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Dr_KY
01-03-2008, 04:10 PM
I need a little help please.

As of today I am starting a new build and have a few questions regarding placement of the grate(s) and size of fire basket, vents, temp gauges ect. I have a few ideas in mind that I have 'loaned' from the Brethren

While mooching around work looking through sixty or so drums one of the maintance guys hooked me up with a cylinder that measures..
31'' H X 14-3/4'' Dia. The internal height is 27'' and internal diameter is 15 3/4.

Now I know this is smaller than the UDS but if I could get a good figure or two on placement in the UDS for these things it would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance guys, I'll post pictures of the raw clyinder tomorrow.

* Bob B. you wanna find a name for this one or should we let everyone draw straws? * lol


I was looking at these out in the lot when I was given the white one i'll be using in this build..

http://i3.tinypic.com/7y6sb3r.jpg

Bigmista
01-03-2008, 04:58 PM
Use the smaller barrel to make your charcoal grate and an ash pan.

Check the post here for pictures

http://www.thesurvivalgourmet.com/archives/80

Dr_KY
01-03-2008, 05:45 PM
Thanks am I correct in thinking the total size of the charcole grate/holder should be aprx. half the size of the drum diameter?

Bigmista
01-03-2008, 06:04 PM
To be honest, it doesn't really matter. I just found that if the charcoal basket is shorter and wider, you can add a second cooking grate without it being too close to the fire.

Dr_KY
01-03-2008, 06:18 PM
That'a an excellent ideal as this will be a small smoker. I'll start on that section tomorrow.

Thanks again,
Al


I'm going in search of one of those Spicewine Thermometers too.

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 08:39 AM
A few pictures before any cuts are made..

http://i4.tinypic.com/7yf58k7.jpg

http://i10.tinypic.com/6oerm00.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/6pslp91.jpg

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 08:44 AM
http://i5.tinypic.com/8es77de.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/6kud554.jpg

http://i10.tinypic.com/87bh6q9.jpg

Divemaster
01-04-2008, 08:48 AM
Great looking drum!!! I would be a little worried about the plastic casters... Is it painted on the inside??? Are you going to burn it out???

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 08:59 AM
The wheels are rubber coated and too close together so they wil have to go even though this thing is very heavy for it's size.

It's new and has a very thick coat of paint both inside and out. This is going to be a nasty burn out. lol

I have no idea what those two sight glasses were/are for but they will be removed and covered over.

The latches look like a good idea for holding a tight seal so we will have to see how they work out failing that, I have the clamp ring like a 55 gal.

Have to look into making a lid (16.5 Diameter) for her, any sugestions? Thinking of going with somethig heavy to help with the seal if the clamps don't work out or something lightweight if it holds.

I don't have a scale but this cylinder is very heavy and may take some time to heat up.

* EDIT* Sorry Divemaster I posted before I saw your reply. The wheels are rubber coated and have to go. Yes she's painted both inside and out.

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 09:06 AM
http://i7.tinypic.com/82lepmg.jpg

I like that is actually has a lip on it so it's easier to make a lid withough altering or cutting straight. lol

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 10:26 AM
http://i10.tinypic.com/6sv4lmq.jpg

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 10:30 AM
http://i2.tinypic.com/6tfnk8z.jpg

The glass in those ports are about 1/4 '' thick. Shame they have to go.

N8man
01-04-2008, 10:35 AM
I'm liking the looks of this prebuild....as to removal of the wheels, is that because they don't work well with the height of the cylinder or do you think
you will generate that much heat thru the bottom thickness of the cylinder to affect the rubber? I have rubber wheels right next to the bottom sides of my Drumpit and haven't noticed any ill towards them.

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 10:44 AM
I honestly don't know I just figured that with the rubber that close to the heat it would become a problem. Looking at it again there is a lot of matrial between them and the botttom so they may be ok? I will remove then for the burn though, wouldn't want it to tip over full of burning wood. OH SNAP mod!

She is a little tough to steer with the height and the wheels so close together . Two of them are casters so it a bit odd.

Any ideas to offer on anything before I get into it?

I have several new and used ball valves in the range of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1.'', and a 2 '' but the two inch looks waaay big.lol

Smokin Gator
01-04-2008, 10:54 AM
On my 55 gallon UDS I have 4 1/2 inch pipe nipples. Three of them have caps and one has a ball valve. Usually, I only need uncapped and the ball valve open maybe half way to keep temps at about 220-230. With the gauge of that metal it looks like to me you would be fine with just two 1/2 inch air intakes.

