Production UDS

[megt123]

The basket is actually a turkey deep fryer basket with holes everywhere. I think I am getting plenty of air to the basket. I just need to get a good lid or put a gasket where the tub meets the barrell on the inside. When I lift the tub I can see where it meets the barrell. I am thinking of putting a gasket there and see what happens.

 

[Dutch]

Megt123, My only concern with your concept is with the turkey fryer basket. You state that you think that you're getting plenty of air to the basket.  The concern I have is the ash buildup~the holes in the bottom won't be big enough to allow the ash to fall through; ash build up can/will cause your briquettes to smother out. That is why the majority of the charcoal baskets are made from expanded metal panels.

 

[megt123]

Dutch, I am inclined to agree with you, but I don't think the expanded metal holes are much bigger or bigger at all than the holes in the fryer basket. Having said that you have convinced me to make a basket out of expanded metal. I have plenty here at home to use.

It might be a while because I am building a shed, but I will try.

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate what you and other members do to try and help people solve their problems. I am glad this is not all about competition. Feels more to me about like a giant cooking family!

 

[fwismoker]

Dutch, I am inclined to agree with you, but I don't think the expanded metal holes are much bigger or bigger at all than the holes in the fryer basket. Having said that you have convinced me to make a basket out of expanded metal. I have plenty here at home to use.

It might be a while because I am building a shed, but I will try.

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate what you and other members do to try and help people solve their problems. I am glad this is not all about competition. Feels more to me about like a giant cooking family!

Yep, that's what i was trying to convey with that there would be a problem with airflow....the build up of ash.   When you compare all of the cross sections of expanded steel vs the holes in the turkey fryer basket you'll see that there is probably twice as much open area for ash to exit in the expanded.

You won't regret replacing that basket that's for sure.  Good luck. 

You might not want to buy this but it's a great concept. This is the basket i have in my smoker kit, you'll see it has lots of space for the ash to drop out (too much as i laid a piece of expanded steel in the bottom) but also the legs extend to drop into U- Bolts on the drum for cooking at 2 different levels... 1 for smoking and 1 for grilling and searing.   It really is a great idea. 

 

[megt123]

Hello FWIsmoker

Well my bright idea to use a turkey fryer basket went to getting the bottom burned out. It did last for five smokes. I have expanded metal so I am going to try and make a basket. I like the size of the turkey fryer basket so I am going to model the new one after it.

My question is the expanded metal doesn't seem to be much thicker than the basket. What is going to keep the bottom from burning out of the new one? Should I double the thickness?

 

[fwismoker]

Hello FWIsmoker

Well my bright idea to use a turkey fryer basket went to getting the bottom burned out. It did last for five smokes. I have expanded metal so I am going to try and make a basket. I like the size of the turkey fryer basket so I am going to model the new one after it.

My question is the expanded metal doesn't seem to be much thicker than the basket. What is going to keep the bottom from burning out of the new one? Should I double the thickness?

You'll end up having similar results with expanded steel unless it's thick enough.  There have been folks that have used the cheap stuff from Lowes or Home Depot but it won't last.    IMO if you're going to make one to last build it with at least 12 gauge or better. You'll find the better expanded steel at fabrication shops. 

Good luck, let us know how it's progressing. 

 

[coffee_junkie]

You'll end up having similar results with expanded steel unless it's thick enough.  There have been folks that have used the cheap stuff from Lowes or Home Depot but it won't last.    IMO if you're going to make one to last build it with at least 12 gauge or better. You'll find the better expanded steel at fabrication shops. 

Good luck, let us know how it's progressing. 

I made my charcoal basket out of materials found at lowes. It works like a charm, and is not showing any sighns of burning though. My UDS has been in service for at least 4 years, and let me tell ya...it is ugly! Good luck in your buisness venture.

 

[fwismoker]

I made my charcoal basket out of materials found at lowes. It works like a charm, and is not showing any sighns of burning though. My UDS has been in service for at least 4 years, and let me tell ya...it is ugly! Good luck in your buisness venture.

Coffee you're exposing my sickness...i must smoke too damn much! LOL    I had some 20 gauge stuff in stove smoker and it got very brittle but i had propane burning on it sometimes also. 

I'd still say a thicker gauge steel is ideal, i hate to see folks like me waste money and have to redo it later. 

 

[megt123]

I have a sheet 4x8 and another piece about 3x4 so I am not buying any. I am going to try and at least double the bottom.

 

[megt123]

I found a lid for my barrell, but it doesn't fit because the top of my barrell is a little off. Does anyone know if I could heat the barrell and then put on the lid? It really doesn't matter because I could use it for a future project.