My drum is heavy guage stainless steel and had a closed top that I cut out and then cut about 1" deep every inch or so around the circumference. I took that piece and then I bent down every other tab for "legs". This is my inlet air diffuser. And it will easily carry the weight of a full charcoal basket (although I personally only use wood).

I am confident that a closed top from a normal steel drum will be sufficently sturdy for this purpose as well.

I hope this helps. Any more questions, feel free.

New here, and getting to get my drum!
 

Found a steel drum that had water soulable paint. Guy says it all washes out and he has sold many for smokers.

So, here we go.

Had to contribute
 

Just finished mine. Still gonna paint it though

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/a...D/IMG_2697.jpg

nice job, friend!
 

Happy smokin'!:grin:

For your viewing, (and my eating), pleasure!
 

Well here it is, boys. First time with my UDS...9 lbs. of butt. Rubbed, injected, mopped, n' pulled.
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/w...baney/bbq3.jpg
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/w...baney/bbq2.jpg
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/w...baney/bbq1.jpg

Congrats! Great UDS, I like your side table mod.

How long did it take for the butt to cook?

Just a quick note on building a UDS...keep it simple as that is what will serve you well. Just my contribution to this massive thread. Enjoy your new smokers brethren, just don't over think it.

Source for the lid, and round grates?

You'll be better off buying a cheap weber kettle. Receommend hitting up Craiglist or ebay.

The lids bought seperately new from Weber would be about as much as their cheapest kettle.

It took about 9 hours to get it to internal temp of 198. UDS held between 230 and 250 with fuel left over.

I am fairly new here, and I have been studing this thread.

Starting a new build, should I add on here, or start a new thread?

I am picking up a used 55g open top drum tomorrow. Source says it had water soluble paint that washes out. I intend to burn off the outside paint from the inside, thus burning out anything that might be left behind.

After the burn out, can the inside be treated with cooking oil to prevent rust?

My first three steps are:
1. Drill 4 ¾” or 1” 2” from the bottom
2. Fit with nipples and secure them
3. Fill with hard wood and burn the inside clean and the paint of the outside.

Sammy-yes to the cooking oil or lard or bacon fat. Spend your money on a BGE or similiar intake vent. Cheaper than a step bit and all that plumbing or better yet- cut a 2" hole and use a sheet magnet. Then on those long cooks you can reach the basket to give it a shake with out disturbing your groceries.

What?? Of course it works! You don't see any guys with commercial smokers running around in circles opening intakes.
And don't forget the 24" rule!

Only if you include pics and many of them........LOL, just kidding, sure why not. Remembering back I think I did both.

Paul B
SS UDS

Sammy, why not cut your holes and and burn it before fitting the hardware? Also, it doesn't matter I guess, but I think most just cut three holes at the bottom for intake.. Good luck with the build. Let's see pron!