Got my first drum!

[cigarbque]

Whoo Hoo! Snagged my first drum. I work in the heart of the industrial section of NJ. You would think you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a pile of used drums but it was impossible to find any that didn't have Agent Orange in them. I ended up buying a new unlined one for $50.00 at a place in Newark. When you consider the work involved in burning out the liner, the investment in a weed burner etc I guess it is not such a bad deal. Can't wait to get started on this at lunch time.



Sweeet and clean on the inside.

 

[irishteabear]

Congratulations! I'm looking forward to seeing the build progress.

 

[smokeguy]

We have that same problem around here. They're either unknown but certainly not good chemicals, or plastic. Lot's of folks use the plastic ones to float their docks, but it doesn't make a very good smoker!

Good luck with yours, and be sure to take plenty of pics.

 

[pineywoods]

Congrats I'll look forward to some build pics

 

[gooose53]

When you get that thing done you WILL like it!!! For just a few items to smoke it's the best thing going!! Good luck on the build!!

 

[rickw]

Looking forward to your build pics.

 

[cigarbque]

And the build begins today at lunch time. Cutting the first hole in the brand new drum.




My nipples were loose so I put conduit nuts on both sides. Hate when my nipples get loose.

The zip-tie mod. I used zip-ties to hold everything together while I wired up the fire basket. Worked great and cut the off when I was done.


Completed basket with legs.

 

[cigarbque]

Cooking grate supports installed. Went with the U-bolts so I don't cut my arm up reaching down in the drum.


Ah, the sexy flip top cooking grate!


Top & side handles installed.



Waiting for the temp dial to show up Thursday from Spicewine. That and a short smokestack and I'll burn her in Friday night. Man this is going to be so cool.

 

[sumosmoke]

that you're turning into a smoker!! I'm with you, the inside is nice and shiny ... will be seasoned soon and will turn black! Thanks for posting pics on your build.

 

[bbq enthusiast]

I'm sure you already know this but even unlined / new drums have a thin film in the drum so it doesn't rust. make sure you wash that bad ride out.

 

[rw willy]

...then spray down w/Pam.
I like the U-bolt idea, very nice.
get to cooking. Give that thing a season burn, you don't need a thermo for that.

 

[cigarbque]

I'll wash it out, season and burn on Friday. I get home to late to do a good burn on a weeknight. Now I just ordered the most important item......

Budweiser Logo bottle opener direct from the Bud Store for only $2.00. Now we're talking.

I do have a question regarding a smoke stack. I picked up a 6" x 2" theaded black iron nipple tonight on the way home. Plan on putting it in the bung hole. The thing weighs a ton. I didn't want to go with the eight drilled holes as this puppy is going to live outside. I've seen some nice chome stacks but this getting too costly as it is. Any suggestions other than the black iron? Thanks.

 

[got14u]

man that is a awsome build...quick question what are the pipes on the bttm of the barrel..i know the ball valve. but what are the other things ??? and then what are they used for ???

 

[hog warden]

Looks like I'll be trailing in your wake. Your post got me motivated enough to start looking for barrels. Stop 1 directed me to Stop 2, my local civic recycling center, where I was sent out behind a barn to pick through a stack of about 20 barrels. I nabbed 2 of them which had been used for soy food products and are painted black. Cost was $7.50 each.

Which brings me to another idea. In that stack were black barrels and green barrels. The black ones (which I nabbed), looked to be heavier built. The green ones, from a thinner metal, less robust rolled seams at the base, etc.

Was I right in going for the heavy duties or does it matter all that much?

 

[cigarbque]

Got14U, they are additional air vents. You just remove the cap for more air or put it back on for less. Cheaper than using all ball vales.

Hog Warden, you made the right choice. Heavy gage stell is better IMHO. Good snag on the drums.

 

[cigarbque]

Any drumheads know the o.d. of the threaded stud on the Spicewine thermometer? I wanted to pick up a bit today and the thermometer will arrive tomorrow. If I recall from another thread that it was 1/2" so you drilled a 3/4" hole but I wanted to double check. Thanks.

 

[ddave]

You recall correctly.

And the Spicewine thermo comes with a backing nut that looks like a conduit nut.

Dave

 

[got14u]

thanks..that is what i thought but was not positive...

 

[rickw]

I use a 2x6" piece of black pipe with my uds and it works just fine.

You build is looking good.

 

[cigarbque]

Thanks for the help folks.