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TomO
07-29-2015, 11:03 AM
Hi everyone,

I am thinking of adding an opening to the back of my UDS, to allow access incase I need to add coals or wood. My first though was a door but I have concerns about being able to seal it. My plan is to use a piece of 4" exhaust pipe and weld a flange on one side allowing me to close it off. Any thoughts on this idea? Has it been done before? Should I have any concerns about the chemicals used to coat the exhaust pipe?

Thanks,
Tom

TomO
07-29-2015, 11:06 AM
Here's the exhaust pipe.

TomO
07-29-2015, 11:08 AM
Drum

SmittyJonz
07-29-2015, 11:12 AM
I'd go with a door.

Fwismoker
07-29-2015, 11:17 AM
I agree with Smitty that if you want access a door would be the way to go.

ebijack
07-29-2015, 11:26 AM
How long do you expect to cook? Most UDS's can get 12 to 20 hrs without adding anything.

ialsohaveadream
07-29-2015, 12:20 PM
i like the pipe idea

Smokin J's PIts
07-29-2015, 12:44 PM
Personally I wouldn’t add a door, your just asking for trouble, but if you must I would find another barrel cut a piece out of it big enough to cover the size of the opening that you want to create by about two inches all the way around, For example if you want a 4X4 hole cut the door to 6X6, I would then rivet the hinges on with stainless rivets, and out a flat fiber gasket on the door, and close it off with a couple of adjustable toggle clamps. Just my 2 cents.

Bludawg
07-29-2015, 01:31 PM
I really don't see a need for it. When I had mine it would roll at 250 for over 20 hrs on a basket full 17x8"
Keep it Simple Styime

olewarthog
07-29-2015, 03:37 PM
I have a UDS with a door. The door was mainly to access a water pan. Had too much air leakage around the door to my liking. Also, I stop using a water pan after a couple of cooks. I have since sealed the door with silicone & foil. I never open it when I'm cooking. It does help some when I need to clean ash out of the bottom of the drum.

AlwaysSmokey
07-29-2015, 03:43 PM
I agree with SmokinJ and Blu. I wouldn't do it.

On a full load my ugly runs well past the 24 hour mark.

But to each their own. Good luck if you do. Try to get it sealed up tight.

Regards,

Kevin

DcMak
07-29-2015, 04:47 PM
Use a bigger charcoal basket and a whole bag of coals and wood chunks... No need to add fuel should easily get 15+ hours @ 250-275. just my 2 cents.

SmokerKing
07-29-2015, 04:56 PM
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/264/camo29.jpg

All the BUFORD's I've built have had an access door to the fire basket. Wouldn't have a UDS without one.

Wolverine1967
07-29-2015, 05:10 PM
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/264/camo29.jpg

All the BUFORD's I've built have had an access door to the fire basket. Wouldn't have a UDS without one.

Wow. That is a serious paint scheme! Put that thing in the weeds and a brisket can ambush you when you aren't looking! :boxing:

That is what those guys in FL need to stop dealing with the smoke police. "what smoker, officer? I don't see a smoker, do you?" :cool:

Nuco59
07-29-2015, 06:05 PM
Put a door on it if you want- it's your cooker. It does not have to make sense. Some folks like a bone stock KISS UDS- and some have to jack with perfection :grin:

TomO
07-29-2015, 07:34 PM
Thanks everyone for the replies - still on the fence. I think at times my smoker is starved for air - especially on a day with little to no wind. I'm thinking that I can also use the pipe flange as a 3rd air inlet.

SmokingTiger
07-30-2015, 09:47 AM
A buddy of mind did a larger pipe in case he wanted to stoke the coals, only problem was when it was open it was too much air intake to be left open so he ended up with another port. His UDS looked crazy after all the ports were added....