UDS Underway

[sportpak]

Hello guys, been creeping a couple weeks and finally have enough progress under my belt to post a thread.

I had been using a Brinkman/Cabela's vertical type smoker a few years. After enough frustration I stumbled into this forum. I am mold maker/machinist by trade, so a pro-billet style RF was what I was going after. After realizing some of the details involved and my 60+ hour work weeks, I have decided a UDS is what I really need. I think it'll get me some real bbq experience. I try to take things serious and humbly pay dues.

For time sake, I picked up the smokerbuilder cooking rack and basket.

So....I cut the top, under the lip. Deburred and fitting nice.
I installed 3 air intakes, welded by my welder.
Did the burn job with some forced air assistance.

[sportpak]

I have since wet sanded inside and out. I have painted the outside and vegetable oiled the inside. I hope to season it tomorrow and fiddle around with heat control. I will have some pics tomorrow.

One thing I have noticed after burning out, is that the lid doesn't fit as nice. The lid and barrel must have sprung a little in the heat. I plan to "tweak" the lid a little on an arbor press. Not sure about the barrel itself yet. I hope I can get the lid to fit a little better. If not, I may just pick up a domed lid for it.

[Smokeone]

Your gonna love that UDS!
If you can get a domed lid, go for it. I love mine that way.

[The Czar]

UDS all the way!! Your gonna be happy with it!!

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[Rodcrafter]

It is hard to compare effeicincy and economy of any other build that is for sure.

[sportpak]

Messed the lid up trying to tweak back in. Scoured craigslist for a Weber charcoal grill lid, wasn't happening, so I bought new. I'm telling myself I needed a charcoal grill anyways. I'm glad I did. Fits and looks awesome. I put my pit thermometer in the weber lid.

Quick test burn went very well. 50/50 blend briquettes/lump Royal Oak went 4 hrs 250-275F easy. Getting a feel for fine adjustments. Very happy with the lid and how it all turned out.

Tomorrow will be another test burn. Shooting for 8hrs simulating a cooking situation. I'll at least smoke some Kosher salt for future rubs. Next week will be the real deal, hopefully some ribs.

Now that I'm up and going, I want to make a 2 wheel cart of some kind and diffusor plate for it. Maybe a winter project?

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Yep, the UDS is hard to beat when it comes to creating quality Q.

[SmokinFF]

You'll have it figured out in no time. They're great!!

[Smokeone]

You'll have the two projects done well before winter.

[Rodcrafter]

[The Czar]

It looks nice… But I would put a thermometer under the bottom cooking grate... I think you'll be surprised at the temperature difference in the two zones

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[sportpak]

Finally able to try some meat today. Was in the mood for country style ribs. Rubbed down and going on now.
She seems to be wanting to go 300+ today pretty easy. Hopefully she settles down, I hate throttle jockeying all day.

[sportpak]

It looks nice… But I would put a thermometer under the bottom cooking grate... I think you'll be surprised at the temperature difference in the two zones

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I will have to do that. Thanks for the advice.

[sportpak]

2 hour smoke....

2 hour magic bath...

Finish sauce 10 minutes per side...

French fries and cole slaw not pictured.

All in all ribs turned out 7.5/10

Turned out a little salty. Just now realized I ran short on brown sugar, so had to make up with raw cane sugar. I blew the reality that not all sugar is created equal. I guess that happens when you've been out of the game 8 months.


Even with that, it's awesome getting real bbq at home. Next weekend might be baby backs or a butt roast.

[Smokeone]

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

[Rodcrafter]

[sportpak]

Meat loaf yesterday. 2 lb beef beauty turned out awesome. Pic was before we stickied it up with sauce.
Potato, onion, and peppers turned out pretty decent too.
Wind had me hustlin' a little bit, but dealing with it was great experience.

[The Czar]

Nice....

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[Smokeone]

[spinningwheel]

[Rev.Mike]

[Joe D]

[Rodcrafter]