Nice drum, some great new ideas!

Problem you'll have is that seal between the 2 sections.

Unless you can make it AIRTIGHT, you'll be chasin temps all day.

Lookin forward to a test run! :cool:

I had bigger square tube but I didn't think it was necessary. After I tested it with this tube it does shake it quite a bit. I wanted it to shake, but not throw up a cloud of ashes. Will let you know once I do sea trials.

I have been giving that some thought. The drum seals onto the firebox using the original top seal rim. I took out the silicone seal because I thought it might not survive the heat. I don't think at smoking temps the silicone seal will get that hot, so it might work. Will need to evaluate it.

I have also been thinking about using a length of rope in place of the silicone seal. The rope will seal the air leaks and depending on which type of rope I use it will have a much higher burn temp, so it might work out pretty well.

you should be able to get the seal with stove gasket rope siliconed (with high temp food grade silicone) to the lid (that is welded to the bottom of the drum) and the lever clamp would tighten it down. Real interested in how it works.

What is the overall height?
Seems like a short drum of 6" would be enough to allow two racks and the flat lid.
How tall is your short drum?

I think the overall height is about 44 inches. The bottom drum is about 12 to 13 inches. Gives me about 4 inches below the fire grate, 25 inches to the first rack, 7 inches to the second rack, and then 7 inches to the lid. I will probaly add about 2-3 inches for a rolling base with wheels, but at 6'1" that still leaves me with a good height to work easily. The wife is 5'2", she will never use it, but if she does I can build her a step stool.

I like the idea of stove gasket. Will check that out this week.

ps: I grabbed 7 oak pallets to burn this drum, that was a little too many. 4 would have been fine.
Here is the start of the burn...http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/o...tartofburn.jpg

I think it was running a little hot because the bottom half of the drum was glowing...http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/o...os/veryhot.jpg

Luckily the neighbors didn't call the fire department. Yet.

jar, I believe that drum will be sterile my friend. Get it done and fire it up!!!!!!!! Nice build so far. Keep some good pics posted for all of us drumheads to follow. Nice start.

Don't know if you have seen my version, so here's a pics of the original and after shortening it. And my UDG. The UDS has a 8" lid and the UDG a 6" lid.

I am 6'1" also and don't like to bend over much, getting old, bad knee problem.

The first version had 8" legs, I thought it would be less bending to clean up and to adjust the intakes. But it made it a bit tougher to pull the drum up and over the charcoal basket. So I changed the legs to 4" and it is much better. The intakes are still high enough that it is no problem and the racks are just right.

You have not shown your charcoal basket, but I presume it is around 10"-12" tall. I don't see why the drum could not be shorter and the basket could just stick a 4" or so up into the drum and still allow two racks with a flat lid. So a 6" short drum with the grate 3" above the bottom would allow the intakes to be 2" from the bottom which I think is what I did on mine. So 3" to the charcoal grate, 3" to the bottom of the main drum, 18" to the lower rack, 8" to the upper rack and 8" to the top of the drum a total of 40". The drum I have are all 34.5", so with a 6" short drum you get a overall height of 40.5". Or if you build a lid like I have you could get three racks in for those brethren who need that much cooking space.

If the seal works between the two drums all would be fine. The burnout looks good, now to see how it works.

I like the deep lids on yours. I just wrote it down in my book (I keep notebooks of all kinds of ideas, some are even good ones :lol: ) I will see about incorporating that into my next UDS. Because you can't have just one!

I did not build my complete fire basket yet, just the base, modified for the JJC™ I was at Home Depot and Lowes and they only had very small gauge expanded metal. Will be in the city tomorrow so I will hit one of the Ace hardwares or a scrap yard tomorrow to find what I want.

I like your idea of the 6 inch firebox. Then I could do a 6 inch lid and still end up with the same overall height, just less reaching over the drum lip to manuever food.

Thanks.

perfect day to burn out a drum
 

Clouds and fog hid the smoke from the burnout. This was the cleanest burnouts I have done. Nothing left on the outside at all, which hopefully the inside burned completely out also. Won't know until it cool down. I had some old lattice that I used and it burned great.

Hoping the next build will use the Jaronimo short drum mod. If it works for him, lol.

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/o...otos/JJC11.jpg

Interesting JJC ya got there bro...I just use a wiggle rod...I guess I could call it a "thirdeye" rod or "twr" (thirdeye wiggle rod)...since I got the idea from Wayne (thirdeye)...it's just a length of rod with a hook bent in it to reach in through the air vent and wiggle the charcoal grate. :lol::lol::lol:

I use any number of these on the bottom of can
http://atlanticsurplus.com/images/sh...28_M26_M21.jpg

But if I just used a piece of rod inserted through the vent, yes, that would work. But how would I justify all the cool tools in my garage? I have to use them for something when I am not working on the cars.

