Hey Weiser, what is that handle on you UDS????

Andyll: just starting bbq with a UDS.. just finished my first of four for comp cooking.

Andyll

I have two bags that are next up for use.

Yes. It seems to burn a little hotter so start less and be prepared to use less intake air. Keep a close eye on warmup so that you can catch the temp on the rise to get it to where you want it. It also has a lighter (airer) consistency so shake the basket to pack it down to help control the burn.

Smells great!!

Dave

Barbarian, I wanted to build this UDS for less than 50 bucks so I did a bit
of scrounging through the junk that I had on hand.
The handle is actually a line hook from an old cruiser we had. It works really well as a handle and a lid hanger.

I also found an old metal milk crate which made a perfect no weld firebox.

Weiser

Hi all, I have a couple of questions on my UDS build that hopefully some of you more experienced folks can help me with.

First off, i am pretty much following norcorednecks guide with the (3) 3/4" intakes, etc. I guess i misread the size of the charcoal grate and I got the bigger one (~17" in diameter vs 13.5" dia). This is obviously going to make my charcoal basket a lot wider. Will this have an impact on performance since the standard load of 10lb will lay shorter and wider?

Second, Is there a standard "Known good" method for doing an exaust stack? (2" black iron? how long, etc?) I dont want to end up with hot spots, etc... I would do the 8 hole method, but I have a habbit of not putting on the bbq cover and the rain would make its way through the lid holes and into the pit...making a mess.. I figure with a stack I can avoid the rain/water issues.


Third issue. I have seen several interpretations of the 24" grate height rule. I thought it was from the top of my charcoal basket (or charcoal height i guess). Sounded good until i measured it out on my 35" tall barrel...The grate would have to be at lid level for that to work :( Then i have seen it stated that it is charcoal grate to food grate...That helps (it doesnt make sense to me what the charcoal grate has to do with it though). Anyways...i ended up just going 6.5" down from top of the barrel as its as high as i can go and still get pork butts on it. Anyone have a 35" drum with this setup that can comment on how being closer than 24" affects things?

Thanks all,
JD



Thanks all,
JD

I haven't, as for charcoal reviews (primarily lump) take a look at http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lump.htm

I finally finished this thread and It's been pretty enlightening. I saw somebody reference possibly using a char-broil kettle lid on a UDS, has anybody had any success with that?

I have a bigger charcoal grate too, but I rolled the mesh into the correct size and welded it there. I tried it on the perimeter of the grate, but it was too wide and low, and did not seem to burn evenly. The fire seems to burn up and down easier than side to side. I am also thinking about modifying my charcoal basket so the bottom slopes in. I was thinking about running some of the mesh(expanded lath) along the bottom at a 45 degree angle to act more like a funnel. I seem to end up with a lot of unburned coals at the end of a smoke. I was thinking if they funnel towards the center it might encourage a more even burn. And require less charcoal for the shorter (5-7 hour) smokes.

I can't comment on the exhaust, because I went with the 8 hole option. I have been pulling the UDS into the garage when not in use, but that will change as soon as I sew up a cover for it.

My opinion on the 24 inches from the fire grate to the first food rack is that it is not an unbreakable rule, just a good approximation. I don't think your UDS will cook bad food if your rack is at 23 inches. But I could be wrong.:lol:

brass nipples
 

Hi all,

Just finished reading the entire thread - wow, what a read!

Is there any problem in using 3/4 inch brass nipples for the intakes, or is brass a no-no?

Thanks

Breaky

brass would probably work fine.

Brass is fine.

Brass kinda stings my nipples.:rolleyes:

Will be fine. Actually won't rust like mine.

You need to warm the brass up first... that is the reason the brass monkeys are the way they are!

Great lookin grub. Your lid tightening setup looks a little dangerous though.