About to start my first UDS...

[CLeeSmokinQ]

Alright guys.. Been reading on this forum an a few others for awhile and I'm fascinated with these UDS... I came across a score load of these drums at no cost..

I do have one question though have I haven't come across even after all the research or maybe I just missed it.. The barrels I have acquired have been used to store oil an etc.. I got the whole burning it out, cleaning an seasoning... But my question here is.. The drums are sealed.. How have u guys cut the lid off while not jeopardizing the integrity of the seal once the time to fire her up.. Where's the best place to cut the lid an retain it for a good seal??? Pics an direction would be great

THANKS IN ADVANCE

-Chris

looking forward to getting my project started

[Big Ed]

Gotta go with a weber lid , you get a lot more room and you can pick up a cheapy on CL.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CLeeSmokinQ]

So overall there is no way to cut it where it's possible the lid is functional.. unless it's a barrel with a remove able lid huh...

I actually wanted the stock material lid, didn't care much for the extra room as I plan I putting two levels of grate (plenty of room) and I plan on building more as soon as I get the hang of one.. (More colors, accessories, etc) But i guess it's a great thing I got a complete weber darn near new (buddy's kid hit it with the truck an bent the legs an destroyed the wheels lol) FREE

[CLeeSmokinQ]

Best method to cut top off?

[Big Ed]

Oh it can be done, its a lot of work!! Leave 1/4 flange on top of barrel and weld lip to top of cutout, I like the weber lid on mine though.

[Big Ed]

I drilled a big enough hole for a sawzall blade to fit in and went to town.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BluDawg]

Alright guys.. Been reading on this forum an a few others for awhile and I'm fascinated with these UDS... I came across a score load of these drums at no cost..

I do have one question though have I haven't come across even after all the research or maybe I just missed it.. The barrels I have acquired have been used to store oil an etc.. I got the whole burning it out, cleaning an seasoning... But my question here is.. The drums are sealed.. How have u guys cut the lid off while not jeopardizing the integrity of the seal once the time to fire her up.. Where's the best place to cut the lid an retain it for a good seal??? Pics an direction would be great

THANKS IN ADVANCE

-Chris

looking forward to getting my project started

You can remove a lid by grinding the top outside corner on crimp it will still seal tight once built.

[CLeeSmokinQ]

Thanks blu ... I just did a brisket for Father's Day on an old shitty smoker I have in the backyard.. with your marinade it was absolute perfection

[CLeeSmokinQ]

Big Ed n Blu.. Being as most of the Q/UDS threads have posts by both of you or great advice..

What would you both recommend as far as thermometer for the UDS an also digital for internal temp of both the drum and meat?

[BluDawg]

I got my therm at Acadmey it is an old country or old smokey very acurate I believe it was under 10.00 it is the only therm I use meat is done when it probes tender I don't do meat temps unless it is loin or something that need to be served med. for that I use an Oregon Scientific remote 330 ft range. just remember that yor drum will be 40 deg hotter in the middle than the tip of the installed thermo. I split that and call it 20 deg IE 300 on the therm is an average of 320 works for me.

[CypertJ]

Sounds like you have closed top drums. You could cut underneath the lip about 1.5" then take some 1.5" flat sock and rivet/bolt/weld it around the inside edge of the top of the drum, leaving .75" exposed. The top portion that you cut off has now become your lid and should have a nice seal with a little massaging. Just add a simple handle and your exhaust and it's winner winner bbq dinner.
Personally, I agree with Big Ed and the Weber lid. Just make your cut around the top right up against the lip and smooth out and burrs. Pop on the Weber lid and go to town. If it's loose you can use high temp rtv silicon around the inside of the lid to form a tight seal. If it's too small just grind the outer edge of the lip on your drum until the lid fits snug.
Hope this helps.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[CLeeSmokinQ]

Great info here guys.. I appreciate it a bunch.. Any pics of process would be great as well even though the drums are free I'm trying not to screw up lol

Blu I went to academy an picked up said therm.. It's great.. As I only see myself about 50-70 bux deep once done I'm looking into digital therms that are wireless or connected by phone apps so I can set it an forget it type thing.. You know for overnight smokes etc.. It's more of an alarm that I want incase of flare ups or drop in temps etc

Picked up my free weber today gonna start and finish said project this weekend hopefully time permitting.. Think I'm going with a SHINER theme once said and done

[CLeeSmokinQ]

Well got my drum open guys... An low n behold the red liner.. FML

drIlled the four intake holes.. Loaded it up with old dry wood (2x4s, plywood, 4x4s etc) an started thg burn out process.. Man it got hott.. After checking on it today I'm not sure all of it came off gonna build another fire today... If not guessing it's off to buy a weed burner

Guess even if the drums were free this is still gonna be a headache...

[CLeeSmokinQ]

Couple questions as I've been reading into removing the epoxy liner..

What do u guys think about Air craft stripper? I read some that Easy-Off oven cleaner works? Or just stick with the weed burner an wire wheel labor intensive job lol

[CypertJ]

Have it sandblasted

Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk