First Butt on my new UDS
 

I posted my first cook on my UDS already but I did my first butt today and I just had to post it here on the mother of all drum threads. If it wasn't for this thread and the brethren and sisters here, I would not be the proud owner of a UDS. Hope you enjoy!
Harold

Good job! How was the pulled pork?

It was very good! It may have actually been a little over done, but I will get it down with more practice :wink:

So far.... I'm on page 74...... I have a long way to go.....


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I am here: Google Maps

Fire Basket size ?
 

Got my expanded metal and 18.5 Weber charcoal grate. Cut my metal in half it is now 2 - 12"X24" pieces. Should I place it around grate to make it 12" deep X 13.5" around with bolts for 3" feet or 3" up to make it 9"X13.5" to give me 3" clearance for ash? Whats best for long cooks?

Also I found these at Lowes to cap the pipe nipples. They are brass garden hose caps and the seal the nipples real nice and won't rust. only $1.58 ea

If you put the grate 3" up you can just use the mesh as "feet". 3" of clearance seems to be about right for ash buildup.

I forgot to say nice find on the caps. I wish I had seen those. I spent a lot more on brass pipe caps.

I just put my grate 3" up in the expanded metal ring. This has the added advantage of making a 3" deep charcoal pan for putting underneath the top grate and using the UDS as a grill. I just added a third grate level at 15" beneath the top grate. That works perfect for the charcoal basket (upside down) to sit on in the grilling configuration. It's also the perfect height for a water pan if you're so inclined. It's amazing the versatility you can add just by using the bolts you were going to use for the feet to add a third grate level. Let me know if this doesn't make sense. It is much easier to do than to describe...

I like this idea where you can flip the basket. I'll convert my spare deep basket to do this and get rid of the bolts.

I got it thats a great idea. Thanks for the input. After reading 485 pages you tend to go into info overload but I shall read it all!

Here is a link to a couple of photos on Flickr. The controller is a PitmasterIQ. You just plug it into the wall or it has a 12v adapter as well. It also has a pit probe that connects to the cooking grate. Very simple:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2749015...635119/detail/

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/br...1&d=1322536754I like the hose caps!

Well I'am just about done with my new UDS! Got alot of new & good idea's here on The BBQ Brethren & I thank you All, Hud.http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/at...1&d=1322767388

What department did you find those in? I likey, no rust and they look sharp. Def. would compliment the brass ball valve.

Plumbing - H.D.