Finally got a barrel - so no excuses

[rodc]

Closed top, used for engine oil - but they just don't use metal drums for food over here as far as I can work out.

Now all the other bits I've identified on the internet need ordered and the build will begin.

First UDS in Scotland? Don't know - but I can't wait to get is working. I've found out that a guy in the local pub butchers for a rare breed organic beef farm - briskets and beef ribs are NOT on their selling list - so I can get them at the wholesale sell of to the burger manufacturers price

I've put a lot of thought in - now it's time for some action - thanks all for the inspiration.

 

[indyadmin1974]

Rockin'!

I have a line on a drum too! I'm ready to take the UDS plunge now.

 

[badfrog]

I can promise you that you will absolutely love your UDS! I am amazed at how efficient and easy it is to cook with! (I have had mine for about a month now...).

Congrats on your drum!

 

[dburgette]

I can second what badfrog said...you will be amazed as to why anyone would go any other way for a home smoker. The UDS might be the best option that no one really knows about. Of course, all the true smokers know about them, but not as many people use them. Well worth the time and effort put into them. They are the best, IMO!

Now, get to building.

 

[meateater]

Looking forward to the build pics! Your gonna love them UDS 's.

 

[rodc]

Took a time to source bits & pieces & tools, but that's the drum opened, and I used engine cleaner to get the leftover oil out. Drill's not tough enough for the air holes, so I'll be off to the pub & scrounge one of some of the toolheads of the area. Hopefully burnout tonight, then another degreaser/powerwasher treatment, then fit the grates & a seasoning burn tomorrow.

Got an unusual firebasket so will get some pics as she comes together tomorrow.

 

[que-ball]

RodC, did you forget to add your qview?  I don't see any.

 

[rodc]

RodC, did you forget to add your qview?  I don't see any.

Was too busy working on it - didn't really think - evidence being starting the burnout, getting a roaring fire going & then looking round to notice the 2 houses downwind had washing out to dry (in my favour it was raining so I thought none would be out). So... a couple of bottles of wine in apology & I'm forgiven.

Got a couple of photos from the burn but TBH it's just a drum with a fire in it at the moment.

 

[tom37]

you will surly love the drum, they are amazing simply amazing.

 

[wingman]

RodC go getem man! Start a Thin Blue craze there in Scottland! Get the butcher to cut you a brisket, Smoke it and take him some. Pass it around to your neighbors. They all will love you man.

 

[rodc]

Apologies for being slow with the Q-View - got her built & had the seasoning smoke, but been really busy & only now am getting to do a test smoke (chicken wings and pork belly slices).

Anyhoo - q-view:

Burnout:

Burned out & cleaned barrel, garden fire basket off ebay as charcoal basket:

Stainless bolts for 2 racks, firebasket loaded for seasoning smoke:

Smoker with lid from Kingsford grill (grill kept and will be used) - BBQ terrier Kerry - & behind the chair a plum-wood log from a mate:

Wings & pork belly slices in for first smoke:

Not in a finished state - using flexi magnets for the air intakes, no wheels, no hole for the temp probe (got a mate getting em a dual probe wireless gauge next trip he makes to the US so using the single probe through the exhaust on the lid at the moment). There's enough done to start smoking though - so that's me happy.

 

[timberjet]

It seems your pics didn't work. I think there is A new format for adding attatchments discussed it detail somewhere. Maybe someone can chime in that is savy to these things.

 

[rodc]

It seems your pics didn't work. I think there is A new format for adding attatchments discussed it detail somewhere. Maybe someone can chime in that is savy to these things.

Cheers, saw that after I posted (my fault for not previewing) - got them now though.

 

[rodc]

Semi successful - too many peaks & troughs in the temp - 320F at one point - so the wings & belly were a bit over done - but very tasty.

Just need some practice & to move the UDS from its current position - which serves as a wind tunnel.

 

[rodc]

Now I'll need to name her..... or maybe I'll wait until she's painted and not quite such a munter (Scots word for a facially challenged female).