Where can I get a food grade steel barrel to make a somker with in Lake George, ny.....Adirondack ar

For $32 (plus shipping and tax) for a new lid I would wait till a Weber came up on Craig's list. As @timberjet  mentioned, you get a lot of parts from a donor Weber. I got mine for $50 and used the lid, cooking grate, charcoal grate, and wheels. It would have cost me well over $50 to buy those parts individually. 

I cut my drum open with a 4" grinder. I cut the inside of the top lip so the lip stayed intact. 

UpstateJay said:

 
If I cut it like this 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/CNjWC3IbxMk

Will This fit snug on top?

http://www.newpig.com/pig/US/unlined-replacement-drum-lid-with-gasket-drm538

Click to expand...

You could do that but I would get one with the bung holes. Then you have the perfect 3 inches of exhaust you will need and the plugs can be screwed back in when you shut it down. It really is the best way if you are using a flat stock lid. I think it would fit if you cut it like B said. You don't want to deform the lip because you will have air leaks.