UDS build in Progress

[Sammy_Shuford]

I have my 55g drum, held street marking paint prior to my purchase. Four 1/2 holes equal spaced around the bottom, 1.5 inches up from bottom.
Purchased a 13 inch fire grate, and welded 8" expanded metal around the outside. Formed a loop from 1/4 rod for use as a handle. 1/4 stainless hardware form 3 feet for the fire basket. I have black high temperature paint, cooking oil and rags, and charcoal.

My intentions are to burn it out with scrape wood, clean up with a weed burner. The next day fire it with charcoal to season the inside before rust sets in. Then paint the outside.

I scored a 22" Weber kettle grill for $15.00. The top is going to be used, as well as the grate. I may also use the hinges. I "Think" the top of the kettle with just fit into the top of the drum, If so, I will cut a 2" band off the top, weld into the drum, to provide a good fit for the kettle top.

Stainless U-bolts are on order for the cooking grid support, still have to get nipples, caps, and a valve.

Pictures posted later today.

My thanks to the many posters in the HUGE thread!

 

[KnucklHed BBQ]

lookin forward to seein' progress pics!!

 

[Phubar]

Can't wait to see your beauty!

 

[McGurk]

Looking forward to update pix! Don't let us down!

 

[EatonHoggBBQ]

Ah, another drumhead. You'll really enjoy your UDS.

 

[Derek]

Can't wait to see those pics.

 

[1FUNVET]

Ah, another drumhead. You'll really enjoy your UDS.

I agree :becky:

 

[peppasawce]

We wanna see it

 

[Sammy_Shuford]

Here is the drum as it sits today. Air holes drilled, ready to burn out.

Here is the $15.00 Weber kettle grill, with a 22" top.

And my fire basket. !3" in diameter, 8" from grate to top, and feet to keep it of the bottom.

 

[peppasawce]

Nice

 

[Rookie'48]

Here is the $15.00 Weber kettle grill, with a 22" top.

OK, now I figured out the part about saving the "hinges". That looks like a Uni-Flame grill, not a Weber, although you can make it work just fine. Someone else did this with the hinged lid and it's pretty cool :thumb:.

 

[Sammy_Shuford]

Yes, It is a uni-flame. Think I will flatten the bottom lip so that is sits flat on the top of the drum.