I like things simple. But I also like them mechanical. Which probably explains why I am currently adding bookcases to the basement, but the last bookcase is hinged to make a secret door. Sure I don't need it, but it is shaping up as a pretty cool feature.

Boots? I thought everybody in California wore flip flops? :lol:

Newbie here... Has anyone ever tried to sandblast a liner out of a food grade drum? Do you think it would work?

I sandblasted an epoxy coating out of a car trunk. It was messy, but it worked. And burning it out wasn't an option:lol:

The cost would be an issue for me and I think another member did some pricing but I can't remember who. It should be in this thread though.

I did the burn out twice but the epoxy liner wasn't all the way gone. I tried the wire wheel trick, but that's way too much pain on the ol' back. My oldest boy said that he could sand blast it for me. It took him about 2 hours to blast the drum inside & out, and he worked his a$$ off. It's a hot, sweaty, dirty job under that hood and it's kinda tough to breathe. I sure am glad he was willing to do it for me.
If you find some one to blast it, it's going to cost you $$$. After it's blasted wipe it down with mineral spirits & paint it PDQ. Oh, yeah, take a big plate of Que to sand blast guy :biggrin:.

Hey guys... thanks for such a great thread. I joined this forum because of this thread and a couple others on making/fine tuning a UDS. I've been thinking about this for a while... finally bought a molasses drum for $25. A friend is taking the top off for me and I'll finish it up over the next couple of weeks.

Looking forward to asking questions as they come up during my project... we're also doing our first MOINK balls this weekend... :) Can't wait!

Jocosa, read the UDS thread from start to finish. It may take you awhile but is well worth the learning you will get. Just about everything you need to know is in there and then you can prolly bring a new idea in as well. Good luck!

Agreed. Once I read it from start to finish, I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and what other 20 I wanted to build. Of course, I still haven't built my first yet though.

MB - I made sure I read it all before posting... mostly confirmed what I wanted to do, but also picked up a few things on intake vs exhaust... and as they say a photo is worth a thousand words.

I'll try to remember to take a few pics as we build this first UDS...

Chris - my husband keeps saying, "We're only making one....." Heh, little does he know... LOL

Jocosa, good for you on reading it all. Sounds like you are about to make a fantastic drum smoker!!!!!!! Don't ever hesitate to throw a new idea out on the forum. This UDS thread has evolved and someone always comes up with something simple and cool. Keep after it!!!

My New UDS for 09
 

Alll:

I didn't see the Original UDS thread so I find it appropriate to re-post
about my new UDS within this thread.

Smoke on!

Hello all!

This is my first post here and I am delighted to part of a humble community!

I came across this site while searching for a drum smoker design. Well I was so intrigued with the UDS that I went ahead a made my own , since I have access to several empty used non-toxic drums.

It took me 2 days I am very proud of my UDS!
I am posting some pics of my version hopefully y'all will like.

My version has a side shelf made from a drum lid and some decorative
shelf brackets.



http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...UDS_SHELF1.jpg

I also have a 14.5 X 14.5 X 7 charcoal box. This was made
used a steel framed box fixture for stage props (found several on the side of the road 3 years ago) The expanded metal is 3/4"-#9. I purchased a 48" x 48" sheet from Metals Supermarket (most major cities have these stores) for $32, enough to make two boxes. My charcoal box has a couple of built-in features; 1. The top portion can be used as handles for lifting the box in and out of the drum. 2. The box itself can be used as a campsite cooker I have a separate piece of expanded metal that fits perfectly in the recessed grooves around the top of the charcoal box.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...30/JD_UDS1.jpg


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7..._UDS_CBOX2.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7..._UDS_CBOX3.jpg
The air intakes are 1" and I am using a 1" valve for regulating the air intake. After doing a trial run I found that this smoker maintained 240 degrees for 12 hours using two open inlets.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...S_chiminey.jpg

The exhaust is a 2" muffler tip I purchased from Advanced Auto parts for $4.99 The exhaust is held in place using a 2" conduit fitting which screws inside the 2" threaded bung hole on the lid.

I lucked up and came across a metal dolly which fitted my drum perfectly.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7..._UDS_dolly.jpg
Oh yeah I will post lots of BBQ pron!
I am going to be able to watch the Atlanta Falcons win the super bowl,
while using my new the UDS! :biggrin:

JDER - howdy neighbor! Thanks for those pics... lots of options for customizing a UDS. I didn't know about Metals Supermarket - looks like we have two in our area; that's gonna be dangerous. :)

As much as I love my GOSM, I'm pumped about cooking on my drum!

