First UDS

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

My first UDS build is almost complete. I still need the thermostats and a lid. Don't clown too hard on the basket, I made it from all scrap I had at work.

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[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

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[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

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[ChileFarmer]

Looking nice, I can tell you one thing, You gonna love that cooker. Just like any other smoker you will have to learn its ways. I haven't used my stick burner in the last 4 cooks. I may even sell it. CF

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

I hope it turns out to be a good one. It ain't fancy, but it's mine and I built it by myself.


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[BluDawg]

Looks good your going love it. I will tell you, as much as I like mine I hate how easy it is because I get bored not having to feed it and adjust the intakes hourly.

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

More time for cold ones. What is the best way to light the fire basket? Do you light it at the bottom, top or side? Also, is it better to use a torch? Seems like lighter fluid would be a big no no in a basket.


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[BluDawg]

I do it one of two ways;
I fill the basket with Lump and 5 fist sized chunks of wood
I either use the weed burner in the middle of the basket for about 1 min then I let it set for about 10 min before lowering it into the drum( this works but I don't recommend it until you learn the drum)
The best way at least for a drum rookie is to keep things consistent.
Light up about 15 briquettes in a chimney and dump them on top of the basket( I use Lump in the basket)
Let it sit until the lump catches ( about 10 min evident by small sparks and pops)
Lower basket into drum open all intakes and exhaust
Put on the lid, watch thermo ( I cook 275-300) at 200 I close 1 intake, 240. I close #2 intake, at 260 I close the ball valve by 1/4 and it settles in at 275 ish
Just a note to keep in the back of your melon your drum will be 50 deg hotter in the middle than what the thermo on the side reads.

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

Thanks! Eventually I will get a digital thermometer so I can put the probes where I want them.


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[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

OH YEAH!! Found a guy that wants to do some horse tradin' for a lid!


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[ceaves]

I use the weed burner method. I've alwyas used lump on the drum. Just load up the basket, hit it with the weed burner for about 30 seconds and rock n roll.

[bigdaddydanbbq]

I use a chimney half full dumped in the middle of my basket, lower away and open all my nipples and close 'er up to reach temp.

[ceaves]

One thing about drums is once they start to get away temp wise, it's hard to bring em back down very fast. That's why I err on the side of understarting the coals. I can weedburner a bag of royal oak in the basket for about 30 seconds and the drum is up to temp in about 20 mins.

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

Got the lid. It's just a tad off from a perfect fit. If I bump it with my hand it will almost seat up. Might just leave it as is.

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[BluDawg]

If your temps won't stabilize you know. Get a strip of aluminum about 1" wide and bolt it around the inside of the drum leaving a 1/2" above the edge