starting a fire in the uds

[jack707]

I am using a 55 gal. drum as a smoker I put 3 air vents 3/4" hole 2 has a pipe nipple the other one has a nipple with a shut off valve and a few air vents on the lid.I used some charcoal and wood chunks got the fire going the temp was 250 then I put the lid on and the fire went out! WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

 

[paul6]

Needs more air ??

 

[areallynicegirl]

I feel like you would need to share more details about your build in order to get a good answer. There are many ways for there to not be enough air. I am curious about your fire basket, what is made of, where it is, etc. Hopefully one of the UDS masters will be along shortly to help you, but you'll definitely need to provide more info for them to help you!

Welcome to the forum, btw,go introduce yourself at role call so everyone can say hi!

Patti

 

[jack707]

The fire basket is made of expanded metal just like in YouTube. I have 3 air outlets and I'm also going to put a stack on the lid I also put legs on the basket to keep it off of the bottom, I would post a pic. but I don't see the icon..

 

[daveomak]

I wouldn't put a stack on the lid.... I would increase the number of 3/4" exhaust hole to 8 on the top of the sides of the drum.... then you can plug them if needed... use corks or wooden plug or what ever fits... 3 each 3/4 inch air inlets "may" be short... just keep that in mind.....

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Hmmm, I have (3) 3/4" intakes, and a total of 3" exhaust (my lid has a 2" & 1" bungs). I never have a problem keeping the fire going. When I shut it down I do close everything up and that snuffs the fire out.