First foray into BBQ - UDS Build! (With pics!)

[Tyrone1Wils]

Thanks for the info and details post.

With my WM Drum i have basically done the same thing as you. I used the open end as the top of the fire basket but i made the top wider by cutting the top lip off, but as you said using that end as the bottom would have been a lot better and much easier.

I've only used my UDS around 5 times and struggled with temps every time but i have a feeling this is due to the WM drum not getting as much airflow as it needs so i may have to work some magic to make it more efficient.

[robgunby]

I've not had any issues with airflow on mine. Is yours similar to mine? Try cutting some holes in the bottom, I drilled a load of 1" holes. You want an SS rated holesaw like this http://www.alltools.co.uk/bosch-25mm-sh ... lesaw.html (you will need an arbor for that as well).

If you are struggling to get temps high, and have drilled holes in your wm drum, try adding another air intake or two on the oil drum.

[CyderPig]

Hi Tyrone
How high did you drill your holes from the bottom of the drum?
What diameter holes?
Are you using Ball valve and Nipples?
What type of lid are you using?
Length of legs on your FB?

Si

[Tyrone1Wils]

Hi Tyrone
1)How high did you drill your holes from the bottom of the drum?
2)What diameter holes?
3)Are you using Ball valve and Nipples?
4)What type of lid are you using?
5)Length of legs on your FB?

Si

Si,
1)2 Inches
2)1 Inch
3)Neither, I was using fridge magnets, but i have bought 1 ball valve and 2 pipe nipples to attach for my next cook.
4) It's a flat lid with 8 1/2 inch holes drilled evenly around the top. (this was recommended from a US forum)
5)they are 2.5-3 Inches, I can't remember exactly.

[robgunby]

All of that sounds solid to me - all the same as mine apart from the holes in the lid - i just open the bung hole.

[CyderPig]

Hi Tyrone
That is fantastic.
Now it's FB or fire build.
Air to the FB, or the amount of charcoal in the drum, plus the amount of lit charcoal you add, UDS seem to be predisposed to cook at lower temps than other cookers, depending on design'. Plus you are cooking off a very big FB, washing machine drums take a lot of filling and need IMHO 1 full starter to get them to life.
Also with a UDS you need to get it to temp before adding meat ,then when the temp drops leave the intakes open until just reaching optimum temp start to shut down then.
These cookers are a labour of love and will see you proud, but each one cooks its own way and needs to to be loved along, just like all Smokers.
Don't give up. I have built so many of these cookers and I use them all the time, my WSM is still in the garage because I prefer these.
Don't Give Up

Si

[robgunby]

you are cooking off a very big FB, washing machine drums take a lot of filling and need IMHO 1 full starter to get them to life.

Absolutely agree with this. A few weeks ago I left my starter going a bit too long and only had 1/2 left, it was really hard to get temps up and steady on that cook. Also, to make sure you get the lit coals in the right spot and evenly spread, load outside the UDS, put the lit coals in, then use a welding glove and an axe or other suitable hook to lower the fb in.

You'll get there, just need to learn your cooker.

[stretchie_]

Good lad, enjoy all the meaty goodness to come

[engvall]

Update, first "proper" smoke!

Did our first proper cook yesterday. Smoked a small pork butt and a small rack of breast ribs. Turned out really well!

Still having slight problems controlling temperature, it sat reasonably well around 275 with both 3/4" ball valves fully open. We did have to unscrew the plug on the third intake a couple of times to boost the temps though.

Using two 1 1/2 " holes as exhaust. Is that enough?

Cheers!
- Tobias

Link to imgur gallery:
http://imgur.com/a/xsVQv

[CyderPig]

Looking Good!
Intake to exhaust ratio sounds about right.
Maybe up the charcoal amount.
Si