First UDS

[jwrobnz]

I found a drum today. I'm not sure what to think of it. The price was right, but it had linseed oil in it. There is a warning on the outside of it that warns of explosive vapors. It's a closed top type of drum. I'm thinking of filling it with soapy water to the brim before I cut the top bead, then a burnout, pressure wash. What do you think? Doable?

[Tom_Heath]

The water and soap is always a good idea.

I personally don't like it when the lids get cut on the inside of the lip.
I prefer to grind on the outside of the rolled edge. DONT grind to much or you will be into the lid. Take one layer of metal off and waa-laaa you have a fitted lid after you make it all the way around the drum.

A flap disc works very nice for this.

[Frank_Cox]

that's exactly what i would do

[jwrobnz]

The Burnout. I ground of the edge, like you said Tom and ended up with a very nice fitting lid. I shouldn't have any trouble with it sealing. Watch creating sharp edges though. When I got done with the grind, I tipped the whole thing over to drain the soapy water out and the lid just popped right off no problem. I was glad it came off so easy. Next I cut the holes 2 inches up from the bottom to allow for venting during the burnout. The burnout went well. Almost all of the paint peeled off of the outside. The next day I gave the outside a wet sand and scrubbed out the inside with SOS pads and Comet. Nice & clean. Here's a pic of the burn.

[Tom_Heath]

Awesome deal.

I'm really glad to hear the grind on the lid worked out well for ya.
I was worried that my description was not real easy to understand.
Heck man, your almost ready for meat.

Nice Job!!!!

[jwrobnz]

Thank you Tom! I'll get the rest of the parts and finish this week. I'm anxious. I'll go ahead and plan toward two grates eventhough I only have the flat lid for now. I want to find a weber top later. I used to have a little brinkman smoker. I rigged it to have a rotisserie. The chickens that came off that smoker were awsome. I like the basting action you get with turning. The brinkman also had a water pan. I talked to another friend today who thinks he can get me another drum. Already I'm thinking about the second and I'm not done with the first! It's in my blood now fellas.

[Tom_Heath]

Try it with the flat lid first, it seems like I hear from a few that they like the way they cook with the flat lid vs the dome lid.

[jwrobnz]

we're gettin' there. Here's a pic of the charcoal basket and the UDS. Tom I agree that the flat lid would work better since it would probably seal tighter. From what I understand, the tighter these things are sealed, the better they work. I have to work a little to get the lid down, but I think it will be worth it. I put 2 grates in: the top is at 1 1/2 inches down and the bottom grate is 7 inches below that. I won't be able to use the top until I try a dome lid. I welded the ash pan to the bottom of the legs under the basket. I fixed a plate from the center of the basket to the edge to make the burn go around instead of across. I'll do a cure tomorrow. Next pics will be of some 'Q. Still need a thermometer and some handles.

[Tom_Heath]

I see that we have our first off road capable UDS. looking good.

[jwrobnz]

Off Road Capable. That's funny Tom. That's the wagon my boys used to ride down the hill in our yard. I did the cure/test run today. The top didn't seal as tight as I thought it would. I put concrete blocks on top to hold the lid down. Maybe some clips around the edge would work. We got a good cure and practice run. Pork Roast tomorrow.

[Frank_Cox]

sounds like a plan! looking forward to seein it come together!

[jwrobnz]

OK First try at cooking on the UDS. I'm trying a Butt Roast today. Nothing special on the seasoning just salt and pepper, soaked apple chips. Temp is doing better today.



I have a small digital thermometer stuck in a small hole and propped up with a board.

[Tom_Heath]

Looking good!!!!

I love the board holding the thermo.....thats awesome.

[jwrobnz]

Shoulder roast turned out good. I think the smoke was a little strong. It got good compliments. Sorry I forget pics.

[Frank_Cox]

No pics... never happened LOL

jus kiddin

[Tom_Heath]

It takes skill to get the pics and the good food.

At the contest last weekend, I never even took one pic. Everyone else took pics tho. LOL

[jwrobnz]

I have really enjoyed this UDS. It works so well. I've cooked pork ribs several times and Labor Day 2016 I smoked my first brisket. I have 4 black pipe nipples at the bottom. Three with caps and 1 with a ball valve. The lid has three clamps and I use 3 pair of vise grips between the clamps to give me perfect control. I can run forever at 200 or 225 or 250, where ever I want. The brisket was amazing. Thanks for your advice.

[Rodcrafter]

Good stuff, glad it's working. So we will need pictures to chew on until the samples show up.


Making memories.

[Squiggle]

Awesome stuff dude!

[jwrobnz]

That UDS is my first build. We've used it several times. Works especially well for smoking brisket. I have enjoyed the UDS very much, but it's time to move on to something, well... bigger. I'm starting a build using a 90 gallon air compressor tank used as a water tank from an old concrete truck. The price was right: FREE. I'm modeling it after the Meadow Creek TS120P with personalized modifications.

[Big T]

[Dirtytires]

Meadow creek makes a nice rig. I almost bought one till I realized that I could build it (even better) for the same amount that shipping would cost me. Can’t go wrong with that as your inspiration.

What dia is your tank? Any smaller than about 18-20 inches and you only get 1 shelf in it. Also, being a water tank could mean its full of rust and not worth the effort. I would get it cut open before you spend too much time on it.