New build started...TDS (updated 9/13 -heavy pics)

[mtrammel]

Playing now...
Started a new build tonight
Like the grill space on my offset and the functionality of a UDS so combined them to see how it comes out. Call it a TDS (since its shaped like a T...maybe its already been done but its a good exercise)
started with the horizontal drum...


Cut out doors and some straps from a sacrificial drum as door backing...



New Plasma cutter made short work of the cutting.


Started on the Vertical drum...

started matching them up...



got the ash tray made and cut the expanded...will have to get a coal grate tomorrow and some tubing to make the grill rack. Started measuring the angle for the rack guides.

Thats as far as I got tonight.
More to come.
_________________
Chargriller Offset
Bass Pro XPS propane 60k BTU Grill
Stainless Fish Fryer
UDS

[day_trippr]

This ought to be interesting, particularly if you want to have even cooking temperatures across the top drum. Some kind of diffuser (equivalent to a long flat baffle or tuning plates on offsets) might be necessary.

btw, this feels like an eye test
Were those supposed to be clickable links to actual photos?

Cheers
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Save the planet: it's the only one with beer!
FrankennBrinkmann ECB
Char-Broil Commercial Gasser

[mtrammel]

day_trippr,
thats not a bad idea...will probably use that advice. My photos had always been huge when I've posted. So I was determined to downsize...think I got carried away. Will probably need to edit that later.
_________________
Chargriller Offset
Bass Pro XPS propane 60k BTU Grill
Stainless Fish Fryer
UDS

[k.a.m.]

mtrammel, this is a very unique arrangement I like it. I would like it better if My old eyes could see the pics It will be interesting to see how the horizontal handles the heat as far as temps across the grate, but I believe you have something here. I will be watching for updates.Very nice work.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[Jon D. Q.]

I like the concept of what you are doing here very much. I could be wrong here but my first thought on looking at the two barrels stacked together is that if you trimmed off the excess of the firebox barrel that sticks up into the cooking chamber I think you would greatly enhance the evening out of the temps across the bottom of your cooking grate. I think that then locating an exhaust at each end of the cooking chamber with the top of your exit holes 2" below grate level would make this a pretty even temperatured pit. Just my 2 cents worth humbly submitted. I very much look forward to following your project however you proceed.

[mtrammel]

k.a.m. Seem to be having technical difficulties getting photos resized. Have swapped to plan B on that...
Jon D. Q. We are on the same page. The next time I get to work on this, plan to split that excess you mention up and weld it onto bottom of the horizontal. Hoping this will re-enforce the meeting of those two thin metals and reduce some stress/warpage once it gets heated? We agree on the stack placement as well.
Thanks to you both for the feedback. I've only been at this a few weeks and trying to cut teeth. Appreciate the kind words. Please smack me if you see anything that needs "improvement"!
_________________
Chargriller Offset
Bass Pro XPS propane 60k BTU Grill
Stainless Fish Fryer
UDS

[mtrammel]

Yeah...got the photos fixed...
_________________
Chargriller Offset
Bass Pro XPS propane 60k BTU Grill
Stainless Fish Fryer
UDS

[BabyHuey]

mtrammel, That is gonna be an awesome cooker! I am looking forward to seeing it come together! Good Job
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Link to my pit build slideshow:

http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m398/LilBabyHuey/?action=view¤t=4675c7d7.pbw

[mtrammel]

Well, I did all I could this weekend on this project and discovered a couple of possibilities. That metal is thin and my skill set just isnt ready for joining those two barrels together such that they would be airtight. I was making some hasty ugly welds because going any slower and I would blow through it. Had the Hobart 140 dialed as far down as she'd go...I know, personal problem. So the welds I was making were easy to break apart which only compounded the issue. Then ole heat distortion came over to visit even though I had spot welds every few inches, I now had 1/4 to 1/2 inch gaps. I came to realize that these two drums were not going to be airtight so long as I worked on them.

Think I like the concept but this isnt the way to execute. Headed back to the design board.
_________________
Chargriller Offset
Bass Pro XPS propane 60k BTU Grill
Stainless Fish Fryer
UDS

[k.a.m.]

mtrammel, the thin metal will test your patience. Set it aside and play with it, as you get a bit more acclimated to your machine it will come together. Its a nice build idea.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[ShahBQ]

Just a thought, but you could always weld her with a few tacks and then seal her up with some stove putty...not ideal, but it works.
_________________
“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[stringbender128]

Your on your way! Good job!
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Peoria Custom Cookers 24x48 Backyard Cooker
Weber Genesis S-330 Gasser

[purplewg]

I can't wait to see the finished product. It should be really nice....
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The Wild Pig build.
My UDS Build.

Don't squat with your spurs on.........

[Jimbob]

[ShahBQ]

[day_trippr]

[ShahBQ]

If you do decide to use the stove cement, I would only use it on the outside of the barrels just to be safe.

I'm eager to see how your barrels are shaping up! Let us know how you decide to solve your issue. Good luck!
_________________
“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[mtrammel]

Thanks all for the input...I plan to tear back into this starting Friday. Have picked up all the materials for the inside of the horizontal grill and stacks...not sure If I will proceed with what I have or back up and punt but either way the basic shape I like and will proceed that way.
_________________
Chargriller Offset
Bass Pro XPS propane 60k BTU Grill
Stainless Fish Fryer
UDS

[mtrammel]

Ding ding�start of round two.
So the original TDS, one pic�d above is resting in pieces at the moment probably to become parts for the redesigned TDS�
Much easier to make airtight this way�
Started with the basic drum smoker type build except there will be no grill in this drum. The top will be fixed so a side door is being built. Whether I can seal this door will be the make/break question I suppose?
You will see door, side hole for future air intake, two top holes for openings into top drum�


And if you�ve been following the plasma cutter thread, here�s the kerf of mine with a � inch angle for scale�.

Added a top drum, where all the racks will be�

Got it leveled up

Lined up the heat vents and tested the internal stacks� from top and bottom drums...



Measured up the diffuser and air intake also�


Have all the parts measured for the stacks and racks, and the charcoal basket is already started.
Havent welded anything yet, I plan to attack the drums with the twisted wire on the grinder first.
Far as I got, but I�m a lot happier with this design.
_________________
Chargriller Offset
Bass Pro XPS propane 60k BTU Grill
Stainless Fish Fryer
UDS

[k.a.m.]

mtrammel, this is a good design. I like what you have so far I look forward to seeing some updates.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker