Material for grate?

[smokinsaluki]

I have an old homemade drum smoker that my neighbor built. It has not been used much (enough

) and the grate is extremely rusted.

Is the rust anything to worry about?
Is there a reasonable way to clean it up?
Should I replace it?

I haven't done any measurements yet, but I think it is a 55 gallon drum that the grate needs to fit. Where can I find the material to make a new grate if necessary?

Thanks!

 

[cowgirl]

Sometimes I use expanded metal.... it can be found at Ace Hardware. Another option is just buying a new grate. They can be purchased at walmart or Ace...
Measure your drum first to make sure it will fit.
:)
Rust can be a pain to clean. lol I know that a wire brush and a lot of elbow grease will get it. Also a sand blaster...
New grates are pretty cheap.

 

[txbbqman]

Yep...what Jeanie said

 

[smokinsaluki]

I will probably have to go the expanded metal route. I don't think any factory grates will fit the design.

I'll check the local Ace.

Thanks!

 

[hdsmoke]

By grates, you mean just the cooking grates? If its a 55 gal drum a Weber replacement grill grate will work. Something like this...http://www.amazon.com/Weber-70901-Co.../dp/B00004RAKW

 

[smokinsaluki]

It's a drum on it's side. The barrel is cut in half and the entire top half lifts for access (not a lid cut in the center)

 

[hdsmoke]

I see. Then yeah, i would say expanded steel is your best bet. You can buy it in sheets ar a Lowes, Home Depot...etc, or probably even your local hardware. Get a heavier guage to last you. You can cut it with tin snips if you need to cut to fit.