UDS build

[zjaybird]

Okay....here is the pictures of the completed project. I am not posting any pictures of the modfications, as so many have done that justice already.
In one picture, you can see the unit complete. The drum lid is from a uniflame grill/from walmart, it was purchased on craigslist for $5.00. The drum was bought for $20.00. The bolts where from left over projects at work. I got the uniflame lid idea from Nate_46....the bottom is angle iron with wheels. That idea was from Blackened...as he built a base and found the temps to vary...so my base is open. And a big thank you to everyone else who posted their story and pictures....I copied everybody in some way or another.
I posted how I secured the lid with the uniflame lid....had to shim with nuts 1 size bigger than the bolt I was using....didn't have enough washers.... put a few charcoal briskets in the pan and it held 230 for 4 hours....before loosing steam. I will fill the basket all the way next and see how long it can go...
P.S. edit...forgot...the intake is 304 stainless steel...it was found one morning in the metal hopper...so I took it.
Thanks for all your help.

zjaybird

 

[solaryellow]

Nice job!

 

[rickw]

It does look good. Next time fill that basket to the rim and let her rip. You should be able to do a brisket with out having to refuel.

 

[pandemonium]

any more pics? like of the charcoal basket?

 

[zjaybird]

Rick, I was more curious to see if everything was a go, and with it starting to get toward the later part of the afternoon I just tried about 10 charcoal pieces and 3 chucks of pecan to see how it would hold heat, or if I had any air leaks on my welds.

 

[zjaybird]

I will try and take that picture. It is just expanded metal for the bottom, expanded Stainless steel mesh for the sides....raised off an 35 gallon grease drum lid with stainless steel bolts....1/4-20 2 1/2 inch long

 

[billbo]

Looking good! I love the lid hinge!

 

[chefrob]

nice job!!!

 

[mballi3011]

Now you have done a fie job with that new smoker Jaybird. I like the fact that you made a hinge for the top too. Great job and I hope to see some smokes from it soon.

 

[zjaybird]

Rick, have you tried fortune telling? I think it is your calling. I filled the basket today and started it up in 40 degree surroundings. I lasted 10 hours and then dropped to 150 for an hour then done. Will have to build the basket bigger than what I did. I will probably oversize it and use a coffee can to shim the difference. Thanks again for everyones help. If you don't have to win every battle to win the war.

At the end of the life of my charcoal, I actually started getting ash coming out of the "Exhaust port" on the top of the smoker and some on the grate. IS that normal? And when I open my lid, my temps drop 20 to 30 degrees then come right back....maybe it is due to the height of my intake....any comments, would be greatly apprehicated.

I will try and upload the picture of the basket soon....having issues with XP image resizer right now.

 

[rickw]

How many lbs of charcoal did ya get in the basket? I can load 18lbs of briquettes in a 14" square basket. With this I can do a 14 hour cook without problems. An occasional shake and it's good to go.

I have never had ash come out of the exhaust. To much intake air?

 

[zjaybird]

Rick, don't know on the air, it was set and running at 200, measured by a temperature probe on the outside of the drum. Never messed with it. Didn't notice the ash till, I had to run an errand, came back and found it. I was checking the temperature about every hour till the last 3 hours of the test. I would have to guess that I used about 10 lbs out of a 14 lb bag. So you would agree, from everything I have read, you get about an hour of run time for every 1 lb of charcoal you put in the basket?

Hey Pandemonium, here is a picture of my basket. I am currently using, with possiblity that it will be upgraded to a larger size.

 

[rickw]

I would indeed agree..........an hour a pound sounds reasonable to me.