Bmaddox's 1st UDS build w/ pics

timberjet

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• Apr 8, 2015

• #21

I have never actually timed it but I will say when you shut it down the coals go out almost immediately and it's cool to the touch in a half hour or less.

 

bmaddox

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• Apr 9, 2015

• #22

I did a test run last night and it was NOT successful. The lid is not sealing to the lip and is leaking big time. I guess when I cut the section off the grill to make the lip it must have deformed a little. Is there a gasket I can put on the lip to help it seal better?

IMG_1578.JPG

• bmaddox
• Apr 9, 2015

 

inkjunkie

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• Apr 9, 2015

• #23

timberjet said:

Don't get any ideas. Hahaha.... Not needed.

Click to expand...

learned my lesson about making something that is supposed to be simple (a UDS) complicated

 

manfjourde

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Mar 8, 2015

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Utah

• Apr 9, 2015

• #24

I know a lot of guys use the fiberglass rope for stoves to help seal them. Sorry to hear about the leaks!

 

bmaddox

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• Apr 9, 2015

• #25

I ordered a gasket kit for the XL big green egg that looks like it will fit my UDS. I am also going to spend some time with a hammer trying to get the lip back into the proper shape. Hopefully that works out the bugs as I want to smoke something on Sunday.

 

timberjet

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• Apr 9, 2015

• #26

bmaddox said:

 
I ordered a gasket kit for the XL big green egg that looks like it will fit my UDS. I am also going to spend some time with a hammer trying to get the lip back into the proper shape. Hopefully that works out the bugs as I want to smoke something on Sunday.

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I saw where somebody used RTV here a while back and made a bead and then covered it with saran wrap and closed the lid on it until it set. I think this would work but you would have to have the lid on exactly the same every time.

 

bmaddox

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• Apr 9, 2015

• #27

I think I saw @GaryS  mention the RTV and saran wrap trick. I went to the house over lunch and straightened some of the really bad spots out then made an RTV gasket. I will try it tomorrow once the RTV cures and see if that solved my problems.

 

inkjunkie

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• Apr 9, 2015

• #28

Leaks...frustrating enough to make you want to beat yourself in the head with a rock.

 

bmaddox

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• Apr 10, 2015

• #29

Well I figured out the problem last night. Some where along the way the drum deformed and is no longer a perfect circle. There is a 6" long area that is pushed in about 1/2". I tried everything I could think of to bend it out but it kept popping back in. So I got frustrated and decided to start over. I took out the lip that I made using the lower have of the weber and am now using the drum lip. I bent the flange on the lid out flat then hammered it down to the drum lip. It may not be pretty but it looks like it will work.

I know what you are thinking, "I ruined the ceramic coating". Well I guess I did but it was a used lid with some damage so I didn't hurt too bad. I will sand down the edge and paint it so it doesn't rust.

 

gary s

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• Apr 10, 2015

• #30

Nice,    You guys  "UDS"   need to think about changing the name to    "NTUDS" smokers     (Not to Ugly Drum Smokers)

 

bmaddox

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• Apr 13, 2015

• #31

I took the UDS for its first run this weekend. Here is the link to the thread on that smoke:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/185654/pulled-pork-and-a-fatty-on-my-new-uds

 

bmaddox

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• Apr 28, 2015

• #32

Build update:

After a few smoking sessions - I ELIMINATED THE DOOR. I wish I had ran that idea past the SMF members before cutting a big hole in the smoker. It was a waste of time and money as it was entirely unnecessary and even with RTV sealant it still leaked air.

@timberjet  you were spot on about the door.

 

timberjet

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• Apr 28, 2015

• #33

bmaddox said:

 
Build update:

After a few smoking sessions - I ELIMINATED THE DOOR. I wish I had ran that idea past the SMF members before cutting a big hole in the smoker. It was a waste of time and money as it was entirely unnecessary and even with RTV sealant it still leaked air.

@timberjet  you were spot on about the door.

Click to expand...

I'm sorry I was right dang it. Oh well I know I usually have to learn the hard way. Hahaha....

 

bmaddox

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• Apr 29, 2015

• #34

timberjet said:

I'm sorry I was right dang it. Oh well I know I usually have to learn the hard way. Hahaha....

Click to expand...

I couldn't believe how much the door affected it. With the door I had my ball valve open about 10%-20% to maintain 300 degrees. Without the door I was running the ball valve almost wide open to hold 300. And the temp is more stable without it.

 

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