New uds build

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bigcat

Newbie
Original poster
Aug 6, 2015
4
10
Hello everyone I am new and just picked up a drum for $25. Looking to build a uds to replace my modify char broil split door smoker. Question should I buy the big poppa drum kit? Or can you do it your self for under a $130?

 
I would make a parts list then go shop that parts and see.  My Son bought most of the stuff for the one I am going to build, but I was going to do the pricing out parts thing.
 
Hello everyone I am new and just picked up a drum for $25. Looking to build a uds to replace my modify char broil split door smoker. Question should I buy the big poppa drum kit? Or can you do it your self for under a $130?

I was wondering the same thing. I just purchased a new barrel and was thinking about getting the Big Poppa kit. I have read that it takes all the guess work out. Hopefully someone who has built one on their own recently will chime in.
 
Where is a good place to get a part list from?
Any help would be gladly appreciated
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Big Cat,

Here is the link I was sent a long time ago when I first looked into a UDS......it is from another site.  Once I saw how one person did it, I started thinking of other ways and then made my own using others ideas they had already used, as well as, some ideas that just came to me.

PM me and I will try and help you as much as I can but I just don't seem to find the time to be here as much as I would like to.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43943
 
I hAve maybe 60 into my uds so far. I need one more 22 inch grate and some small hardware (nuts/bolts), I am looking for a deal on one right now. I have a personal life mission of never paying full price for anything especially when with some patience, a person can save a lot of money. The big poppa kit is super pretty and people seem to love them, all the guesswork is out of the equation. I would never tell anyone not to buy it, all im saying is I could build 2+ uds for what those cost. Granted I have a hook up on barrels most people dont have, I think anything under 20-25 for a barrel isnt too bad. As far as parts, I just read the entire uds sub-forum and learned A LOT. I paid special attention to what people said didn't work.

The beauty of the uds is that they can be as ugly or pretty as you want. They seem to put out food that rivals thousand dollar smokers and from what ive read, the less fussy uds seem to be more.efficient. So have fun with yours and keep reading!
 
Yes you can get the parts yourself for less. But it all comes down to what you want out of your UDS and your skill level. I wanted a domed lid and two racks so the kit didn't fit my needs. I ended up spending $200 on parts on mine. If you are looking for an easy UDS and aren't the most handy person then the kit should work great. I have an extra drum at the house now that I think will go to my dad with a Big Poppa kit on it. 
 
Thanks everyone for the feed back so far I am going to build one I am still searching for a decent parts list. I started to sand and burn the paint of the drum. I like how it looks ugly lol

 
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