Mark
01-04-2008, 12:12 PM
Just take the wheels off the casters be4 u burn-in. If you use an air diffuser plate in the bottom, the rubber wheels should be fine under normal usage. You might want to consider bottom air feed too. As for lid. I'd probably just cut a circle into some plate steel.

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 12:52 PM
On my 55 gallon UDS I have 4 1/2 inch pipe nipples. Three of them have caps and one has a ball valve. Usually, I only need uncapped and the ball valve open maybe half way to keep temps at about 220-230. With the gauge of that metal it looks like to me you would be fine with just two 1/2 inch air intakes.

So perhaps just two 1/2'' placed 1 inch from the bottom on either side should do then i could cap one and see what direction it takes. It's heavy stuff alright, i don't know the gauge but it takes a bit of effort to lift it. How will that effect the temp range? I'm guessing it will take longer to heat up but should hold well.

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 12:57 PM
Just take the wheels off the casters be4 u burn-in. If you use an air diffuser plate in the bottom, the rubber wheels should be fine under normal usage. You might want to consider bottom air feed too. As for lid. I'd probably just cut a circle into some plate steel.

I was thinking of using say an 1/4 on the bottom and running it out through the side. Shouldn't take much air if any and may even clog with ash. Haven't considered a diffuser though as it's not a tall unit ( 27'' internal) so I will need to use all the airspace between the meat and the heat. Have another look at how the wheels are mounted, do you think they are far enough away as they are?

tommykendall
01-04-2008, 03:37 PM
Heck with the cylinder. Build a cooker out of that big blue dumpster :shock:

Dr_KY
01-04-2008, 05:28 PM
That dumpster it full of drums just waiting to be crushed.

Dr_KY
01-06-2008, 02:14 PM
She's on fire and man is this some thick paint!

http://i11.tinypic.com/864yaee.jpg

Looks like I got the placement of the bottom opening just about right.


http://i17.tinypic.com/8ebe5br.jpg


I'll empty it tomorrow and see how well it cleaned itself up. The bottom as you can tell by the untouched paint stayed cool enough for the wheels.

Dr_KY
01-06-2008, 02:18 PM
I just noticed how hot it must have gotten driectly drawing across from the inlet on the bottom..

http://i19.tinypic.com/7wie26h.jpg

http://i15.tinypic.com/7342zux.jpg

Going to be a while cooling down.

fnnm358
01-06-2008, 02:21 PM
off to a good start keep the pics coming waiting to see the Q coming off of it

Dr_KY
01-06-2008, 02:45 PM
Will do as soon as more progress is made.
I'll try and source some steel for a lid tomorrow. Diamond plate would look cool.

Dr_KY
01-06-2008, 07:22 PM
Question guys;
I'm thinking of grabbing a keg , slicing it down and using it as a dome lid seeing as I can't find a cooker that is free and in the 17'' size. I know a stainless one would be fine but what about an alloy one? The temps shouldn't be hot enough to cause any problems... should it?

I have a beer tap that would look good as a exhaust. :twisted:

N8man
01-06-2008, 07:49 PM
I wouldn't think the temp would be a problem if you were using an Aluminum kegger, I have an Aluminum Frying pan I use to saute veggies in and I imagine my stovetop gets hotter than the top potion of your smoker ever will.

Dr_KY
01-09-2008, 05:14 PM
Thanks N8 I may still look into that option. I found a flat lid for her today and I'll get a photo in the morning before the next burn. Also piched up a gew more ballvalves for a future drum. two 1/2'' and two 3/4 ''ers.

Dr_KY
01-11-2008, 03:59 AM
There just HAS to be a use for this. It's some sort of stainless heatshield..

http://i9.tinypic.com/87kkako.jpg

http://i4.tinypic.com/6l9ni86.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/72gmwwi.jpg

Norcoredneck
01-11-2008, 05:04 AM
There just HAS to be a use for this. It's some sort of stainless heatshield..

http://i9.tinypic.com/87kkako.jpg

http://i4.tinypic.com/6l9ni86.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/72gmwwi.jpg
Roll it closed, cut into 7" sections. I see at least a couple fire rings.

CajunSmoker
01-11-2008, 06:11 AM
Roll it closed, cut into 7" sections. I see at least a couple fire rings.

