.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker%20Project/P1010112_zps10591b66.jpg.html)

And today I just picked up the drum from the sandblaster. If you live in the SoCal High Desert, I recommend you contact Performance Powdercoating and Sandblasting in Apple Valley. Good people and only charged me $25 to blast it inside and out. (Well and some brisket later!)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker%20Project/P1010113_zps31bd532d.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker%20Project/P1010113_zps31bd532d.jpg.html)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker%20Project/P1010114_zps5fc1fb8e.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker%20Project/P1010114_zps5fc1fb8e.jpg.html)

I decided to go budget with this, so instead of going with the prefab kit from BPS, I am going to go low budget for a first build. I just picked up a 2 pack step drillbit set at Harbor Freight for $20. So I am ready for drilling. That will probably happen either this week, or on my next days off.

Color wise, I am thinking on going with dark red engine/header paint and yellow engine/header paint. (Gotta make something that supports my USC Trojans!!)

Okay...that's it for now....Cost of project to date $65.00.

Doog
07-22-2014, 07:53 PM
Once you mark your spacing it won't take that long to drill the holes. Installing my intakes - nipple thread took me the longest.
Have fun!!

Thefiveo
07-22-2014, 08:05 PM
Thanks DOOG. I am still trying to settle on final plans. I am thinking I want to go with a double grill set up, but not totally locked into that plan yet.

I already have a WSM, so this project is for of a "fun" thing that I can take to Backyard BBQ competitions and learn some mad skills

71-South
07-22-2014, 08:42 PM
Chiefs colors. Sounds good. Keep the pics coming as you go. :)

SmittyJonz
07-22-2014, 10:16 PM
Well then here's a Cheapo style intake


http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/bobjones79/6FE5C9A2-FC20-4A28-8458-EE6CF5214B63_zpskzufsiqx.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/bobjones79/media/6FE5C9A2-FC20-4A28-8458-EE6CF5214B63_zpskzufsiqx.jpg.html)

THoey1963
07-22-2014, 10:43 PM
Do a search here and someone posted an adjustable rack system for the UDS. If I was gonna build one, I'd go with that. I think there was also one where they could raise or lower the fire basket level.

seattlepitboss
07-22-2014, 11:50 PM
First question is flat lid or domed. Second question is can you weld or not. If you can weld, and you want a domed lid, then you might want to form some 1/8x1/2" steel strap into a circle and weld it on top of the rolled lip of your drum. The circle should obviously fit your Weber domed lid. With a good-fitting domed lid, you can have your top rack up higher than if you go with a flat lid.

Suggest if you plan to use flexible credit card magnets don't put any of your holes right on the vertical seam of the drum.

Suggest you start your step-drilled holes with a proper 1/8" drill bit, a sharp one. And don't forget to centerpunch your hole centers before you drill.

If you can weld and you have access to a slip roll, you can make up a very neat-looking charcoal basket. I use 1/8x1/2" strap on my basket too. See mine below.

seattlepitboss

http://nwnative.us/images/temp/charcoalBasket.jpg

AaronPo
07-22-2014, 11:54 PM
First question is flat lid or domed. Second question is can you weld or not. If you can weld, and you want a domed lid, then you might want to form some 1/8x1/2" steel strap into a circle and weld it on top of the rolled lip of your drum. The circle should obviously fit your Weber domed lid. With a good-fitting domed lid, you can have your top rack up higher than if you go with a flat lid.

Suggest if you plan to use flexible credit card magnets don't put any of your holes right on the vertical seam of the drum.

Suggest you start your step-drilled holes with a proper 1/8" drill bit, a sharp one. And don't forget to centerpunch your hole centers before you drill.

If you can weld and you have access to a slip roll, you can make up a very neat-looking charcoal basket. I use 1/8x1/2" strap on my basket too. See mine below.

seattlepitboss

http://nwnative.us/images/temp/charcoalBasket.jpg

That is one of the nicest baskets I've ever seen!! :shocked:

Thefiveo
07-23-2014, 09:48 AM
Aaron I have to agree as well. That is probably the nicest basket I have seen. I do have a little wire feed welder but have a few questions for you...What is a slip roll and steel strap?

