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-   -   Ugly Drum Smoker (https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23436)

pahutchens 12-29-2009 11:46 AM

What no more posts to read :!: :frown:
I thought that this would be the elusive never ending quest as I saw more page numbers added when ever I could sneak away some screen time.
I'm ready to build, have a lead on at least one weber donor and a couple of drum suppliers. Will stay away from the red and tan lined to much work for me. I'd probably get stuck in the barrel trying to reach the bottom, plenty tall but even more round.
I've already convinced a friend to become a fellow drum head, we will build together.
Of course he has the truck, the welder, the safe place to burn, heated shop :icon_smil etc and a broken hand. So I may be some help to him.

Best thing is I will no longer be a gass passer when I smoke (except for beer byproducts):icon_sick
I'll also be able to make MOINKS that would be certifiable, if certification was still possible.
I know no pictures, never happened so I will do my best to document the events.

Thanks to all the tolerant and patiently repeated advise through out the thread. It will be a KISS UDS with Beer opener(s)

stiffy 12-29-2009 12:39 PM

The 24" is needed to properly smoke without a water pan present. Lower and the meat cooks too quickly. I have seen people do the 2" below bottom of charcoal grate, and then measure 9" down from top and put first grate, but you can do whatever you like.
Quote:

But before I add my cooking grate I would like to know why the 24" distance between top and bottom grate's, if I dropped the grate down another inch or two I think it would clear a turkey I have, its not a big deal as it may be the only turkey I ever cook on it but 22-23" how would it differ in performance?

MushCreek 12-29-2009 01:40 PM

If you're building new, give some serious consideration to the set-up I made so my UDS doubles as a grill. I have two levels of U-bolts for grates, one about 2" from the top, the other about 8" from the top. I made my fire basket with three brackets which line up with the U-bolts, so you can mount the fire basket right below the upper grate for grilling. I welded a short stud on the bottom of each bracket, so it can't get accidently knocked off of the U-bolts. I actually do more grilling than smoking, and the UDS works fine set-up this way. It also sets the fire basket at a handy level for loading and starting. I have a handle on it, so I can then just lower it to the bottom of the drum when smoking. If I do a minion start, I don't even need gloves to lower it, as long as I do it right away.

On Christmas, I cooked a 4 bone prime rib on the UDS. I smoked it @ 200* for 4-1/2 hours, foiled it for 1/2 an hour, and while it was foiled, I moved my fire basket to the upper, grilling position, and let it fully ignite. By the time the meat came out of the foil, I had a good hot fire to sear the roast. With the lid on it, my UDS was reading 525* for the searing. Two different types of cooking on one grill! I only really have room for one grill in my yard, so my UDS has to do double duty. (OK, my wife has a gasser, but we won't mention that). I actually gave away my beloved old Weber kettle once I had the UDS figured out.

wingnut 12-29-2009 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetfxr27 (Post 1125111)
That aint no UDS, thats BAMFDS!
I need to make another. Like the K blue bag in the box. This truly is a perfect gift for someone. It looks very Professional. If I could change anything, (and I hate to even say it) , it would be the Wally world Thermo. That thing deserves a big 5 incher.

Good feedback. Nice job spotting the Kingsford. I'm including a bag with each one I make for buddies (easy to do when they're only $1.50 with the coupon at walmart for the big bag).

I'm thinking about making a few more of these and selling them. Note taken on the thermo. I'll upgrade it. I'm also going to use brand new drums for the ones I sell (bought 6 new drums yesterday - ouch - spendy). But, I don't want to risk the liability with anything possibly residue in the reconditioned or used drums and someone claiming it made them sick or something (although personally I think they're fine and use them myself).

I'm also going to offer the regular flat top lid with 8 holes, and then the bling edition chrome smoke stack as an option for those who want that.

Long live the UDS!

Marty 12-29-2009 07:26 PM

started by uds build today

Marty 12-30-2009 05:56 AM

where do you measure your 24 inches from ? from the top of the charcoal basket or from the bottom of the basket?

HeSmellsLikeSmoke 12-30-2009 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty (Post 1129181)
where do you measure your 24 inches from ? from the top of the charcoal basket or from the bottom of the basket?

Although it makes no sense to me since baskets of different height put the heat at different distances from the meat, the answer is from the bottom of the basket.

highchief 12-30-2009 05:08 PM

To continue with the progression of my barrel from my previous post back a few pages: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...postcount=4450

I've given it a little flame paint job as a reward for the delicious ribs...
1st we tape
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...S/IMG_1486.jpg
then we draw and cut out each line with razor blades
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...S/IMG_1487.jpg
then we paint it with high temp paint and peel off the tape
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...S/IMG_1635.jpg

Next up are wheels and a shelf. I'm getting tired of carrying it around.

