UDS BUILD

[Delta 1]

I acquired a piece of a propane tank. It is just a piece of pipe now. The ends had been cut off to build fire pits. My question is would it be safe to just use the ground for the bottom of a uds?

 

[ranjer59]

I wouldn't. But you did not say what size - guessing 250 or 500 gallons. Depending on the diameter and length, you might have the makings of a decent horizontal grill- and those are dandy. Or an offset if you have some fabbing /welding skills and can add a firebox and stack. Sounds like it's "free" and you want to do *something* with it. But a good UDS is based off a simple 55 gallon (or 30gallon) open head drum... they ain't much $$ if you can scrounge. Be best to start with something airtight right off the bat than figure on how to make a removable lid to seal up the end of the pipe that is not in the dirt. If you did all that, racks are going to be an issue. 55 gallon drum uses a 22" round weber grate, 30 gallon uses an 18.5" grate- all available at lowes, walmart, home depot, lowes, amazon. Your Propane cylinder has an inside diameter of what? Might be a big old pain. But - if you go down that path, send pics

 

[Delta 1]

Thanks. I might consider an offset. I was just wondering if there would be a safety issue with sitting one end on the ground.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I was just wondering if there would be a safety issue with sitting one end on the ground.

Personally, I wouldn't think so...

 

[ranjer59]

No safety issue that I can think of. It's just all the other considerations (I'd call them problems- you might call them "challenges) that come with trying to turn it into a functioning UDS after you get it stood on one end. Get on with it- could be a super cool project. Good luck, amigo.

 

[JckDanls 07]

My first build was a 55 gallon drum with the bottom open and sitting on dirt... I just cut a square hole in the side at the bottom and used a rock as a damper... It worked great...

That was my mullet smoker as I don't put any fish in my smokers...

 

[thirdeye]

I suppose you could weld 3 pieces of angle iron at the base to prevent it tipping?

 

[Delta 1]

No safety issue that I can think of. It's just all the other considerations (I'd call them problems- you might call them "challenges) that come with trying to turn it into a functioning UDS after you get it stood on one end. Get on with it- could be a super cool project. Good luck, amigo.

Thanks

 

[Delta 1]

My first build was a 55 gallon drum with the bottom open and sitting on dirt... I just cut a square hole in the side at the bottom and used a rock as a damper... It worked great...

That was my mullet smoker as I don't put any fish in my smokers...

I suppose we can get by on about anything. I just want to be safe in regard to food safety. Thanks