Somapop' UDS Build

[somapop]

Cheers.
Probably need two tins (to go over first coat) of that stuff. Only 300c (the other stuff is around 1000c)...probably won't ever go above that (600f) but you never know.
Will look into though.

Cheers.

[essexsmoker]

Hiya, I did manage to get mine over 250c (thermometer cuts off at 250) in the end using a tube a paddling pool blower into the valve. You can see the tube in my pics. I wanted to try and put together my temp controller today but it didn't happen, had an afternoon nap instead!:D

How much more you got to do? Nearly there?

[somapop]

Nearly yes - I've just been waiting on picking up the 22.5" kettle I purchased second hand a few weeks back. The in laws in Norfolk picked it for me so I'll being heading there Friday and will bring it back to the mother ship

Also need to order to order the stove rope and glue. Two options size wise: 10mm or 12mm - not sure if the 12mm will be too large or in fact a better fit. Both sizes are the same price, but I could do with getting it ordered tomorrow. Any thoughts/experience??

After that, just add ons really: couple of handles so I can lift the drum (still a few sharp bits from the grinding process), but also for 'looks'; Diffuser (will use foil over charcoal grate for the time being); pan to go underneath the charcoal drum; bits and bobs to tart it up/personalise/pimp

[YetiDave]

I ordered 10mm I think, 12 would've worked too

[derekmiller]

Cheers.
Only 300c (the other stuff is around 1000c)...probably won't ever go above that (600f) but you never know.
Will look into though.
Cheers.

The Halfords writeup is incorrect, if you look at the tin it with stands upto 450C (840F)

[somapop]

I ordered 10mm I think, 12 would've worked too

Cheers. I could wait till I pick the kettle up but that delays things a bit. I'll order the 12mm in that case (same price).
There's a guy on one of the US BBQ forums who uses the 'dollar bill' method of ensuring his lid is almost perfectly sealed (dollar bill/fiver wedged under lid and top of UDS/BBQ - pliers on lid till the note feels a bit of resistance then work all the way round). Worth a try!

[somapop]

Cheers.
Only 300c (the other stuff is around 1000c)...probably won't ever go above that (600f) but you never know.
Will look into though.
Cheers.

The Halfords writeup is incorrect, if you look at the tin it with stands upto 450C (840F)

I'm guessing that it would be hard pressed to get the UDS up to that heat (discounting the initial pallet burn out!).

Might look into that...quite like the gloss look (and would fit in with the lid). Need a second coat adding anyhow...
Cheers.

[essexsmoker]

I bought a cheap 57cm kettle from argos, only cost me £30! I had hoped the lid would fit my drum but it's a tiny bit too small

Do you have to mod it to fit?

Anyhow I didn't have a charcoal bbq and the last grate cost me £25, so I can't really lose! With a few more mods I can get a second shelf. Literally just need to add 4 bolts and chop down the others.
That's not important at the mo though. It's running and there's plenty of space for now.

[TakingtheBrisket]

I bought a cheap 57cm kettle from argos, only cost me £30! I had hoped the lid would fit my drum but it's a tiny bit too small

Do you have to mod it to fit?

Anyhow I didn't have a charcoal bbq and the last grate cost me £25, so I can't really lose! With a few more mods I can get a second shelf. Literally just need to add 4 bolts and chop down the others.
That's not important at the mo though. It's running and there's plenty of space for now.

Think ive read somewhere about using a pair of pliers to pull out the lip of the lid a bit. Would that work in this case?

[essexsmoker]

Hi brisket,

Ahh, i assumed it would go straight on as I've never seen any mods mentioned. It might fit, but I'd rather not ruin it.
I think I've got enough room to put another shelf in anyway. Having looked over a WSM in the flesh I see that the bottom shelf in basically on top of the water pan and that the water pan is very close to the fire, so I'll just drop the pan down and use the bolts from that for another grate.

Thanks anyway.