UDS question's

flashback max · Joined: 12 Jun 2010 Posts: 19 Location: Homer, NY

Hey everybody,

I'm in the middle of constructing my first UDS. What's best for airflow control? I bought three 3/4" ball valves from home depot. Do I need that many or could you get away with one or two? Just a newbie question...

Also, a ? about the charcoal basket. Does it have to be round? I found a couple clearance sale grill grates I think I can bend and shape to make a basket but it would be rectangular. Just wondering about heating evenly.

Thanks much. Love the site!

whitey · Posted: Jun 13 2010 Post subject:

I only run 1 ball valve and on the other side 180 out I have a capped nipple that I remove when Im firing the UDS up.After the fire is where I want it I install the capped nipple and control the air with the ball valve.
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12TH AV SMOKERS · Posted: Jun 13 2010 Post subject:

One ball valve is all you'll need. You can put more than one on if you'd like. I like round charcoal baskets but they can be square. I've seen many posts on here using square baskets. good luck on the build.
You'll love UDS. Awesome, easy to use and they turn out some great Q...

Go to the "Cooker" section. You'll find allot of UDS build info there.

peace
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flashback max · Joined: 12 Jun 2010 Posts: 19 Location: Homer, NY

Thanks guys! Makes it a ton easier. Very Happy

Canadian Bacon · Posted: Jun 14 2010 Post subject:

I would put at least 2 ball valves in,sometimesyou want to run the temp up higher for chicken and 2 will get you more air flow than 1.You don't allways need to use 2 but you can just shut one down.
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cityevader · Posted: Jun 14 2010 Post subject:

+1 on two ball valves.....my smoker is happy right in between one and two, sometimes a hair less than one open, sometimes a hair more than open is needed, so having two adjustable ones is best.
But you won't know until smoker is up and running to see how it burns.

I'd still put a third hole with a removeable cap for higher temp cooks.
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SoEzzy · Posted: Jun 14 2010 Post subject:

I use 6 x 3/4" holes and fridge magnets... Total cost, the time to drill the holes, and wait for the next yellow pages to be delivered! Wink

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cityevader · Posted: Jun 14 2010 Post subject:

SoEzzy is right on both counts. Simplicity and multiplicity.

Ball valves are cool, but expensive.

I won't bother with the math, but my dual 1" intakes have probably close to the same capacity as four 3/4" intakes. Mine is sometimes hard to get over 300�, so six 3/4" sounds about right.
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To make the ° temperature symbol, hold the Alt key while typing 248 on keypad.
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