From experience try putting the valve on a nipple at bottom of drum and see how it controls. Draw seems more consistant to me. Like the shelf. Get that thing GREASY! :biggrin:

"I am going to be able to watch the Atlanta Falcons win the super bowl,"

that was funny!!!!!!!!!!:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

I built me one today from some junk i had laying around the shop at the hotel i work at and a empty drum of coconut oil a work contact had laying around ! Got me two racks and a butt for Saturday. Going to give it a shot. The lid is my new trendy fire pit the wife's folks got us fits good. Yes i am trying to get one with a lid., that's why no paint on this one it a prototype.........
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...0107091627.jpg
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...0107091717.jpg

This will give you troubles....

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...0107091717.jpg

Gotta have some space for the ash to fall thru, otherwise you'll be snuffed out inside 4 hrs.

ya i have cut holes in it now what a pain in the butt that was i hope what i did helps i will post pics after work tomorrow

Finally, after 2000 posts, here is the Ugly Drum Smoker that started this thread. You can see why I came up with the name.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/at...1&d=1231442030
I'm Getting Dizzy!!!!!:biggrin:

Thats not galvanized mesh is it?

Its trash. i got a 17 by 9 expanded metal ring I'm picking up from the sheet metal shop for free 99 i gave them a free night at the hotel i work at. It will sit about 6 inches off bottom of the drum

This thread has been a huge help to me, I've purchased two Apple/Pineapple juice drums
from a local feed store (thanks to whoever suggested checking feed shops!) and I'm
getting ready to drill the air intakes so I can burn them out.

I saw Norco suggest using 1/2" all thread and a wire wheel to clean out burnt drums but I
don't have access to a drill that'll take anything bigger than 3/8". Is there any way to
attach a wire wheel to 3/8" all thread?

Thanks!

Tou can capture the wheel with 3/8" rod with fender washers but it might be a load on the drill.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/at...1&d=1231442030
Hell I have been using them vertically! :biggrin: Gotta go back and reread the thread.

I think you're right, I'll just cough up $20 for a cheap-o 1/2" impact drill from Harbor
Freight and work it like a rented mule. God willing it won't break before I finish haha,
If it lasts the duration of the build I'll be happy!

This look like it'll be sufficient?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94436

Buy the warranty.

JDer30 how tall is your charcoal basket frame?
I am curious about the ease of reaching in and pulling it out.

Your looking for the basket to sit off the bottom of the drum about 3"...

Just got a PM from Barbarian about some missing pics on my UDSIII build. I was reorganizing my Photobucket albums and as such screwed up a lot of the links. Here is a link to the whole album "UDS Builds"...kind of a collection of pics from my first three builds. Sorry for any hassles bro's...:icon_blush:

http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x206/johnrhana/UDS%20Builds/

curious reach
 

The total height of the my fire box (including stub legs) is 19" High.
The frame is 14.5 X 14.5 X 14.5. The Expanded metal is 7" wide
Thats the whole beauty of the frame is it allows me to lift the
charcoal box out of the drum smoker with no hassle. The grate
screws does not interfere either.

Latest mods to my UDS
 

Originally my air intake valve set about several inches higher than my drum and almost as high as the exhaust.
Well I paid Home Depot a visit and scored a Free scrap 24" black, 1" threaded pipe.Had the guy at HD thread the remaining end.
So far, So good!

I also applied some automobile stickers just for chits and giggles.
I was shocked to find these seem to be taking the heat pretty well!

Here is the Before and after results.
I also added a $17.00, 55 gallon drum dolly from Northern Tools

Before:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...S_chiminey.jpg

After:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...ds_update1.jpg

ok well i can at least cut the legs a bit. thank you for the advice

I misplaced my UDS about three months ago. I finally found it. Now I can maybe finish it.:wink:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...22008075-1.jpg

That's what I always said about you Brian, you never quit. Kick off the rust and keep going!

Fast forward to 2011

I've had a hell of an evening, I just burnt my "aseptic pineapple juice" drum (by way of Kenya!) for the first time. The burn went about as well as I'd expected, it was a pain to get the fire lit due to recent rains and the fact I haven't cut air vents yet, but half a bottle of lighter fluid made things manageable.

I think all in all I spent 7 hours tending the fire, refueling it, drinking beer and generally enjoying myself. I was very pleased to see what I guess to be about 1/3 the liner start to shrivel up and flake away in patches. I plan on burning the drum a few more times to see how much of that liner I can knock out, I'm not so fond of climbing in there with an angle grinder to chase out stubborn remnants.

Funny thing about my drum, seems my liner was white and seemed almost paint like even though I primarily see people discuss a hard epoxy liner that's sort of tan. Anybody encountered a white liner before?

LMAO:mrgreen: