another UDS is born!

[badfrog]

I have been wanting to build a UDS for a while and looking for a drum for weeks! I found a few sources for drums but all had the dreaded liners. Last week or so I was at a friends house and spotted a drum sitting off in the weeds and asked him about it... it was soon to be his burn barrel; I looked down into it and guess what....no liner!
He gave me the drum...I picked it up yesterday.

the ugly drum


Cutting off the top. I used a die grinder with a cut off wheel and cut through the seam...
(thanks for the idea Stubborn!)


Once I had cut all the way around, the lid came off easily.
The nice part is it goes right back on with a nice tight fit...


inside the drum... a little left over air tool lubricant!


Marking for holes...


holes cut


The Burnout


prepping for paint


almost done...


Materials List (Lowes);
Drum - Free
3-3/4" pipe nipple $.98 ea.
2-3/4" cap $1.57 ea.
2-12 oz hi heat paint $4.78 ea.
1-3/4" ball valve $9.87
1-bag of 20 steel lock nuts (3/4") $2.86
1-22.5" Weber replacement grill $15.99
TOTAL SO FAR.....................$44.86

I used 3/4 pipe fittings and electrical conduit nuts inside and out to fasten them...I may weld them later if needed. air control is with a 3/4 ball valve. I still have to make my charcoal basket...I had a friend making it for me, but he's been too busy with other projects, so I will be doing it myself... will post pics as it comes together. I can't wait to cook on my new UDS!!!

 

[meateater]

Welcome to Club Ugly!

I get so dang excited every time I see a new UDS, kinda like looking at HotRods, all the mods and such.

Get some QVIEW up soon.

 

[badfrog]

Thanks Meateater...
I noticed you have the "flat top" UDS... how far down is your grate? I will be drilling and mounting the grate tomorrow!

 

[pandemonium]

you put one low about eight inches down or so that way if you find dome lid you add another rack at top of barrel

 

[grizandizz]

Very nice man!

You are going to love it and your family and friends as well.
My girls get so excited every time I breakout the smoker!

 

[pandemonium]

Great pic!!

 

[smokednarwhal]

Nice work, and great job cutting off the top with the dremel tool. That had to be tedious.

 

[meateater]

Here's a layout I made, hope it helps out some. Either way I'm sure it will come out smoking!

 

[heatmaker]

Meateater, do you ever use the bottom rack above the water pan? If you do, how does it work. I want to build mine so I can do a few 3-4 pound chickens, but I have a closed head drum.

Edit: I'm gonna get the Uniflame rig from Walmart and scam sthe parts out of it.

 

[200xga]

i didnt really understand how the lid fit, untill i seen your pictures that was a great idea. i might have to do that if i build another one.