That was my second thought too Norco. My first thought was whats wrong with that farking tape measure(metric mod):roll:

DaChief
01-11-2008, 06:36 AM
Looking good Dr KY. Keep the updates coming. I'm interested to see how this one turns out!

Browser
01-11-2008, 06:37 AM
Thee's nothing wrong with it, KY simply lives in a country with a civilised measurement standard, that's all:wink::biggrin:

KY, I'd do as suggested above, weld up the two open sides and make one/two charcoal baskets. If you were nearer I'd offer to buzz 'em together for you:grin:

p.s. becasue I am a sad anorak, I Googled 'How many countries use imperial measurements?' and Yahoo (http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070711135935AAQ5Nu5) came up with the answer:

"Three countries have not officially adopted the International System of Units as their primary or sole system of measurement: Liberia, Myanmar and the United States."

You're in some fabulous company there gents!:biggrin:

Norcoredneck
01-11-2008, 07:05 AM
Thee's nothing wrong with it, KY simply lives in a country with a civilised measurement standard, that's all:wink::biggrin:

KY, I'd do as suggested above, weld up the two open sides and make one/two charcoal baskets. If you were nearer I'd offer to buzz 'em together for you:grin:

p.s. becasue I am a sad anorak, I Googled 'How many countries use imperial measurements?' and Yahoo (http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070711135935AAQ5Nu5) came up with the answer:

"Three countries have not officially adopted the International System of Units as their primary or sole system of measurement: Liberia, Myanmar and the United States."

You're in some fabulous company there gents!:biggrin:
Noticed you knew where to go for technical info on important things like building UDS!:biggrin: Good old American ingenuity, 1/16 at a time! We dont sell grams of meat!

Divemaster
01-11-2008, 08:35 AM
Noticed you knew where to go for technical info on important things like building UDS!:biggrin: Good old American ingenuity, 1/16 at a time! We dont sell grams of meat!
Got that right Brother!!!!

Mark
01-11-2008, 11:26 AM
A better idea yet is to make it into a rotisserie basket to smoke dry peppers, etc.

I'd farking buy something like that.

Browser
01-11-2008, 11:58 AM
Noticed you knew where to go for technical info on important things like building UDS!:biggrin: Good old American ingenuity, 1/16 at a time! We dont sell grams of meat!


1/16th at a time? Pah! You crude knocker-together of ill-fitted goods you:tongue: What are you building, a very leaky leaky thing? I work in fractions of a millimetre, fractions, d'you hear?:biggrin:




(Which is probably why it's taking me so flippin' long:redface:)

Norcoredneck
01-11-2008, 11:46 PM
1/16th at a time? Pah! You crude knocker-together of ill-fitted goods you:tongue: What are you building, a very leaky leaky thing?


I see you have been admiring my creations! Hammer and a rubber, only two tools I need. If you can't fix it with a hammer then Fark it!:cool:.

Browser
01-12-2008, 02:12 AM
Hammer and a rubber, only two tools I need. If you can't fix it with a hammer then Fark it!:cool:.

The images this statement brings to mind do not bear repeating to anyone, especially not those of a delicate disposition:eek::-D

Dr_KY
01-12-2008, 08:21 AM
It's not a smoker unless it smokes and I'm having trouble getting it to draw...


http://i8.tinypic.com/8bhky0z.jpg

Any ideas whats going wrong? :|

Beerwolf
01-12-2008, 09:56 AM
Over packed bowl?

N8man
01-12-2008, 10:03 AM
Needs a new brass screen? Stem Clogged?

Dr_KY
01-12-2008, 06:14 PM
Doing a second burn and including a spare lid this time.

http://i18.tinypic.com/85e6ixf.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/6o482nm.jpg

Dr_KY
01-16-2008, 10:07 AM
More free stuff.
Just placed the bolts in the sides for the grill.

http://i8.tinypic.com/7xwcbdh.jpg

Test fitting the grill, needs triming still..

http://i7.tinypic.com/6k5s0mr.jpg

Mesh for the fire basket measures 6'' x 36''

http://i14.tinypic.com/8bthzr5.jpg

wlh3
01-16-2008, 10:12 AM
This will be interesting to see how the thick walls on this cooker will do against the UDS thin wall but more volume. Keep us posted Dr. KY:icon_bigsmil

Dr_KY
01-16-2008, 10:28 AM
Will do, the temps are going to be a bit here and there due to volume so I'll start with fewer coles if I can find any around here this time of year. I'll also be on the mad hunt for wood. I told meself I would be cooking in it this weekend finished or not. lol Wait till you see the ghetto fire basket mod. lmao!

