Locating a suitable UDS drum

I've read much of the primary UDS thread and saw the thread about drum sources by state, but for those who wanted a UDS and prioritize safety but were averse to a large burn out and didn't have any of the requisite drum-prepping tools (i.e. weed burner, sander, etc) where did you source your drum from?

I've been looking on CL with no luck, I've seen one or two sketchy looking drums on eBay and have inquiries into several area companies but I'd like to either have something shipped or find a supplier close to home. So far, the best I can find is a new unlined drum online, but even these still have the mysterious rust inhibitor (which I recognize is needed during shipping) but that I can't seem to find any info on and I'd rather not trigger any complaints from nosy neighbors or a friendly visit from the fire department by creating a blazing hot fire in my back yard just to remove the obnoxious coating; though I get that to many, it's a right of passage of sorts.

I've also looked into sandblasting places and should have one estimate shortly. But at this point, I'd seriously consider paying for the burnout and sandblasting, plus the shipping as this would alleviate potential headaches in advance and even with the higher cost, I'd still bet that it'd be less than the $400 for a 21.5" WSM. Of course, the other alternative is to go the SS route, like from Bubba's Barrels, which I'm still thinking about, but it'd obviously be more expensive and I've read that the SS tears up step bits so I might have issues drilling holes.

What have other folks done? I've modded out my ECB as much as I can (it's actually UDS-like) and I'm ready for another challenge. Just need to locate a properly prepped drum. Thanks in advance.

Fwismoker said:

I wouldn't hesitate to use a weed burner to prep a barrel.

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Yeah, I suppose I could spring for the weed burner from Harbor Freight, but I'd also have to pick up a propane tank, plus the propane and this might work since I don't really have any place that's isolated enough where I could do a burn of that magnitude without risking unwanted attention. I was hoping to order one, and have the burnout and/or sandblasting done before I had the drum shipped.

Will sandblasting the inside and outside be sufficient?

As popular as the UDS is and as cheap as drums are, I'm mildly surprised there isn't a drum vendor who sells drums that are closer to being UDS-ready where all you have to do is spray on some hi temp paint and apply a coat of oil to the inside.

Anyway, I'll keep looking or revisit the SS route. I've read other stories about folks who've had similar lengthy searches for a drum, so that's just the way it goes.

Thanks for the feedback. I had reached out to the Cary Company to see about getting an unpainted, unlined drum with no rust inhibitor and no EPDM lid gasket and there was a minimum order of 20. But ordering one unlined, painted drum shouldn't be a problem. Also, the Cary drum is rated to 325 deg F. which is a tad on the low side.

I'm also talking with EBK Containers and Basco.

This was the sandblaster I've found: http://www.dakecoblasting.com/. I'm waiting on a quote but assuming they can do the inside and outside, I can give the inside a good wash and oil coat and slap some BBQ paint on the outside.

I noticed the pit barrel cooker but it looked it was only 30 gallons and I'd prefer the UDS. Just need to have some patience while tracking down the right drum. I'm hoping the sandblasting cost isn't too outrageous. Thanks for the advice so far though.