My UDS, done! First cook tonite!

[keale]

Well, I'm finally done...almost, I'm working on a lid, using another barrel, I can't find a weber cover, thats what you get for living on a island!
I want to STATE tha this was done my someone who is "Mechanically Disabled". No welding, or torch was used, ( I probably would have burned myself or the house down). I used a jigsaw, drill, grinder, file, pliers, and thats about it.
So no excuses, for whoever wants to build one...If I can, really anyone can!
Its not the prettiest, I know, but I really got a kick out of building it!
As for the color, my daughter helped me pick it, I wanted something different, and that would stand out...I couldn't find Hot Pink...so...
My first cook is tonite, 3 butts, ribs, and maybe a chuck roast,(can't find brisket over here) So people, start sending the advice! I know the food cooks quicker, what is the time range for butts, and when does the ribs go in...I want to be brave and start @ night be ready for lunch/brunch...

I want to thank these guys for helping, sorry if I missed anyone....
SMOKIN GATOR, BIGMISTA, DEEZ, TONY, THIRDEYE, MODELMAKER, I PMed them to death! Thanks guys...

[keale]

sorry the pics are so huge, add computer disabled to that list...
whats a Firt?

[motley que]

looks good. go to any auto parts store and find engine/caliper paint if you want funky colors. heck some walmarts even have them. they are for up to 500 so you should be ok

[Lakeside Smoker]

Looks great man! Nice job. Please post some food pics of the first cook.

Mike

[Single Fin Smoker]

Keale your a UDS stud!!!

Congrats man! Food pics to follow please!

[Norcoredneck]

Reminds me of.......




Cook on brother!

[keale]

Started the fire about 11:30pm..., its almost 12:30, my temps are low, very low, had it about 230, put on the meat, and temps down, I know its common, but I'm gettin a hard time bringing it back up, all nippples open, even took off the ball valve... I know everyone is crashed out, but any advice would be great, I took off the lid for a little while to get the coals on fire again...will keep you posted

ROY

[swamprb]

Try giving the coals a shake, the ashes may be building up and not getting enough air circulation. That usually does it for me.

Brian

[jv431]

Good job on the UDS. I hope your cook has done OK. I think generally shaking the build up of ashes out like swamprb said will get your temps up. Also if you are using just the thermometer in the lid like it is in the photos, you know the temp will be higher at the cooking level. You may be using a digital thermometer at grate level to get your temp, if not I would suggest that. I would personally mount one at grate level. I like your drum and color. Nice job.

[tony76248]

Yes give the coals a shake or stir and that will bring the temps way up. You did a nice job. Those butts may take up to 15 hours depending on how big they are and what temps you can maintain. You also might finish them in the oven if you get to that. Also, if you are looking you aint cooking. The ribs I would go with the 3-2-1 method. Three hours with smoke, two hours wrapped in foil, then final hour smoke. Adjust those times accordingly, they are based on 225 degrees. I would take them off when the meat draws up on the bone about 1/2-3/4" or when you can give a bone a twist and it pulls right out.

Have a catfish cookoff today with DeeZ, wish us luck and I will check your post when we get home. I will tell DeeZ if he hasn't already seen your post.

[keale]

Thanks Tony, The temp is going up slowly, I'm tired! its 1:00 am!
I got crazy and said , my first cook will be at night!
Good Luck on you contest! Sound interesting! I have pics of my other lid, made out of another barrel...will post later....

[Smokin Gator]

Roy,

As long as you are over 200 you are alright. When you put that much on the drum it seems to take a while at first. My theory is there is so much moisture at first that the coals have a hard time igniting. Yesterday I did 5 beer can chickens. I knew it would be a tight fit so I used more briqs in the chimney to start and let the temps get hotter than I normally would before I put the birds on. It seemed to work... I didn't get as much of that temp struggle right at the beginning.

PM me your number when you get up... I'd like to know how it is going.

[icemn62]

Originally Posted by keale

I used a jigsaw, drill, grinder, file, pliers,

I don't even have those tools. I am still the most mechanically challenged brethren member.

The is a good lookin Drum smoker. I would keep it that color if possible.
Hope the cook came out okay, looking forward to the finished report and pics.

[keale]

Thanks Gary, even if doesn't work, at least it looks nice! Just like when I play golf, I play crappy, but at least I look good, well...Thats just my opinon anyway, I'm going to bed its 2:20am!
Will send pics, need to go by my office later to do it...

[Scrooge Fan]

Looks like good work, Keale. Nothing more fun than building your own cooker. Then, after your first cook you get to tinker with it. You know, like a hook or two to hang grilling tools. Maybe you could cut a piece off a broom stick, cut it in half, and screw it on both sides of your handle to diffuse the heat. If there's room. If your sabre saw hasn't completly rusted away. Wow! That salt air is not kind to tools.

Although I haven't done it yet myself, I think a home built cooker should have a name and picture on it. You know-personalize it. I'll bet you can get some wild suggestions from this group.

It's hard to see your firebox in the pictures. Did you just make a basket from expanded metal?

Let us know how your firt cook came out. Sorry. Couldn't resist.