Finally getting started on my UDS build.

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joes bbq ribs

Meat Mopper
Original poster
Jul 28, 2015
157
33
Peoria, AZ
Afternoon smokingmeatforums memebrrs!
Finally getting around to start on my UDS smoker build. I picked up this 55 gallon drum about 8 weeks ago and haven't had the time to start this project well today is the day I finally get started on the UDS smoker. [emoji]128077[/emoji][emoji]127996[/emoji] Over all length is 35-1/2" top to bottom from the top lip I measured 7" down then made a mark at 14" and another mark at 21". First mark is for the top cooking rack second mark is for the second cooking rack or used for a pan to catch my drippings off my food last mark is for my heat diffuser. Using strandard 22" Weber grill grates and for my heat diffuser I'm using a 16" pizza stone. For my charcoal basket it's going to be 9" high by 16" round using 3/4 x 9 expanded metal I'll make some 3" legs for the basket to sit on of the 18" pizza pan as my ash catcher. Know for the grill grate pins im using 1/4"x 20x 1"eye bolts gives the grates a little more to sit on. For the air inlets I'm using two 1-1/2" ID tubing that I'll weld to the bottom and at the top, using the standard lid that came with the drum and placing a 5" threaded pipe for my smoker stack that has a slide bent control same a the air inlets slide control to open and close. I'm undecided as far as placement of the thermometer not sure I want to place it on top of the lid or on the side just under the first rack. Just finished drilling all my holes and making my charcoal basket still need to add my cross bar and attach a 3/4" washer to the top so I can use my hook to pick up the basket. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get it burned in so I can get all cleaned up and begin the painting process. I'll prime everything with 2000 degree engine paint then add a coat black grill paint made by rust-oleum then I'm using and aluminum color as my finished color this is for the drum for my air inlets same process just using a sunset red as the finished color. Not sure if I want to do the lid on red or aluminum I'll figure that out when I cross that bridge. Anyway here are some pictures so far of what I have completed today.
 
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Boomerangg22,
Thank you! Looking forward to burning out the drum tomorrow so that gets me one step closer [emoji]128077[/emoji][emoji]127996[/emoji]
 
I was able to get some more work done to my UDS Smoker on Sunday. Have it all sanded down and wire brushed anything that was needed, wiped it clean and started to give it its first coat of high heat primer. Almost finished up with the charcoal basket just need to weld a 1/2" rod across so I can rise and lower the basket. I also picked all my hardware I believe I'm going to need 1/4" eyebolts, 1/4"flat washers, 1/4" hexnuts, a couple of 1-1/2" spacers so I can place my BBQ logo on and away from the drum. Also picked up some 3/8 solid rod so I can make a handle that will go from the smoke stack to the opposite end of the lid. Here are some more pictures of what has been done.

 
just be careful with those casters, sometimes putting caster on like that on a smaller base will make it a bit tipsy.. Maybe not in your case never tried it on a barrel like that. looking great, keep posting those pic's
 
Boomerang22,
Thanks for looking out [emoji]128077[/emoji][emoji]127996[/emoji] I double tripled measured my spacing before I made my first tack weld, she seems to be nice and level and no wanting to tip over as of yet. [emoji]128077[/emoji][emoji]127996[/emoji] I used those casters as I had them left over from the last restoration I did on someone's off set smoker I did.
Thanks again - Joe
 
Good looking build! Started mine today and guessed at the rack spacing. My spacing are with an inch of yours so not a bad guess!

Will be following your build!
 
Smokin Monkey
Thanks for the commmet! Looking forward to seeing your UDS Smoker build. Today's plans are for another coat of paint and to get the air inlet pipes welded on if all goes as plans. Thanks again
-Joe
 
Just wanted to share another update on my UDS Smoker build, I welded two 1" couplers to the inside of the air inlet pipes I'm thinking about adding insulation/ fire bricks in the lower part where the charcoal basket sits haven't decided which one or neither. I also finished rolling the second coat high heat paint on the drum, lid and and both of the air inlet pipes. Later on this evening I'll add the third and final coat of the high heat paint. Then tomorrow
I can do the finish coat of black satin paint.
Take a look at the pictures tell what you think.
 
Just and update on the UDS Smoker build, past couple days it's been raining and not such a good temp to get some painting done on the smoker.
Well finally I was able to put on the finishing coats of black satin paint on the drum and the lid and was able to paint the air inlets today.
Take a look
 
Just and update on the UDS Smoker build was able to work on it for about 2hrs today. I Installed all the SS hardware along with both air inlet pipes and on the back side of the UDS I installed a home town NFL football team sign. Hopefully tomorrow I can find the time to make my handles for the drum and one for the lid and also need to make a hook so I can lower the and raise the charcoal basket. Anyway take a look and tell what you think.

 
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Afternoon Smokingmeatforums members.....


today I was able to finish the charcoal basket had to add the cross bar w/ flat washer and the basket hook to lower and raise it. I used 3/8" solid rod with a 1" flat washer to make basket cross bar and used 1/4" solid rod to make the basket hook. Turned out pretty nice it will serve its purpose.
Take a look tell me what you think.

 
gr0uch0,
Thank you! Almost $30 into it but, yes very true I've seen the ones they sell for almost $80 online and just couldn't see myself buying one. Know it I didn't have the knowledge or tools etc to make my own then I could see someone having to buy one. Looking forward to getting this buried in / seasoned some time today and getting the first cook on it tomorrow.
Thanks again
 
gr0uch0,
Thank you! Almost $30 into it but, yes very true I've seen the ones they sell for almost $80 online and just couldn't see myself buying one. Know it I didn't have the knowledge or tools etc to make my own then I could see someone having to buy one. Looking forward to getting this buried in / seasoned some time today and getting the first cook on it tomorrow.
Thanks again
You're welcome, and good luck.  I did a squarish one last summer to replace one that had served well for years:  $19.95 for a 2x2 sheet of expanded metal from HD, and all I needed was a pair of tin snips--which I already had--to get me fixed up.  Pair of leather gloves and a half-hour later, and voila:  new charcoal basket was had.  Sorry, but I'd rather put that $60 back in my pocket than someone else's--I can snag a couple of briskets, several racks of bones, pork loins, or butts with that.  There are several "how-to's" here and elsewhere:  all it takes is a little time and some want-to.  Let us know how tomorrow goes!
 
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