UDS build, smoker build #4

[Squiggle]

So I'm starting my next build, which is a UDS for a mate to say thanks, & I was wondering what is the minimum thickness for the deflector plate, & what is the ideal thickness? I've got a piece of 3mm(1/8) I can use for it, but if I have to go thicker then I'll have to get some.

Don't worry DC & AJ(aka photo czar jr, lol) pic will be along shortly when I actually have something to show.

[Big T]

The 1/8'' will be fine, I use a pizza pan with a bunch of 3/8'' holes randomly drilled in it.

[Squiggle]

So does that mean I can go as thin as 1.6mm(16ga)? & Whats the ideal gaps from the fire basket to the deflector, deflector to cooking grate & cooking grate to the lid?

[ajfoxy]

Don't worry DC & AJ(aka photo czar jr, lol) pic will be along shortly when I actually have something to show.

Ve vill be monitoring the zituation und der lack of suitable pics ja...

[Rodcrafter]

I used a 6mm plow disc on three UDS builds recently and they were great. I put holes in them with a free hand plasma torch and scalloped the edges.




Making memories!

[Big T]

It's storming here so I can't go measure mine but I have a flat top drum and I believe my top rack is 6'' down and my bottom rack is 12'' down from the top. My FB has 3'' legs and the basket is 10'' tall (13'' overall) and the deflector is about 3'' above the top of the FB. I believe the 16 ga will work because the pizza pans aren't very thick.

[Squiggle]

I really like that one RC, I'm going to try & make something like that, although 6mm might be a bit thick as I'm trying to build this out of stuff I have already at home.

So here are some pics of the work I did today, I put the vents together & welded them on.



Knocked up a fire basket, it's 340x340x300(14x14x12)



Made a lid, put a lip on it & made the handle, stack & damper.



Also added a lid hook so I don't have to put it on the ground when doing anything in the smoker.





Next will be the baffle & cooking grate, & thanks Big T for the measurements for them.

[Big T]

That's one heck of a lid that you built Squiggle!

[Squiggle]

Thanks dude, it's just 16ga, I cut a strip & rolled the top along the strip while tacking every few centimetres. I got the idea for the hook off my rice cooker.

[ajfoxy]

Making good progress there Squiggle. Seem to motoring along at a fair pace. Did you use off the shelf bends for the vents?

[Squiggle]

Well there's not much to these units, compared to the GF & RF, I should be ready for paint after another day in the shed.

Yeah they are off the shelf from Nubco, I think they were about $10-12ea, pretty much the only thing I have bought specifically for this build.

[temurf]

Looking good Squiggle. I really like that lid hook idea. I might be stealing it when I get around to building my UDS.

[Rodcrafter]

This is the layout from SmokerBuilder.

I like the plow disc because of the wok shape.




Making memories!

[Squiggle]

Very cool RC, thanks.

[ajfoxy]

Squiggle you have inspired me...
I am going to be building a UDS in between the two mini's. Mainly as the DP has gone permanently to the restaurant and we no longer have anything apart from the two Webber kettles to BBQ with.
One question though and perhaps RC or BigT can shed some light on it as well. How is the deflector plate mounted inside. The same as the cooking grate? Just trying to get my head around how easy it is going to be to get the fire basket and ash pan out of the thing between cooks and to load up.
And does the deflector need holes in it? Not a problem as "have plasma can cut" is in play. Don't want to make holes where holes are not needed sort of thing.

[Big T]

AJ it can be mounted same as the cooking grates using bolts through the drum or you can put some extensions on the top of the fire basket for it to sit on. I have a handle with a hook on it that I reach in and remove the deflector and then grab the fire basket. It's not a problem to clean it out and reload it between cooks. I put holes in my deflectors but I've seen them solid and some with slots, Smokerbuilder makes an adjustable deflector so there's really not a wrong way.

[Squiggle]

[Rodcrafter]

[ajfoxy]

Thanks guys, I'll stop hijacking Squiggles thread now. Once I get the bits and pieces all together I'll start a build thread.

[Frank_Cox]

This is the layout from SmokerBuilder.

I like the plow disc because of the wok shape.




Making memories!

Man, we need to make a legit drawing of that someday.... I hand drew that on a napkin at HQ one saturtday for a guy that was desperate.....

[Frank_Cox]

Really nice build by the way Squiggle!!!

[Rodcrafter]

It seems to work for many folks.


Making memories!

[zima-man]

I think the drawings are perfect. Just like USD. Plain and simple.

Squiggle... I love the hook idea, but looking at it, you are hanging the inside of the lid up against the side of the drum. The lid gets pretty greasy "seasoned" and depending on the finish you are putting on your drum, it looks like it will become a mess. Just a thought!

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[SAFETYHARBORREDNECK]

So I'm starting my next build, which is a UDS for a mate to say thanks, & I was wondering what is the minimum thickness for the deflector plate, & what is the ideal thickness? I've got a piece of 3mm(1/8) I can use for it, but if I have to go thicker then I'll have to get some.

Don't worry DC & AJ(aka photo czar jr, lol) pic will be along shortly when I actually have something to show.

Photo Czar jr.....
Freaking hysterical


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[SAFETYHARBORREDNECK]

And strong work Squiggle.
Burned my barrel yesterday.Ill try to scrounge up some parts and get started on mine.

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