BBQ-Jim 12-30-2009 07:45 PM

Here is last weekends mission, to install a rotisserie into this drum

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...9/P1010007.jpg


Here is all the pieces


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...9/P1010009.jpg


Motor and bracket installed


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...9/P1010016.jpg



Handle side bracket


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...9/P1010015.jpg


Another view of the bracket


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...9/P1010013.jpg



Finished, Food pron to follow soon !


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...9/P1010012.jpg

Toploader 12-30-2009 11:31 PM

Nice job on the flames! I gotta re-paint mine soon....lid fell in the dirt I was so pissed, said fark it and painted over it. :roll:

Rotisserie is a nice addition BBQ Jim!

BlkJeep 12-31-2009 09:07 AM

Nice rolling setup! That will kick out some juicy pron!!

Pole D 12-31-2009 11:12 AM

Is pvc ok for the smoke stack?

AUCE98 12-31-2009 11:38 PM

If anyone is in the Atlanta area knows of a good place to get a reconditioned drum, it would be much appreciated.

Happy New Year.

Rich Parker 01-01-2010 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pole D (Post 1130468)
Is pvc ok for the smoke stack?

Probably not the best choice but I don't think it would get hot enough to melt being a smoke stack. Post pics.

MushCreek 01-01-2010 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pole D (Post 1130468)
Is pvc ok for the smoke stack?

It depend on how you plan to use your UDS, but I wouldn't. Here's a picture of mine @ 525* for searing a roast I smoked. At 525, PVC is.... a liquid!
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k1...e/IMGP5298.jpg

Raku 01-01-2010 02:29 PM

Just found this site, got a drum setting in my shop and hope to have it burned out today!

MushCreek 01-01-2010 04:40 PM

Welcome aboard! What better way to start the New Year than burnin' out a barrel? Make SURE you take some pics, or you'll never hear the end of it around here!

stiffy 01-01-2010 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MushCreek (Post 1131204)
It depend on how you plan to use your UDS, but I wouldn't. Here's a picture of mine @ 525* for searing a roast I smoked. At 525, PVC is.... a liquid!

I agree if you are just gonna be smoking under 300* then PVC might be fine, but if you are gonna do a wide range of stuff with it then use metal.

SmokedJohnson 01-01-2010 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgh1204 (Post 335833)
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.

I've had that problem a couple times. Just burn it hotter and longer it will burn off without a smell. Give it some breathing holes in the bottom so it can warm up.

hath 01-02-2010 11:07 AM

Paint
 
Been trying to find a high gloss hi temp paint.... you folks with that kind of paint mind telling me the kind and place to buy? thank you... this forum has been a wealth of info.

Stef 01-02-2010 01:02 PM

You can get Dupli-Color engine paint at any halfway decent auto parts store.

Emil 01-02-2010 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hath (Post 1132087)
Been trying to find a high gloss hi temp paint.... you folks with that kind of paint mind telling me the kind and place to buy? thank you... this forum has been a wealth of info.


Since were talking about paint. My first UDS I used high temp engine paint....... worked just great. Was in Wally World last week(charcoal coupon run) and killing time so I was checking out all their spray paint. They have so many types, colors and textures of paint. Any one paint their UDS with regular paint and have it hold up? I know they can get hot but it's not like when burning the barrel out with flames going up the sides. Thanks

hath 01-02-2010 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stef (Post 1132246)
You can get Dupli-Color engine paint at any halfway decent auto parts store.



and I assume it will hold up to the heat then?...

Stef 01-02-2010 05:36 PM

No, I suggested it in the hopes you would buy it, have it fail, and then we'd all have a good laugh about it. :roll:

hath 01-02-2010 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stef (Post 1132433)
No, I suggested it in the hopes you would buy it, have it fail, and then we'd all have a good laugh about it. :roll:


Point taken...sorry bout that... thanks for the info.

Stef 01-02-2010 06:36 PM

I just rechecked their website, it says the engine paint is good to 500 degrees. If you ever plan to crank it higher than that, they also have a high heat paintthat's good to 1200 degrees, but it comes in considerably fewer colors.

