The BBQ BRETHREN FORUMS.

The BBQ BRETHREN FORUMS. (https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/index.php)
-   Q-talk (https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=5)
-   -   Ugly Drum Smoker (https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23436)

Piedmont 01-22-2007 01:01 PM

Another approach to coal/ash access.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigmista
I try not to tend. If themps are hanging between 225 and 235 (like they usually do) I don't open the lid. At about 2.5 hours I'll check to see if they have pulled back. I'll check every half hour until they are ready to foil.

The mods I am thinking of making are putting wheels on it, having the holes drilled instead of burned thru and putting pipe fittings or something like that in there that is easier to close off, working out some type of hook system to raise the ash pan out of the cooker instead of reaching down into the barrel.

I have two suggestions for the ash pan/coal pan, cut out the bottom of the drum except cut about 1 inch away from the edge, then take a second drum, cut it off just below the lowest ring so that you have a squat drum that is completely open at the top, set the first drum on top of the squat drum (lower squat drum holds coals/ash) and you can than remove the top cooker at any time to have full access to the coals. Make sure the lower/squat drum is cut square so that it will seal as the top drum rests upon it.

Or, Using a second drum cut a door that is 1/2 larger than the opening, fasten on hinges then, make a seal with silicon around edge of door, then get a pull - latch to hold the door tight.

Regards,
Piedmont

Piedmont 01-22-2007 01:06 PM

How much briquettes are used?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomEmery
Talk to Big Mista You dont need the door The fire will last 16 hours if built right

How much briquettes are used for 16 hour burn? and, anyone figured out briquette amounts for 3 and 6 hour burn?

Regards,

Piedmont

Piedmont 01-22-2007 01:13 PM

Coated drum
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jgh1204
Well, I think this going down as a failure. As I said, the drum was used to hold apple juice concentrate. Whatever they used to coat the inside of the drum is putting off a funky smell.

Not gonna que in that.

It sounds like it is a standard steel drum but has a plastic coating to keep it from rusting from the acid in the apple juice and to keep the juice from tasting like rust. Burn it good and hot and you should burn off the plastic coating then you'll be fine! Any thing that is carbon based such as plastic will smply turn to carbon if burned good, just don't stand around and sniff the fumes while it burns off!!!

Regards,
Piedmont

Bigmista 01-22-2007 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piedmont
How much briquettes are used for 16 hour burn? and, anyone figured out briquette amounts for 3 and 6 hour burn?

Regards,

Piedmont

Round about 10lbs. Like I said I usually end up closing all of the holes and smothering the the fire. I've never burned all the way thru the coals.

thillin 01-22-2007 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgh1204
Now if I can just find a webber lid.

If you don't need a dome lid, check a restaurant supply. They sell pretty big flat lids. Or keep checking craigs list.

Bigmista 01-22-2007 05:23 PM

You only need the weber lid if you are cooking turkeys, whole chickens or really tall ribs in a rack.

jgh1204 01-23-2007 04:56 AM

Piedmont, thanks for the suggestions, but you are rapidly exceeding my metal working skills!

Yep, once I burned away that plastic coating, it was fine. It was a little discouraging at first, but the swamp, thom and mister encouraged me to continue and I am glad I did.

Norcoredneck 01-23-2007 01:26 PM

Here are pics. of my fire ring
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k2...Frri_ring2.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../Fire_ring.jpg

Bigmista 01-23-2007 01:34 PM

Interesting! Why did you go with taller and less wide?

jgh1204 01-23-2007 04:26 PM

He was inspired by Abe Lincoln!

jgh1204 01-23-2007 04:29 PM

Mista, do you use charcoal or lump. At the 9.5 hour mark, my temps just plummeted. I was cruising along at 235 then it dropped to 218 then 208 then 195 all within about 5 minutes.

The ash was choking out the fire. I had to take out the food and clean off the coals and it climbed back up to 230 pretty quickly. I was using Royal Oak.

I was thinking about using some lump, but all that is available here is Cowboy and mesquite lump. And personally, I dont like mesquite. I know you and others do.

Bigmista 01-23-2007 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgh1204
Mista, do you use charcoal or lump. At the 9.5 hour mark, my temps just plummeted. I was cruising along at 235 then it dropped to 218 then 208 then 195 all within about 5 minutes.

The ash was choking out the fire. I had to take out the food and clean off the coals and it climbed back up to 230 pretty quickly. I was using Royal Oak.

I was thinking about using some lump, but all that is available here is Cowboy and mesquite lump. And personally, I dont like mesquite. I know you and others do.

I use the mesquite lump. i guess that might be the only time the door really comes in handy. I can reach in and shake the charcoal basket so the ash will fall without moving the grates.

Norcoredneck 01-23-2007 04:42 PM

Mista, ring is 9" tall because material I had was that and I was lazy that day. Went narrow on flat part again because of scrap. Works out because long side centers in barrel short side clears thermometer sticking in side. Going to work on lift out charcoal pan like Mistas. Feeling old these days and tipping drum into trash can is sort of pain.

Norcoredneck 01-23-2007 04:46 PM

[quote=jgh1204]The ash was choking out the fire. I had to take out the food and clean off the coals and it climbed back up to 230 pretty quickly. I was using Royal Oak.quote]

Back in past thread Thirdeye posted a set of jiggler hooks he made to shake the basket in his original BDS.

bbqjoe 01-23-2007 04:48 PM

My very first smoker was a trash can, experiment, experiment


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:22 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
2003 -2012 © BBQ-Brethren Inc. All rights reserved. All Content and Flaming Pig Logo are registered and protected under U.S and International Copyright and Trademarks. Content Within this Website Is Property of BBQ Brethren Inc. Reproduction or alteration is strictly prohibited.