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View Full Version : XXL UDS build with pics.


smooookin
01-12-2008, 08:56 PM
Friday morning I descended in the garage to create the biggest damn UDS the world has ever seen.!!

The plan is to be able to stack the drums but build them were I could separate them easily for transport. I also wanted to build something that would have a good size capacity if I wanted to use grates and plenty of room if I choose to hang what ever was smoking. After a few PM’s from others and several beers the night before the light finally went off and showed me what I needed to do to join the two drums.

The drums are mounted with the bottoms meeting in the middle.

The first step was to cut out the bottom of both barels, then smooth the edges.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1294309/PICT0010.jpg


I decided to cut three inches from the bottom of my donor barrel. Once I had that cut I clamped and riveted the “sleeve” into the bottom barrel, leaving two inches exposed.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1294309/PICT0013.jpg

After getting the barrels lined up and joined together I laid out my door openings using masking tape as a straight edge and a guide for my new best friend “the grinder”

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1294309/PICT0014.jpg

After cutting out the doors I ended up here.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1294309/PICT0016.jpg

Using the donor barrel and the scrap from the larger cut out I laid out the pattern for the new doors. Using the masking tape again as a guide and a straight edge I traced around the cut out pieces and laid the 1 ½ masking tape to increase the size to attempt to get a good seal.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1294309/PICT0015.jpg

Here is a pic of the doors installed, I decided that the masking tape probably wouldn’t hold up so I went ahead and added hinges.
As you can see the cuts arent the straightest in the world but the fit is pretty good.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1294309/PICT0021.jpg

Also, here is a shot of the inside that shows how the sleeve is working. It forms a very tight connection and I have not doubt will seal up well if nothing else after the first few burns.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2008-1/1294309/PICT0018.jpg


She will be finished , except for paint, and have a fire in her belly tomorrow afternoon!!



*** On a side note. I did get to meet a Brethren today! While I was in Springfield I was lucky enough to meet up with MeatBurner for a few minutes! Keith, Thanks for making the time, it was great to meet up. Next time we need to do it over a cold beer!! BTW. Westlake did have the latches I was looking for. I mounted one tonight and it looks like it is going to work great.

Bbq Bubba
01-12-2008, 09:34 PM
So far so good! I'm thinking some fireplace gasket (flat) around the door's and when latched should seal up nicely!

smooookin
01-12-2008, 09:37 PM
So far so good! I'm thinking some fireplace gasket (flat) around the door's and when latched should seal up nicely!

yep that is kinda what I was thinking but will put it on the smoker instead of the door. I really think with the latch I put on it and the overlap it is going to seal pretty good the way it is. I will know more after I get her burnin tomorrow.

SmokeWatcher
01-12-2008, 09:49 PM
Now that's some monstrosity! How many racks you plan to put in her?

chinesebob
01-12-2008, 09:49 PM
That is impressive- How you going to get food on the top shelf? Very cool.

smooookin
01-12-2008, 09:55 PM
Actually I dont plan to put but one rack to cook on. I will mount it about 5 inches from the top, the primary use will be as a rack to hang from. Fortunately I am 6'2" so I can get to it, that or back my pick-up up to it and stand on the tailgate!!

Meat Burner
01-12-2008, 11:36 PM
Jeff, it was really great to meet you today. What a cool deal to meet one of the brethren. I have been following lots of your threads...still pi$$ed about the robbery. LOL.
Wish we would have had more time but we will definately do it again over a few cold ones.
Pics look great of the monster drum! Figured you got after it when you got back to KC. You going to use regular paint on this one like your others, or is it good to go? Looking forward to pics and assessment tomorrow. Smoke on Brother!!!!

Smokin Gator
01-13-2008, 06:38 AM
I cannot wait to see that beast in action!!!

redy2smoke
01-13-2008, 08:33 AM
Ideals running-a-muck,, can't wait to see more pics and in action!!

ipls3355
01-13-2008, 09:28 AM
It will be interesting to see how the temps are throughout this cooker. Can't wait to see!!

smooookin
01-13-2008, 10:08 AM
Looks like a pause in the action today, the Wife has a migraine. Since she is in bed above the garage I dont think it would be too safe to fire up the power tools just yet.

I am thinking I am going to paint her silver, "the silver bullet"

The firebox I think I am going to try to fabricate using parts of the donor barrel I have left. Guess I will spend some quality time with my step bits later and punch holes on the bottom as well as a few in the sides once I get it put together.

The temperature range has been a thought. What do ya'll think about putting in a small, maybe 1 inch, exhaust in the side about midway up the top barrel. I am not sure if it would help level out the temps, if it is an issue, or create another intake.

Norcoredneck
01-13-2008, 10:35 AM
Silver huh?
http://www.clusterflock.org/DickCheneyTinMan.jpg

CajunSmoker
01-13-2008, 10:53 AM
That is gonna be one crazzzy UDS:grin:

I bet if you put a large capped in normal operation intake (2" or larger) down at the bottom and piped smoke in from another smoker you could cold smoke a ton of sausage or bacon or cheese or .........:biggrin:

Dr_KY
01-13-2008, 11:09 AM
If the temps become a problem you could add a small fan on an intake.

Meat Burner
01-13-2008, 11:11 AM
Jeff, hope the wifey gets to feeling better. I WANT TO SEE THAT BAD BOY IN ACTION!!!
Anxious to see what the temps do at different levels. The 1" hole halfway up is interesting. Just have to experiment. I am confident you will figure it out. Don't dent it up anywhere unless you know someone who can fix it.:biggrin:

smooookin
01-13-2008, 11:35 AM
I have some metal tape in the garage, would that work to make a gasket if I need it.

This afternoon I will get the vents in the bottom and the stack in the top. I think I am going to use one of my other fire boxes so that I can light this farker today.

Busy day today,trying to get this monster done, or close and have my virgin run of buckboard soaking for the second hour right now. I let it soak for the first hour, rinsed and put back in fresh water. my biggest problem is trying to decide which smoker to use in a little while. :D

smooookin
01-13-2008, 03:05 PM
IT"S ALIVE!! (young Frankenstein mod) Fire in the hole!
Seals on the doors look good, the union looks good so now we will see if she will get up to temp.

Dr_KY
01-13-2008, 03:12 PM
It will I tell ya captain!!!!

smooookin
01-13-2008, 03:33 PM
WOOHOOO all the vents are open for a "test burn" and she is up to 280 in half an hour.

Meat Burner
01-13-2008, 03:52 PM
Farkin cool brother!!!!! Keep us posted. How many places are you checking the temps?

smooookin
01-13-2008, 03:56 PM
right now I only have one probe in, about 8-10 inches form the top.

got the buck board on the other drum also.

Meat Burner
01-13-2008, 04:48 PM
Just took BBB loin off the UDS 30 mins ago at 145. Coolin it some and into frig overnight then slice tomorrow and start eating. Post pics of the BBB. Next one you can hang in this monster.