Dr_KY
01-16-2008, 10:33 AM
BINGO!!! Just ran to the post office ( it's twenty yards away) and picked up a box of goodies!!!!!!!!

DaChief
01-16-2008, 10:34 AM
Thanks for the updates! looking forward to hearing abt the first cook!

DaChief
01-16-2008, 10:44 AM
Thee's nothing wrong with it, KY simply lives in a country with a civilised measurement standard, that's all:wink::biggrin:

KY, I'd do as suggested above, weld up the two open sides and make one/two charcoal baskets. If you were nearer I'd offer to buzz 'em together for you:grin:

p.s. becasue I am a sad anorak, I Googled 'How many countries use imperial measurements?' and Yahoo (http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070711135935AAQ5Nu5) came up with the answer:

"Three countries have not officially adopted the International System of Units as their primary or sole system of measurement: Liberia, Myanmar and the United States."

You're in some fabulous company there gents!:biggrin:

And you ought to see the UDS's they can build in Myanmar

Browser
01-16-2008, 12:29 PM
And you ought to see the UDS's they can build in Myanmar


:tongue::biggrin:

Dr_KY
01-16-2008, 12:40 PM
Bolted together so I can change the size if needed..
http://i1.tinypic.com/6oo4kgn.jpg

StainLes rodS so it's easy to get out nice and easy. I may also use a set of rods to adjust the height if it needs more fuel space...
http://i11.tinypic.com/6si4x6p.jpg

Came up with a great idea for the actual stainles ash pan without having to make one. Some of you may figure out what this is...











ready?









DOG (water) DISH MODDDDD!


It was out in the shed and yet I will clean it. lol In fact I'll just get a new one as they don't cost alot.

Dr_KY
01-16-2008, 12:46 PM
Yup it needs a proper cut section of mesh but this is a test fit to see how it may look /work...

http://i3.tinypic.com/6pk4sc6.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/6o67qtg.jpg

Dr_KY
01-16-2008, 12:54 PM
Looking in...

http://i16.tinypic.com/869bw55.jpg


Remember I'm doing all this without any welding, special tools and keeping the spending as little as I an get away with just to show that anyone with a budget as small as the wife alows me can build the UDS.
So far I have a grand total of five quid ( about 10 US Dollars) invested and that went to the guy that sourced the ball valves and cut the lid and grates for me in the form of a packet of tobacco.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/220000/images/_224593_golden_virginia300.jpg

Dr_KY
01-16-2008, 01:00 PM
Had a spare grate so I stuck it in to see what I was going to be working with. I'll cut it properly on the weekend...


..or leave it a bit ugly. lol

http://i2.tinypic.com/7yib7gi.jpg\


That's it for now guys.

Divemaster
01-16-2008, 01:14 PM
Keep those cards and letters coming!!!! Looking great so far!

Divemaster
01-16-2008, 01:15 PM
It's not a smoker unless it smokes and I'm having trouble getting it to draw...


http://i8.tinypic.com/8bhky0z.jpg

Any ideas whats going wrong? :|
Sure, you have your air intake valve closed....:eek::eek::eek:

Dr_KY
01-16-2008, 01:22 PM
Told ya I wasn't very bright. :icon_shy

que dude
01-16-2008, 11:23 PM
Nice looking drum! Now all you need is a Stoker (what a great investment). Kind of off subject, but what kind of wood do you have readily avaliable.

Dr_KY
01-17-2008, 08:55 AM
Bramley apple wood from a friends tree everything else may have to be store bought when it's back in season. Charcoal is tough to find this time of year. Actual fireplace coal is around though but I don't think it would be healthy to BBQ with.

DaChief
01-17-2008, 09:02 AM
Thanks for the pics Dr KY...keep em coming. You are getting ever so close to that first cook!

Mark
01-17-2008, 09:06 AM
Bramley apple wood from a friends tree everything else may have to be store bought when it's back in season. Charcoal is tough to find this time of year. Actual fireplace coal is around though but I don't think it would be healthy to BBQ with.

