A Mini UDS .... (FINISHED)

MacEggs · Posted: Sep 14 2011 Post subject: A Mini UDS .... (FINISHED)

... or a cold smoker?
I am leaning towards a cold smoker.

I went to get my oil changed at the local Mr. Lube.
Asked if they had any smaller drums that carried
oil or other types of fluids.

Got this for free!

There is no volume measurement on the outside, just weight.
They said it was 60 Litres, which is just over 16 US gallons.
Measures 26 5/8" high, OD is 14 1/2", ID is 13 7/8".

I would like to find a dome lid to use.
There is no liner, but of course I will do a burn.

If anybody could provide me with information regarding
cooking grates, dome lid, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Mark

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"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."
Pickled Eggs

The cookers (so far).
Some Weber kettles of various age, color and size
UDS & Mini UDS
Abby Normal ECB
Napoleon Propane Grill

fxpose · Newbie Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Posts: 76 Location: Los Angeles

Weber Smokey Joe lid and grates should fit.

I'm also planning on making a 16 gal UDS in the near future. I already have the parts from an old Smokey Joe which I can use.

GF · Posted: Sep 14 2011 Post subject:

MacEggs, The smokey joe lid and grates should fit as fxpose said.
I made 2 electric ones with the same drums, they work well for bacon, jerky, etc. Would probably be a good cold smoker.

pbcfirefighter · Posted: Sep 14 2011 Post subject:

Do a mini uds .. You wont regret it.. I get at least 8 hours on a charcoal burn and i have cooked as much as 15 lbs of pork at once.. just cut down the intake.. i found it draws much better and cooks more efficiently i have 2 1" ball valves on mine here is the build link..
http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=492820#492820
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SVonhof · Posted: Sep 14 2011 Post subject:

Do you really need to burn it out? There is no liner and a good cleaning should do the job. It's not like the metal is porous.

I don't know how long the outer paint would hold up, but why not leave it on there and have a Castrol oil-drum smoker?
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My BBQ's: Weber Silver B (grill), -UDS-, MUDS/Weber Smokey Joe

GF · Posted: Sep 15 2011 Post subject:

FWIW, I would burn that barrel out. Not sure how porous the metal is, but the seam around the bottom will be full of gear lube.
I don't think a wipe out and de-greaser will get it all.
Good luck on whatever you do with it.

MacEggs · Posted: Sep 15 2011 Post subject:

Thanks to everyone for the valued input.
Thanks to pbcfirefighter for the build link.

I will definitely do a burn. Not this weekend, but next.
I picked up a cheap knock-off mini grill for $25 + tax (13%).
The lid was just slightly smaller than required. Returned it.
Found a Weber Smokey Joe, and it's lid should fit.
It's just a little larger than 14½" in diameter.
However, I didn't like the $45 + tax price tag.
I will look on-line for a better price.
_________________
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."
Pickled Eggs

The cookers (so far).
Some Weber kettles of various age, color and size
UDS & Mini UDS
Abby Normal ECB
Napoleon Propane Grill

SVonhof · Posted: Sep 15 2011 Post subject:

1buckie · Posted: Sep 15 2011 Post subject:

I'm tellin'ya, you're going to need an enclosure out back, soon the garage won't hold it all !!!
Speaking of hold, the discada is on hold for a moment ???

~~~~~>K

tacklebox · Posted: Sep 15 2011 Post subject:

I made a cold smoker out of the one I had. Smokey Joe lid and grates fit perfectly. Here is a link to my build. Any questions-just ask. It works great for jerky, cheese, sausage.

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=43790&highlight=
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MacEggs · Posted: Sep 15 2011 Post subject:

tacklebox · Posted: Sep 15 2011 Post subject:

MacEggs · Posted: Sep 26 2011 Post subject:

Hauled the drum up to my buddy's place.

Got a burn done.

A quick once-over sanding.

It's amazing how perfect the Smokey Joe lid fits.

I fabricated some legs.

Didn't have any paint, but will get that done soon.
My buddy's neighbour is making the charcoal basket.
Not sure when it will be done, but no rush I guess.
_________________
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."
Pickled Eggs

The cookers (so far).
Some Weber kettles of various age, color and size
UDS & Mini UDS
Abby Normal ECB
Napoleon Propane Grill

MacEggs · Posted: Oct 15 2011 Post subject:

I'm just waiting on the charcoal basket.
Otherwise, it's all done.

Perfect fit for the Smokey Joe lid. Smile

The paint I used was a gloss black. Almost matched the lid.

I drilled three holes for the intakes with a step drill bit.
They measured 13/16". The nipples are half inch ID.
Two get caps, and one has the ball valve.

Three legs - to prevent rocking. Wink

Half way down, I used a grate, and placed a SS bowl on it as a diffuser.
The bowl measures 11¼" in diameter.

And then 3 cooking grate levels.

Cheap thermo at the middle grate level.

90° to the front, I put a pass thru for a remote therm.

Handles on either side.

Just need to season it, and then start smoking!
_________________
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."
Pickled Eggs

The cookers (so far).
Some Weber kettles of various age, color and size
UDS & Mini UDS
Abby Normal ECB
Napoleon Propane Grill

GF · Posted: Oct 15 2011 Post subject:

MacEggs, Nice job. Now we gotta see it in action. Wink

El Ropo · Posted: Oct 15 2011 Post subject:

That's gonna pump out some great Q! Great job!

I bet it's gonna be extremely fuel efficient as well.
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Highly modified Brinkmann Gourmet
Basic UDS

The_Rodent · Joined: 01 Oct 2011 Posts: 4

Very nice UDS

Hell Fire Grill · Posted: Oct 17 2011 Post subject:

MacEggs. I'll give this build a solid HELL YA!! It looks great!!
All the fab work is spot on, paint looks good, I'm impressed.

Get that mother fuger smokin man.

MacEggs · Posted: Oct 17 2011 Post subject:

First of all, thanks for the kind words from:
GF, El Ropo, The_Rodent, and HFG!
A lot of props go out to all the members who contribute as well!
A few short years ago, I was just a griller on a gasser. Smile

I farmed out the welding for the charcoal basket.
Still waiting. The welder is a hunter, and hunting season just started in these parts.
No worries. Never rush a hunter, I'm told.
_________________
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."
Pickled Eggs

The cookers (so far).
Some Weber kettles of various age, color and size
UDS & Mini UDS
Abby Normal ECB
Napoleon Propane Grill

on the hook · Posted: Oct 17 2011 Post subject:

Very nice work. I'm planning on getting a WSM, but after seeing this, I'd rather make one. Probably still buy it though. I don't have the time right now to make it. Again, very nice Smile