First UDS

[Txdragon]

They're 3/4 inch ball valves on the intakes. The one that is extended up, 24 inches, is dual purpose. If I ever decide to put a Guru on it, that is where I will mount the fan. The second reason is I've got a fake leg so it's easier for me to fine tune from there than to bend over, my right leg is sawed off above the knee. The next one I build I will use 1 inch ball valves. When it's cold and windy, like last night, it doesnt want to run over 350. The only time that matters is when I'm cooking steak, and that's what I was cooking last night. Didn't quite get that sear I was looking for.

Awesome, thanks for the response! Convenience is all good, I didn't know if it was a matter of airflow or what. So the next one would boast a 3/4" and 1" valve, or both the same? Would it matter much if they were mix-matched as such?

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

All three would be 1 inch. I'm not sure if it would matter if you mixed and matched, but I would want them all the same size just for looks. The only reason I will upgrade the intakes is to make it a better cold weather and/or windy weather cooker. It might not make a difference, but I figure if I can get more air intake I can make a hotter fire.


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[BluDawg]

Next one I build will have 1 -2" intake 24" long with a slide damper similar to my exhaust on Big Jim

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

I want my next one to be able to get up to at least 650, easily, for some searing.


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[BluDawg]

Put in a second rack and put the basket on it like a Weber without a lid

[Txdragon]

Blu, once again I am inspired! I was checking out all the hardware items the other day and found the most expensive items to be the ball valves. With 1" around the 20 dollar mark and up, I was beginning to sweat presentation of the job proposal to my other half. I think I will go with your pictured damper method here! Swamp, I would like to have that same versatility, low n slow, or hot n fast.

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

I have a second rack closer to the basket, I just wasn't sure about doing the steaks there. Thanks for the suggestion Blu.

[BluDawg]

Blu, once again I am inspired! I was checking out all the hardware items the other day and found the most expensive items to be the ball valves. With 1" around the 20 dollar mark and up, I was beginning to sweat presentation of the job proposal to my other half. I think I will go with your pictured damper method here! Swamp, I would like to have that same versatility, low n slow, or hot n fast.

Go the cheap route PVC valves work just fine as they don't get any hotter than the Ambient air temp and they are 5 bucs or less.

[Txdragon]

Blu, once again I am inspired! I was checking out all the hardware items the other day and found the most expensive items to be the ball valves. With 1" around the 20 dollar mark and up, I was beginning to sweat presentation of the job proposal to my other half. I think I will go with your pictured damper method here! Swamp, I would like to have that same versatility, low n slow, or hot n fast.

Go the cheap route PVC valves work gust fine as they don't get any hotter than the Ambient air temp and they are 5 bucs or less.

So a pvc ball valve attached to a short nipple would work? Id figure this would melt pretty fast.. Interesting..

[bwsdj]

Looking good Swamp Donkey. I have wanted to build one but just havent gotten around to it.

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

It's one of the best things I've done in a while. The more I cook on it, the more I like it.


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[txsmokeater]

I was inspired by all of the builds I saw here and built one of my own.
I asked the welders at work to make me a basket based on the plans I found on here. They made me one heck of a basket, all stainless steel I think it weights like 23#. It should last me through several drums. I did my first cook yesterday and was really impressed in how smooth it was. As far as lighting it, I filled my basket about 3/4 full, added some wood and set it down in the drum. I used my trusty Harbor Freight weed burner and held in the middle of pile till some lit off and the rest slowly took off. I think I had food on within 30 mins. Held heat for about 8 hours with no problems. I'll be glad to cook more BBQ now! Thanks for all the ideas and photos. I see I need to add some side trays now.

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

Nice build! I use mine more, now, than I use my offset.

[BluDawg]

Good looking UDS but it's to clean I see it has a BulDawg inspired exhaust damper

[txsmokeater]

Most likely all of it is BluDawg inspired. Why reinvent the wheel. Someone before me spent many years and cooked countless pounds of meat to make the perfect UDS. As I mentioned, I am very happy with the design and all the people that have posted their projects. Thanks again.

Good looking UDS but it's to clean I see it has a BulDawg inspired exhaust damper