Befriend an arborist or consider the heavy metals in coal to be trace nutrients.

Dr_KY
01-17-2008, 09:13 AM
lol @ nutrients. I looked into it as it would be a long burning heat source but the down side was far greater.lol

Chief how about another picture of the lid..

http://i6.tinypic.com/86y6tsx.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/6p4y1zk.jpg

Dr_KY
01-17-2008, 12:46 PM
If it stays dry this weekend I give her a first cook.

Fingers crossed.

DaChief
01-17-2008, 01:13 PM
If it stays dry this weekend I give her a first cook.

Fingers crossed.

If it stays dry?...Dr KY...look at where you live, of course it's gonna rain!

Dr_KY
01-17-2008, 02:33 PM
lol It's not fair I tell ya!! The wife says, ''I'll get you an umbrella and watch through the window just get cookin, i'm sick of watching you mope around the house!''

My reply was, 'FINE I'll just move back to California!!'


My clothes and photos of the kids are getting soaked right now as I type this from the bus homeless shelter on my phone.

DaChief
01-17-2008, 03:57 PM
lol It's not fair I tell ya!! The wife says, ''I'll get you an umbrella and watch through the window just get cookin, i'm sick of watching you mope around the house!''

My reply was, 'FINE I'll just move back to California!!'


My clothes and photos of the kids are getting soaked right now as I type this from the bus homeless shelter on my phone.

:biggrin: and get them wellies on as well so your tootsies stay dry. I lived there three years and I do remember 6 or 7 days of good weather during that time.

Browser
01-17-2008, 04:44 PM
It doesn't rain all the time:rolleyes:
















Sometimes it's foggy:biggrin:

Dr_KY
01-17-2008, 04:53 PM
You sir are not helping lol I don't own any Wellies but I do have a bolwer hat and opera glasres.

Dr_KY
02-01-2008, 12:00 PM
We have smoke!!!!!!!!!!!

http://i25.tinypic.com/2pzflf4.jpg

Dr_KY
02-01-2008, 12:10 PM
Just a few thighs to learn with.


http://i29.tinypic.com/2heyjau.jpg

Divemaster
02-01-2008, 12:23 PM
It's about time!!! What's all this worry about the weather???? Got 12 inches of snow here and I still got both mine and the pigs butt's out to the smoker!!!

Glad to see you finally up and running... I want pic's when they come out!

Dr_KY
02-01-2008, 12:39 PM
Thanks man I hope you guys didn't give up hope.:)

It was a real pain trying to find coal this time of year plus the mater of wanting to cook with some real rubs and serious quality wood but I'll get into that in a later post.

Still needs a bit of work but how are you liking my take on the mandatory bottler opener? It's a medallion from a local brewer.

Arkells
5.0% ABV
Kingsdown Ale is the strongest of our regular beers but is a brother to 3B as it comes from the same mash. It retains a strong character of its own, however, with its rich colour, ripe fruit 'nose' and that traditional Arkell's hopiness. You can taste the malt too, along with a bitter-sweet finish and fruit notes. 'Kingsdown', which is named after the area of Upper Stratton where the brewery is situated, was originally brewed as a special beer to commemorate Swindon Town Football Club's League Cup triumph in 1969 and went into regular production in 1976.

fnnm358
02-01-2008, 05:07 PM
Way to go nice to see it up and working

ENJOY!!!!!!!

Dr_KY
02-01-2008, 05:47 PM
Thanks Ed I can already see it's going to be a ton of fun and tomorrow I'm off to the butchers for some ribs and any other random pork I can get a hold of.

I did find (via the wife) that I over salted to chicken though. Thats alright i'll know better next time.

Norcoredneck
02-01-2008, 06:21 PM
All part of the learning curve. Throw a fatty on!

Dr_KY
02-01-2008, 06:27 PM
Thanks for the reminder , I'll pick up the sausage tomorrow.


I drilled a second hole opposite and a little higher of the inlet valve as it was runniing a bit cold. I have a ball valve that will fit it so I'll look into fitting it tomorrow.

There was a good bit of unfinished coal so I closed everything as to save it for another cook.

sampson
02-01-2008, 06:33 PM
Love the medallion!

Dr_KY
02-01-2008, 06:55 PM
Picked it up from the pub next door. lol I have a few more but they are plastic and this one is brass. I plan on finding or making one of those bar taps then attaching it so it looks like a crazy smoking keg.