Thefiveo
07-23-2014, 12:25 PM
First question is flat lid or domed. Second question is can you weld or not. If you can weld, and you want a domed lid, then you might want to form some 1/8x1/2" steel strap into a circle and weld it on top of the rolled lip of your drum. The circle should obviously fit your Weber domed lid. With a good-fitting domed lid, you can have your top rack up higher than if you go with a flat lid.

Suggest if you plan to use flexible credit card magnets don't put any of your holes right on the vertical seam of the drum.

Suggest you start your step-drilled holes with a proper 1/8" drill bit, a sharp one. And don't forget to centerpunch your hole centers before you drill.

If you can weld and you have access to a slip roll, you can make up a very neat-looking charcoal basket. I use 1/8x1/2" strap on my basket too. See mine below.

seattlepitboss



I just thought of a dome question. On a standard 55 gallon drum, will the lid from a 22.5 Weber kettle fit it or do I need to modify the lid?

SmittyJonz
07-23-2014, 12:30 PM
Some drums they fit and some they don't - drum size varies . Most modify the drum - like an inner lip.

Espy
07-23-2014, 07:07 PM
Can't wait to see the UDS. I really enjoyed building mine and enjoy cooking on it even more.

I lived in the high desert from '86 to '04. My kids were born at St. Mary's. The valley has sure changed from when I left. Not sure I'll ever get back as most family is out of that area now but if I do I'll send you a PM.

Thefiveo
07-23-2014, 08:20 PM
Can't wait to see the UDS. I really enjoyed building mine and enjoy cooking on it even more.

I lived in the high desert from '86 to '04. My kids were born at St. Mary's. The valley has sure changed from when I left. Not sure I'll ever get back as most family is out of that area now but if I do I'll send you a PM.


Espy thanks for the reply. Yup I am about 3 miles from St MAry. All I can say is THANK GOODNESS you escaped. To tell you the trutha, I am a California native who cannot wait to retire and GTFO (Get the x out) of here; especially the high desert. I envy you being in such a beautiful part of the country and I will shoot you a PM if I get out that way!!

Be well!

ebijack
07-24-2014, 05:41 AM
For my dome lid I bought a cheapo which fit just near the edge of the flat lid. The flat lid was a perfect fit so I cut the center out of the flat lid leaving about 1 inch , set the lid on and tack welded it into place, used high temp RTV to seal the seam. Works great.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/24/3c9i.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/0o3c9ij)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/856/5zs7r.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/ns5zs7rj)

seattlepitboss
07-25-2014, 04:59 AM
What is a slip roll and steel strap?

steel strap = flat bar e.g. 1/8x1/2x48" piece of steel

slip roll = sheet metal fabrication machine with 3 rollers see link below
http://www.roperwhitney.com/pexto-slip-rolls.html

deguerre
07-25-2014, 06:39 AM
Trojans, eh? Glad to see you practice safe smoking! :becky:

Looking forward to the rest of your build! :thumb::thumb:

seattlepitboss
07-25-2014, 10:09 AM
On a standard 55 gallon drum, will the lid from a 22.5 Weber kettle fit it or do I need to modify the lid?

People say there are drums out there that Weber lids fit without modification. I haven't found one yet. One thing is for sure - lots of drums have fixed lids which we cut off to make UDSs. Those kind are narrower at the top than the kind with a big rolled lip and a removable lid which fits over the lip. If you have a drum with a removable top (the kind with a ring around the top and the lid to keep the drum closed) try measuring the diameter of the (open) top and compare it to the diameter of the bottom.

