MY UDS Begins...and the Weber Lid Question

thunderdome · Jan 5, 2010

I've got 2 barrels ready, and started on one....however, I see so many people have kettle lids without having to cut out the bottom part of the kettle and using that to set their lid on.

What's the trick here? I can use the drum lid, but I'd like the height of the Weber lid...

Can anyone tell me how to get the Weber Kettle lid (22.5) to fit on the 24" barrel???

Here is a pic of what I started on for one of the barrels. It was a closed barrel (which for some reason are way easier to find than open). We plasma cut out the top of a closed drum, and then plasma cut a ring out of an old disc blade, and welded it to the lid. It fits nicely, i just have to decide if I want the blade ring facing up or down (dunno which will seal better yet)

Here it is with the lip angled down

Here it is angled up

Here is the rest of the disc blade, whcih I most likely will use somehow in the bottom of the drum to keep the heat from getting to the bottom.

Any suggestions are always appreciated!

coffee_junkie · Jan 5, 2010

If it where me I would have it face down, so the rain and snow will not collect on top.

thunderdome · Jan 5, 2010

It looks better that way too^

Any ideas on the Weber Lid for UDS #2?

coffee_junkie · Jan 5, 2010

Do you have the weber lid? I have seen it done. You just add a 1" flat bar alum to the inside of the drum, use riviets or bolts to fasten it to the drum. Let the flat bar stick up about 3/8" and it will accept the weber lid...if that all makes sence. Also try a search "ugly drum lid mod"

thunderdome · Jan 5, 2010

That does make sense.

I will get the flat asap and see what we can do.

For now, im gonna continue pressin on with the disc lid version. I'll keep the pics comin

thunderdome · Jan 5, 2010

I do have a Weber lid. But I'm thinking about getting the $40 cheapo from Walmart, and use teh parts that come with it.

I just don't want to spend the money if no one has had success sealing the lid.

papa chubby · Jan 5, 2010

I have an oooold lid and kludged it by just bending the lip up so it sits reasonably flat on the barrel. There's always a tiny gap somewhere but, who cares? It's just a little added ventilation.

It seems to me that if you had another of those rings and just placed it around the lip of the barrel, the lid would snuggle in there nicely.

coffee_junkie · Jan 5, 2010

I think what I have described seals the lid pretty darn good! But yes the best option is the cheapo wal mart grill. Also instead of rivets I have seen sombody use ss eyebolts to hold it in four places, these will also serve as grate supports for you top grate. Thought that was pretty slick. I was able to get my lid to fit the bottom of the drum, kinda nice to be able to take the bottom (previously the top) off to clean the drum.

thunderdome · Jan 5, 2010

I agree! I'm even confusing myself.

The one with the disc blade will be flat, and with my 2nd barrel I hope to get the Weber lid nice and sealed. I think the strap will work just fine.

Thx

BandCollector · Jan 5, 2010

I used an open top drum which is 23" in diameter and my Weber lid just fits. The 1" aluminum flat sounds like a great idea.....think I will try it myself.

Good luck with your build.....you seem to have a good start.

John

thunderdome · Jan 5, 2010

I'm going to keep my eyes peeled on Craigslist for the lid on UDS #2. Let me know if you get to that 1" strap before me!

For this one (pictured), I wanted to ask everyone....

Why do I see narrow tall firebaskets, as opposed to shorter wider ones?

It seems it would allow for a more even cook the wider the basket is? Does it hold the heat longer?

thunderdome · Jan 10, 2010

UDS is Done! Sans the paint job...

Seasoning now...Builid-view coming tomorrow.

QView as well. Temperature wise, this thing is blowing my mind so far (in a good way).

taterdavid · Jan 10, 2010

just make the weber lid flat and get acouple of clamps from lowes or HD. i use three and it works great. the clamps were .99cents. i used my drum tonight for wings and it was around 10 degrees out and could run 300 degrees no problem

thunderdome · Jan 10, 2010

What kinda clamps are you talkin?

rw willy · Jan 10, 2010

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ight=weber+lid

Here is what I did. Its a 2" piece from the lower part of the weber kettle. Dropped inside the drum 3/8" gasket rope stuffed in the gap. I have since finished it up with Hi-temp RTV.
Good luck

rbranstner · Jan 10, 2010

Yes what clams are you talking about?

travcoman45 · Jan 10, 2010

Here's how I did the aluminum strip on mine, works real well.

I've got a ring roller which I used ta make it bout the right diameter, but ya can clamp one end an fasten it then just keep clampin an fastenin it till ya got it all the way around.

taterdavid · Jan 10, 2010

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...ge=nonehttp://

i got clamps like this i use. not the prettiest but they do the job and are cheap, i paid .99cents

taterdavid · Jan 10, 2010

sorry bad link heres some pictures, not that pretty but it does work great.

taterdavid · Jan 10, 2010

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