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I've been seeing a lot of people wanting some ideas on building their own UDS's. Here is a pic after the last one I built was done. If you would like to see more of the build just let me know.
The fire box was built using 3/16 sheet.
As for comparing it to a verticle, I have never used a vertical. I just know I really like this style. If I was to change anything, it would be to build it bigger.
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I start my fires with lump charcoal and smoke with wood. As for walking away for hours, that soley depends on the wind. If I have a nice calm day, yes I can set it up and go watch tv or go to the store. Windy days are a little different. But then I'm the type that always like to keep an eye on the temp. I have air flow control on the fire pit and on a dampner on the chimney.
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I had an idea what he wanted until he mentioned a vertical rotisserie. I figured he wanted to make doner kebobs or something.. who knows. Again, nice build with a drum..
Yea it is. I built my first out of 2 drums, 55 gal for smokin and 30 gal for the fire pit. After I used it for a while, I could see where I could've used a warming box. When I designed this one I wanted a warming box.
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If you look on the left side of the door, you'll see a piece of wood sticking out. That is another opening closing handle that is really handy. Instead of having to reach over your smoke/food and try to pull your door closed you just reach along the side there and pull it closed without any stretching. I worked with propping the door up but being a 55 gal drum, the door was light and the wind could sometimes blow it shut. That wasn't good if you head was in there. lol
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I built mine, the one you've lookin at from scrap that I had laying around except for the thermo and shelf on the right and maybe a couple of other small things. But this one that I built to sell, I had around 300 in material alone. If you go to the link that I put below the pic and see what's inside, I think you'll understand why so much.
I also forgot to mention that both of these units can be used as a grill. The grilling grates are also adjustable for height for different temps.