Buds

[biffleg]

BUDS = Biffle's Ugly Drum Smoker

Dad and I finished my 90% of my drum smoker yesterday. If you have any doubts about whether or not you could build one of these - stop worrying - very easy. Here are a couple of pics as we went through the process:

First - drilled 1/4" hole - followed by 1/2" hole - followed by purchase of step bit. If you're going to build one - definitely pick up a step bit.

Next is a picture of the 1/2" pipe nipple with electricians locknut installed.

Picture of 22 1/2" rack sitting on (4) 1/2" pipe nipples.

Picture of both racks installed. Top rack installed 24" above charcoal rack.

Picture of carriage bolt installed to hold top rack. Had to use two washers on outside to cover non-threaded part of bolt - I think it looks good the way it stands out.

One lesson I learned while building this one ... I marked three inches from the bottom for the pipe nipples - next time I would put them closer to the bottom. I could really use the extra space at the top to try to squeeze in a second rack. We may also put a small weld on the pipe nipples - not sure if the electricians nut is going to hold the ball valve.

Other than that - it's coming right along. Trying to locate some expanded metal to put together two charcoal baskets (big and small). If anyone is going to be at a Home Depot and you know they carry it - can you grab the part or item number - mine doesn't seem to think they carry it.

Thanks for the help the Brethren has provided to get me to this point! Look forward to the first burn with it!

 

[Brauma]

Looks great Biffleg. Is that a brandy new barrel?

 

[Bigmista]

Looks great! Way to go!

 

[biffleg]

Looks great Biffleg. Is that a brandy new barrel?

It is ... it's good to know people (total cost of drum: $0) :biggrin: Might be able to get a couple more! Let me see - one for pork, one for brisket, one for ribs and one for chicken - yeah - I'll need about three more :wink: Getting ahead of myself - let me try to master one first!

 

[Plowboy]

for the three bottom pipes that didn't have the ball valve, how did you cap them?

 

[JamesB]

That's awesome to be able to start with a virgin barrel! I'm currently looking for a decent barrel to build my next Ugly Barrel Cooker...

James.

 

[swamprb]

Nice work on the BUDS and the tutorial! I can assure you the second drum will go much smoother, the third, you'll be able to do with your eyes closed!!

Brian

 

[biffleg]

for the three bottom pipes that didn't have the ball valve, how did you cap them?

Pipe nipple caps. If needed I'll take a pic of one. I found them in the same area as the pipe nipples at Lowes/Home Depot.

 

[Oldbob]

Lookin Good Biff!! Keep us Posted with Pics!!

 

[tony76248]

Is the drum stainless steel or galvanized (don't think it is but had to ask)? Does it require painting to prevent rust?

 

[HeSmellsLikeSmoke]

Nothing ugly about that. You might have to come up with another name for it.

 

[Smokin Gator]

Wow... I am impressed that turned out really nicely.

BTW... I agree you can put the pipe nipples closer to the bottom. Also, at our HD they didn't think they carried expanded metal either. I finally found someone who located it next to some metal rods. I will look to see if I still have the #.

 

[biffleg]

Is the drum stainless steel or galvanized (don't think it is but had to ask)? Does it require painting to prevent rust?

I thought it was stainless steel at first - but Dad says no - just plain 'ole unpainted steel. Definitely not galvanized though.

Your second question is one I was going to ask everyone - what would happen if I didn't paint it? Discolor from the heat and rust would be my first two thoughts.

 

[biffleg]

I will look to see if I still have the #.

Thanks Brent ... please let me know if you find anything.

 

[tony76248]

I was thinking that it will probably need a coat of primer first then a nice coat of enamel. Then follow-up with a nice seasoning to get rid of the smell. Just my thought....hmmmm actually a good seasoning will probably take care of the interior but the outside will definitely require painting or it will rust then become an eyesore plus it will be dirty to move around when required. Also, rust does not come out of clothing easily.

 

[big brother smoke]

Nice weapon!

 

[Mark]

Looks great. One question: Do you really need a drain valve at the bottom?

 

[biffleg]

Looks great. One question: Do you really need a drain valve at the bottom?

I don't guess you need to ball valve. I only installed to control airflow in smaller increments. I guess if I ever have 3" of water in the bottom of it ... it might come in handy then too!

 

[N8man]

Very nice work there!!!