I was concerned about this, too, so I used a larger diameter pipe/valve. I planned to use 1", but slightly over-drilled the hole so I went to 1 1/4" diameter. Works great for me. The ball valves do get more pricey as the size goes up, though, so the extension handle is a good alternative.

Thanks BubbaCoy for the quick response, if its not a problem for you and so many others ive seen i think ill be fine!

Smart thinking
 

This is a great idea you get the best of both worlds!

Building My First UDS
 

Justr started building my first UDS. 55 Gallon drums were really scarce around here so my Son In Law gave me one he had his deer corn in. The only problem is it has a liner in the drum. I got my weed burner out and "torched" this thing pretty good. I intend to torch it one more time to be sure. My question is, do I need to sand down the inside after the "torching". I've got the equipment but it looks like it could be a pain! Any of ya'll comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

PoppyJ

It is recommended that you still sand it out. You'll probably have residue of the liner still in there even after the burn. Instead of drum diving to wire wheel it, make an extension like the link below.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...postcount=1106

Chad

Re: Ugly Drum Smoker
 

I added an exhaust pipe to my UDS that leaks. I've ruined 2 baskets of lump after forgetting to cover it. Grrrr

Can I use JB weld to seal it up without worrying about bad fumes when smoking on it?

Sent from my pocket computer ( G III)

I would Use High Temp Silicon instead of JB. You don't need strength, just sealing.

I got a price to sandblast and powder coat my drum for $50, not high temp just regular. What do you guys think?

I'd buy a new drum for $70

I paid $30 for new unlined. I was wondering if the powder would hold up to the temps around the fire basket area?

no need to powder coat, use a high temp spray paint over the existing paint, it'll hold up fine

Cool, thanks

Aluminum melting point
 

My guess is that it didn't get that hot, but rather corrosion from all that spicy, salty, rub/sauce/marinade dripping from that juicy, tender, meat smokin in the barrel. Aluminum is highly corrode-able. Just my two cents.

So where is a good place to get a steel pan at? I have been looking and cannot find one that is cheap. I don't want to spend $20 for a SS pizza pan just to catch ashes. Plus I want to be able to weld it to the legs of my basket.

Chad

A few UDS questions
 

So I have majority of my UDS built but have a couple issues/questions. I made a weldless fire basket but I am struggling to find stainless steel washers that are big enough to connect to my weber grill I'm using for the base. I heard you are not supposed to use galvanized or zinc coated???
Also this may be a stupid question, but do I need to do a barrel burn for a new drum?
Finally is there a preferred place to install my thermometer (on the lid or just under my bottom grate?

Thanks