I guess I will post a tentative update on my drum, but it is still a work in process...

I attached a 12 volt dc 8cfm fan from Digikey ($8 plus postage) to an available bbq thermostat (the one that uses 12volt dc fans). It worked very well with a normal charcoal burn (allowing me to regulate the temp and even push it up to 350 w/o an issue. There was much rejoicing (abet the ABT's were a bit different with the fast cook)

When I did a twig burn (small sticks), I had to open up both plugs and it still struggled long and hard to get up to that temp. I only achieved after rotating the basket mid burn - the fire was very lopsided. I learned 2 things with that burn. 1) I highly suspect 8cfm will not handle that temp with damp twigs and 2) I need to change my intake (which might help the temps as well as the burn). However while the cook took longer than I wanted it too - it was mighty fine pecan smoked chicken.

What is the current consensus on intake hole height and the height of the basket bottom? I think if I could blow under the basket bottom I would get a much more even burn.

My barrels all run a 2" pipe to the bottom centre of my basket. I get a nice even burn and with all my experimenting this is the best for my UDS. However you don't see any commercial smokers doing this so a BGE vent on a UDS would probably do as well and look cleaner than plumbing hanging out. My basket is 2 1/2" off the bottom.

[QUOTE=country bear;1133793]Hey all!

There is a 2" chimney on the top and I am waiting for rain cap off an old tractor to come in the mail that will go on top as a damper.

Bear,

I am just getting started on my barrel and wonder if there is an advantage to one large exhaust or many small holes drilled into the lid? How much exhaust is too much exhaust? I don't know how anybody could read this thread and not want a UDS all their own..

Basket
 

I have a 17" diameter weber grate. I was planning to wrap it with expanded metal for the fire basket. Some on this thread have mentioned that this is too wide. Is there a perfect dimension for the fire basket

[QUOTE=rau916;1135349]I like having a single, closeable exhaust so I can shut the smoker down quickly after a cook. If you close all of the intakes and exhaust, the fire will shut down quickly, and you can salvage quite a bit of charcoal.

Yup I do what Mushcreek does then wait a few days then bag and store back in the UDS just to be safe.

"a BGE vent on a UDS would probably do as well and look cleaner than plumbing hanging out"

Use one on mine and works good.

Paul B
SS UDS

Bottom view:
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/z...DSCF5260-1.jpg

Thank you for the info, I would like to point out that I just got here tho,,,,lol
Always eager to learn

Sweet...:-P

I used the 17" weber grate and ran my expanded about 1 inch in from the edge. It works well, lots of room. The other day I did a tri tip at 300* and banked the coals on one side and placed the tritip so it was indirect. Fantastic. If the basket is too big you can always overlap it to make it smaller, if you don't weld it.

No issues with temp. I was foolin' with the valve and caps and got it to run between 250 and 320 depending where I set it. The only problem was that it seemed to burn out after 6-7 hours. Maybe I just need to play with it some more.

"Burning out" meaning all the charcoal was burned up, or the fire went out and plenty of coals were left unlit?

What is the design of your charcoal box? Did you shake it occasionally to keep the air intake from being blocked by ashes?

Where are you guy's getting the BGE vent's from:?:

BGE Stainless Draft Door
 

Also, Fred's Music and BBQ Supply has them for $40 for the large/medium. They have the small and Extra Large sizes too.

http://www.fredsmusicandbbq.com/STAI..._p/bgessmd.htm