Thanks Dr_KY and Barbarian ,

the pics really help and I can see by Barbarian's left over ash that I needed to consider the bits of charcoal that will fall through as well thats the basket and ash pan design I had in mind.

every time I see Barbarian and Nocoredneck upsidedown setup I really "jones" to build mine that way and considering jeffjenkens post

odds are that I will have a hard time getting to the bottom of things as well

Hook Line and Sinker

Don't you guys watch football? lol



http://media.mnginteractive.com/medi...0905barrel.jpg

I made my basket 14" square with a 1/1/2" ash pan then a 2" air space then a 5" deep basket on top. I also made a 10" dia X 8" tall basket to set inside the main basket for shorter cooks like with chicken or ribs. I also added a folding handle to make it easier to get the basket in or out.
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...0421Medium.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...0418Medium.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j..._0496Small.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j..._0501Small.jpg

Man you guys are so creative I just used a stainless dog water bowl. I need to learn how to weld.

OK I'm started on the gathering.
I scored a 13 in X 92 in peace of 3/4 in expanded metal and a 2 in X 92 inch length of 1/8 flat stock. that should be enough for the main basket and a smaller inner one too.

I stooped by the local drum re-conditioners and found that if you call and mention it's for a BBQ they think you mean horizontal, even if you mention otherwise. So "no we don't have any" to "will this work" was the change i wanted to hear ... Good news they have a fair number. I will pick one up Saturday. I am still tempted to go upside-down - they offered to take the bottom off a tight head drum which has the amber coating (I'm still with out a burn site ) or they said several of their closed drums have no inside coating and they would take both ends off, they have caps and rings that fit the bottoms / ends, albeit a bit loosely it seemed. What wisdom can anyone shed on this choice

I do have a MC size gas torch set but I used it only to do Air conditioning work - no welding - so I'm expecting to go bolt together all the way

HOW much noise does that harbor freight grass torch make ? these town houses are piled high and deep here - Will the Fire Dept be on the way if I fire up that torch?

perhaps I should bring a few buds (weiser) to the drum place to barter a burn out

Hook Line and Sinker

It sounds a little bit like a jet engine:lol: You will draw a croud using it. There is also a considerable smell of burning paint. I wouldn't recomend doing it in a residential neighborhood, but I know others have.

Well if you cut to bottom of the drum out like I did you don't have to crawl inside the drum. You also don't have to crawl inside to clean it out either, just pick it up and move it to the side.

Man OSD I wish I could weld like that!!!!!
There are several mods I want to do but the lack or welding skills and welder hold me back.

:lol: funny stuff.. Is this guy's name , Bronco Billy?

DRUM smoker LID
 

Are there any grill lids that will fit a drum besides a Weber?

I think a lot of the Weber knockoffs like charbroil, sears, etc will work .

My wife wants to know if it's his BBQ kilt! She just doesn't appreciate my kilts!

Those are BBQ gloves aren't they! I'm certain he cooks in that!

I have been looking for a Weber kettle lid for my drum smoker with no luck. But I can buy a whole weber grill for $40 and 90 miles away. Is this a deal or should I pass:?::roll:

Have them mail it to you.