Intakes for small UDS

[codger]

I want to try making a small UDS out of a 15-16 gal. drum.

What I'm wondering is if it would make a difference if I made my intake holes smaller? Answers to that and or any other advice would be nice. Thanks!

[Crazy Harry]

that small of a drum may not have enough space between the charcoal and the grate.

[Phesant]

Do a search on the bottom of this page for muds and you should get some great info....
Good Luck :-D

[swamprb]

Mine is a BDS 1427 clone.

3) 3/4" diam. intakes 2.5" OC from bottom of the drum. Charcoal grate 3.5" OC from bottom of drum. Food grate 6" from top of drum (with lid on) Smokey Joe lid gives you another 3".

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0387.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0385.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0386.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0388.jpg

Another charcoal basket on an SJS grate.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0462.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0465.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0603.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0481.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_0467.jpg

Start drillin' then get grillin'!

Check out the Big Drum Smoker site, then look at the Mini cooks in the forum, Rocky has done the hard work!

[Meat Burner]

Swamp, was your drum as small as Codger is asking about? Remember your build but not the specs.

[h20loo]

It really doesn't matter how large the hole is- what matters is can you control the opening. A large intake is actually a benefit when you want to ramp up temps to do chicken or pizza etc.