Lots of guys have ingenious ways to mate a Weber lid with a too-big drum. My favorite way again involves thin steel strap (flat bar) long enough to be formed into a ring the size that a Weber kettle fits. Make the ring and weld it to the top of the drum and the Weber lid is guaranteed to fit.

seattlepitboss

SmittyJonz
07-25-2014, 10:16 AM
http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/bobjones79/DB42564F-987E-4276-AD99-2A3C70C7497A_zpst3xfasz8.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/bobjones79/media/DB42564F-987E-4276-AD99-2A3C70C7497A_zpst3xfasz8.jpg.html)

Thefiveo
07-25-2014, 10:17 AM
People say there are drums out there that Weber lids fit without modification. I haven't found one yet. One thing is for sure - lots of drums have fixed lids which we cut off to make UDSs. Those kind are narrower at the top than the kind with a big rolled lip and a removable lid which fits over the lip. If you have a drum with a removable top (the kind with a ring around the top and the lid to keep the drum closed) try measuring the diameter of the (open) top and compare it to the diameter of the bottom.

Lots of guys have ingenious ways to mate a Weber lid with a too-big drum. My favorite way again involves thin steel strap (flat bar) long enough to be formed into a ring the size that a Weber kettle fits. Make the ring and weld it to the top of the drum and the Weber lid is guaranteed to fit.

seattlepitboss

Thanks Seattle. I have been thinking I am going to go that route. I see that as beneficial in two ways. One, I still have the option of using the flat lit if need be (for whatever reason) and two, I don't have to track down a weber lid at a yard sale! I can use one of the lids, when needed, from one of my existing Webers Kettles.

Now to find a welder who will form it in to shape. I have a welder at home so I can handle that part.

Thank you for the tip

dabirdz
07-25-2014, 08:25 PM
I made my basket round by wrapping it around a 5 gallon pail to get it round, then using a ratchet strap to slowly release it to the size I wanted. Welded it and removed ratchet strap.

Thefiveo
07-27-2014, 10:00 PM
Okay everyone here is the update...I am proud to say that at this very moment my UDS is seasoning with PAM and chicken thighs!

Here are some updates on my build:

I scored a remant sheet of expanded steel at my local steel place. There is enough here for two fire rings. This sheet cost $6!
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_124758_zpsiwk2r5gw.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_124758_zpsiwk2r5gw.jpg.html)

My daughter and I got right to work. She learned how to run a grinder this weekend. The girl isn't afraid to get dirty.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_125005_zpstdbyyhvt.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_125005_zpstdbyyhvt.jpg.html)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_125844_zpsx6uqcvkd.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_125844_zpsx6uqcvkd.jpg.html)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_130044_zpsvofxoyui.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_130044_zpsvofxoyui.jpg.html)

Then since I have a wire feed welder, I opted to weld the basket....talk about ugly welds, but heck I only weld about ever 8 months or more.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_134942_zpsnlafpazr.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_134942_zpsnlafpazr.jpg.html)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_134922_zpsmwuvwnyj.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_134922_zpsmwuvwnyj.jpg.html)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_135758_zpsewv7zmuz.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_135758_zpsewv7zmuz.jpg.html)

And then came drilling holes. I opted for holes at the 2 1/2" mark and 8" mark so I can have two racks. I placed the thermometer hold at the 6" mark so I can get an "in between" temp reading.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_141246_zpsk0xhcla1.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_141246_zpsk0xhcla1.jpg.html)
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_142205_zpsmjz9tzek.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_142205_zpsmjz9tzek.jpg.html)

Basic form done....Inspection by Ryeder the wonder dog!
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_150826_zpsl2izuxas.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140726_150826_zpsl2izuxas.jpg.html)

Thefiveo
07-27-2014, 10:06 PM
And today became paint day...... 1 can of Rustoleum Hi Temp Primer and 2 cans of High Temp black.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140727_120204_zpsalbkwksf.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140727_120204_zpsalbkwksf.jpg.html)

And Voila!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140727_133620_zpsaciezxwa.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140727_133620_zpsaciezxwa.jpg.html)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h74/stevesdetail/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140727_133658_zpsrwe1uqct.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/stevesdetail/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-07/IMG_20140727_133658_zpsrwe1uqct.jpg.html)

So here's where I stand know. I need/want to put a exhaust pipe out the 2" bung hole and I need a thermometer gauge on the side. Lastly, I need to do some more painting and this bad boy will have a Breaking Bad kind of theme, so stay tuned

I will post a total cost and parts list in this posting when I am finally finished with the project as well as some observations for other newbie builders to ponder.