Toyotatruckin 01-02-2010 10:56 PM

Well grates came in at 23 1/4 apart so I got close to the 24 mark ;) again want to thank the board for all the info here and this is my finished smoker---MAY add an ash pan but a garden hoe with rounded ends is what ill most likely use..
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/P1020233.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/P1020234.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/P1020235.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/P1020236.jpg

highchief 01-03-2010 07:13 AM

For the high gloss look you should high temp paint it however you like and then hit it with the high temp clear coat.

h20loo 01-03-2010 07:34 AM

I use automotive paint in enamel or what ever I have or can get cheap at liquidators and it holds up without issue. I have never used spray cans though. I don't know how the new water based paints hold up but I would assume they are good. I will find out next week as I have a deal with a local bodyshop to paint my barrels with what ever they have in the gun. Should be interesting. I think that when you see a barrel with heat damaged paint that the cause may have been an unattended fire in a large diameter basket. For me with a wide open 2" intake and 2" exhaust , 16" basket- I don't think I could damage my paint. At least I haven't yet.

HeSmellsLikeSmoke 01-03-2010 10:25 AM

JD all your UDS Pics are gone
 
JD, any way you can reactivate links to the missing pics in this thread? I remember seeing them when you put them up the first time, and think they are a very worthwhile contribution, especially for the newbies.

JD McGee 01-03-2010 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeSmellsLikeSmoke (Post 1133095)
JD, any way you can reactivate links to the missing pics in this thread? I remember seeing them when you put them up the first time, and think they are a very worthwhile contribution, especially for the newbies.

Thanks for the PM Jim...I'll look into it...:?::?::?:

JD

I think I fixed it...Photobucket did some website updates and somehow a lot of my my links were deactivated...:roll:

HeSmellsLikeSmoke 01-03-2010 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD McGee (Post 1133104)
Thanks for the PM Jim...I'll look into it...:?::?::?:

JD

I think I fixed it...Photobucket did some website updates and somehow a lot of my my links were deactivated...:roll:

Dang JD, even after you fixed it, there are some major ones still unlinked. There may be more, but here are some that I have found so far during my second read through of the thread.

Posts:
#1228 p.82
#1252 p.84
#1805 p.121
#2027 p.136
#2031 p.136
#2087 p.140
#2090 p.140
#2274 p.152

I am very interested whether or not the single, BGE style, inlet works as far as heat distribution. I am considering using the idea for my new Stainless Drum.

tntjz3 01-03-2010 04:13 PM

UDS exhaust question
 
Hello, I'm new to the forum. I have read 50% of the UDS thread WOW, lots of info. I have not seen anyone run a exhaust down past the lid, like to the grate. Is this a bad idea? I ran mine on my offset down to the grate, but its like apples to oranges.

Meat Burner 01-03-2010 04:51 PM

tnt, you don't need to redistribute the air flow in a drum like an offset as it is very even by design. Also, you would loose a large cooking area at the grate. A packer probably would not fit in the drum if you did that. That possible could cause a ho spot as well. Never hurts to ask.

tntjz3 01-03-2010 05:15 PM

Thanks Meat Burner. Another question, Does the ball valve work the best? I like the way Toyotatruckin has his set up. The less I bend over the better.

h20loo 01-03-2010 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeSmellsLikeSmoke (Post 1133285)
I am very interested whether or not the single, BGE style, inlet works as far as heat distribution. I am considering using the idea for my new Stainless Drum.

I don't know why people put a bunch of holes in their drums. Then they cook with just one tap open. You don't see four holes and taps sticking out of any commercial smokers. I run one 2" intake with a magnet cover and it works awesome. My favorite is to run a pipe to the centre under my basket so the air draws straight up through the basket and I get a nice even burn no matter what temp I cook at.
Having said this I do realize that the neat thing about a UDS is you can build it however you want.

JD McGee 01-03-2010 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h20loo (Post 1133629)
I don't know why people put a bunch of holes in their drums. Then they cook with just one tap open. You don't see four holes and taps sticking out of any commercial smokers. I run one 2" intake with a magnet cover and it works awesome. My favorite is to run a pipe to the centre under my basket so the air draws straight up through the basket and I get a nice even burn no matter what temp I cook at.
Having said this I do realize that the neat thing about a UDS is you can build it however you want.

I use a 2x4 inch sliding intake on my drums...:cool:

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...Q/IMG_0064.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...Q/IMG_7233.jpg

Paul B 01-03-2010 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeSmellsLikeSmoke (Post 1133285)
Dang JD, even after you fixed it, there are some major ones still unlinked. There may be more, but here are some that I have found so far during my second read through of the thread.

