Thinking about building a Hunsaker Clone

[tnfan47]

With all the honey-do list and house projects I don't have the funds to purchase a Hunsaker smoker at the moment, but thinking about building a clone instead. My idea wasn't to get the complete DIY parts from them, but only the essentials such as maybe the vortex firebasket. From everything I've read on here that's a game changer or is it? I can get 55 gal drum for around $20 where I'm at. I much rather have a 85 gal drum, but paying nearly $200 doesn't make sense compared to the 55 gal cost.

I believe I can get a relative of mine to build me a heat shield for the vortex. The intake foot lever is a good idea to eliminate any wind drafts. Is there another part or parts I should consider from Hunsaker when building a UDS? I appreciate any advice.

[Ron_L]

Mark sells the parts on www.amazingsmokers.com specifically for home builds.

[PlattDaddyBBQ]

The rack system is nice, as well as the floating hinge.

[sudsandswine]

The rack system is nice, as well as the floating hinge.

This....there isn't really anything on a Hunsaker drum that I would want to do without. Well thought out design.

[tnfan47]

You're right it's hard to leave any of the options out. I may just save up and get the entire DIY kit when the time is right.

[SmittyJonz]

Budget Friendly.........

https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=2s&v=eC0Gud4kS1g

http://udsparts.com/kits/diy-uds-complete-parts-kit-for-55-gallon-ugly-drum-smoker.html
.

[toys4dlr]

I have two 1st gen Hunsakers and I built two clones using many of marks parts. I like the vortex, the foot controller, I skipped on the heat shield, and I like the floating hinge. I understand the rack system, but I really only use 2 levels. So I just used screws to make the 2 levels and I can use any 22 in grates on those levels. For wheels I used Harbor Freight. Just my 2 cents

[Radrob]

They sell a cheaper kit for $84 too with $20 shipping.
http://udsparts.com/kits/udspartstm-essentials-drum-kit-55-gal-uds-parts-diy-uds.html