Well,I haven't found a drum I want to use yet in my price range that I want to pay(free) but if it works I will probably use the lid off of my $29 cheap a$$ Chinese weber kettle knock-off. Otherwise if that lid don't work I am going to get 2 drums and weld an extra section to the bottom so that I can comfortably fit 2 cooking racks.

I'm not sure if I want to go with the magnets because I want to take this thing with me camping and other places and I am afraid that they will fall off and I won't have any way to control temps when I get to my destination.

Yes.............I worry about such things.

I stole this photo from JD up in Washington because I remember his intake system.
If you can see what he has done this may solve your dilemma.

Yeah, from what I can see, that looks pretty much like what I was thinking.

i i am new to the brethren. i have seen these uds in miller/welds, which brought me here. i just finished making one this past weekend on mothers day. i love this thing but i have tolearn more on how to use it. i will post pics of mine.

Save your money, HF step bits won't last 1 barrel...

Same concept but from the bottom and capable of much higher intake flows:

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSCN0288.jpg
my firtst burn
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSCN0293.jpghttp://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSCN0294.jpghttp://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSCN0296.jpg
first cook on mothers day
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSCN0297.jpg
my set up for that day
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSCN0298.jpg
2 half chickens, 3 tri tips,and 2 racks of ribs.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...f/DSCN0300.jpg

this the web site that showed me how to make my uds.
http://riverwalkerssurvivalgear.blog...er-barrel.html

Funny... I used mine on Stainless Steel beer Kegs and 4 Drums so far and countless other jobs, such as propane tanks (purged of course) If you take your time and dont cook the bit, they will do as well as they can.

Finished!
 

Finished my UDS. It would have been easier with a welder. The floor connector on the air intake went well. I may caulk it, some smoke did leak there.

Fired it up Sunday and it worked like a champ. Went to 225 and stayed there with the ball valve half cracked. Opened everything up and it went to 350. I only had about half a basket of charcoal in it. After 2 hours the handle was still cool enough to grab without a mitt (wood between handle and lid with stainless fasteners).

I could only let it go for about 2 hours. Do I need to cure it further before I cook in it?

I want to make baby backs next weekend. I need some old fashioned time and temp tips. I don't have a thermo that I can keep in there (maybe for Father's day). Also thinking about some pork steaks in there. Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks Iwasaseabee for the tip on the drum source.

Free Drum
 

Got a drum for somebody in the Detroit metro area. It is pre-drilled but needs a burning. I got the drum from a honey producer, he burned the drum but probably not enough. I live in an area where burning a pallet in the backyard will get you in serious crap. The drum has some dents, but the U does stand for ugly. If you are in the Troy area, send me a PM and it's yours.

Nice looking cooker. That barrel looks familiar!

Weiser, Isn't today tomorrow? :smile: Lets see it!

I am sure you are working on it. I am just excited to see the pics.

Pinghacker, Nice Drum there. I like the Idea of the wood under the handle. I also like the use of the flange where the riser pipe connects to the barrel to strengthen it and the hook on the side of the drum instead of on the inside of the lid.

Mine has a 2" exhaust in the center of the lid. I have a couple of extra lids and I am also going to try the 8 holes in the lid thing to see wich one I like better.

Some good thinking and workmanship there. Very nice

HotandCold,

The eats are looking good on the drum there. That has got to be the tallest riser I have ever seen for an intake. How does it work for you.