Posts:
#1228 p.82
#1252 p.84
#1805 p.121
#2027 p.136
#2031 p.136
#2087 p.140
#2090 p.140
#2274 p.152

I am very interested whether or not the single, BGE style, inlet works as far as heat distribution. I am considering using the idea for my new Stainless Drum.

My BGE style intake works great....actually it is a BGE intake!! :biggrin::biggrin:

Paul B
SS UDS

country bear 01-03-2010 10:57 PM

Just finished!
 
Hey all!

Just finished my UDS and am currently seasoning it with hickory! Finally! I made the mistake of picking up a drum with epoxy liner cause I didn't read enough posts before starting. Let that be a lesson to the next guy... It's hell getting that stuff out. Typical setup. 3 X 3/4" inlets with one attached to a draw pipe with ball valve. I built a shelf on the side and attached a bottle opener. I installed a 3" River Country thermometer on the front. 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. Inside are two weber 22.5" grills and a charcoal basket made out of expanded steel and attached to an 8" smokey joe charcoal grate. I painted it with high temp flat black. Looking forward to using it!

http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/w...ebaney/uds.jpg

JiveTurkey 01-04-2010 12:30 AM

Nice drum Bear. Any issues with temp control from the intake being so high?

Toyotatruckin 01-04-2010 12:55 AM

Hey bear same gauge I bought 3" adjustable River Country ebay 18.95 shipped, nicer and cheaper than the last temp gauge I bought local---
Quote:

I don't know why people put a bunch of holes in their drums. Then they cook with just one tap open. You don't see four holes and taps sticking out of any commercial smokers. I run one 2" intake with a magnet cover and it works awesome. My favorite is to run a pipe to the centre under my basket so the air draws straight up through the basket and I get a nice even burn no matter what temp I cook at.
Having said this I do realize that the neat thing about a UDS is you can build it however you want.
I placed my 2 1/4" intake pipe on mine and put 2 --3/4 intakes capped JUST IN CASE--didnt want to go back later for any reason and 15 min of drilling/welding and the 3 or 4 bucks i spent didnt kill me any

country bear 01-04-2010 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiveTurkey (Post 1133842)
Nice drum Bear. Any issues with temp control from the intake being so high?

so far so good. I have to do more testing before I throw a $20 piece of meat on it. :grin: I'll keep you posted.

country bear 01-04-2010 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toyotatruckin (Post 1133849)
Hey bear same gauge I bought 3" adjustable River Country ebay 18.95 shipped, nicer and cheaper than the last temp gauge I bought local---


I placed my 2 1/4" intake pipe on mine and put 2 --3/4 intakes capped JUST IN CASE--didnt want to go back later for any reason and 15 min of drilling/welding and the 3 or 4 bucks i spent didnt kill me any

Yeah, so far the gauge has been great. That is a huge intake pipe! Work well? I just hope I dont have to size mine up.

JiveTurkey 01-04-2010 06:10 PM

I'll keep that guage in mind as well. I just bought a Spicewine that was $20 but was 10 frikkin bucks just to ship it! I can buy a nice butt with $10!

Rich Parker 01-04-2010 06:30 PM

Nice drum country bear!

bingo1912 01-04-2010 06:39 PM

Nice drum Bear.
I particularly like the high temp paint. keeps it from getting discoloration all over it, although it would be nice if the paint manufacturers could come up with something other than black.
G

bingo1912 01-04-2010 06:40 PM

Very Kewl design. Thanks for sharing.

Toyotatruckin 01-04-2010 08:37 PM

Quote:

Yeah, so far the gauge has been great. That is a huge intake pipe! Work well? I just hope I dont have to size mine up.
it should be plenty, I have a welder so the set-up I have cost much less than buying a ball valve. Saved money on the chain handle to ---FREE---I should be giving it the test run this weekend (possibly sooner) and will report back on how it works--uncle-in-law raises pigs so I think I may raid his freezer!!

jcinadr 01-05-2010 01:23 PM

It was mentioned a couple hundred pages ago:rolleyes:, that automotive engine paint comes in multiple colors and can withstand high temps.

stiffy 01-05-2010 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo1912 (Post 1134450)
Nice drum Bear.
I particularly like the high temp paint. keeps it from getting discoloration all over it, although it would be nice if the paint manufacturers could come up with something other than black.
G

Just use any engine paint that you could pick up at your local automotive store, those are heat resistant also.


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