the right barrel

[robbo1982]

Make sure you post pictures of the build!

[dangerousdowning]

Make sure you post pictures of the build!

Will do.

is there a shopping list anywhere?

like 'vents form here', 'handle from here'.

What size weber grill rack do i want?

[somapop]

If this is the larger barrel you've got then you'll need to pick up a grill rack for a 22.5" BBQ. I've not read all your post so I'm not sure what type of lid you have (was it a clip lid?). If not and you've had to grind the existing one off then look our for a cheap 22.5" kettle BBQ. eBay sell new ones for around £27. Otherwise, look our for a second hand one. I picked one up via gumtree for £15 (Lanndman model). I've used the grill rack, the lid and the handles one the UDS.

For valves and bolts etc, I've found Toolstation to be the perfect one stop shop.
Try these for the brass nipples (for vents). These are the 3/4" size so you'll need a 1" hole cutting - I have three:

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Plumbing/Compression/Brass+Hexagon+Nipple+34/d20/sd2697/p63570

One ball valve:

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Plumbing/Valves/Lever%20Ball%20Valve/d20/sd2696/p14624

Then you'll need a 1" hole saw with arbor (again, these are available quite cheaply from tool station).

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+Tool+Accessories/Holesaws/M3+Bi+Metal+Holesaw+25mm/d80/sd1530/p56846

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+Tool+Accessories/Holesaws/Holesaw+Arbor+Hex+14+30mm/d80/sd1530/p42954

This gives me four vents, one of which is the ball valve for more precise air control...but magnets work just as well - depends how neat you want the UDS.

The bolts I used were (I'll have to double check) stainless steel M6 x 50mm (I'll double check that as too short and you're grill won't rest on them, too long you'll have to cut down). You'll also need stainless steel penny washers to tighten these up inside (prevents leaks).

What are you doing for the charcoal basket? Those washing machine drums are perfect.

Have a look at my build and ask as many questions as you want. Nice little project which should take a day or two depending on your time.

[YetiDave]

I too would go the route of buying a BBQ with the intention of cannibalising it. You can use the lid and BBQ grate, and a cheapy BBQ should set you back not significantly more than you'd pay for an appropriately sized Weber grate

Washing machine drums make perfect fire baskets too and you can find them cheaply on eBay

[CyderPig]

Hi All
I use a Hammer and Bolster to cut out the top of Tighthead barrels.
To make a simple no fuss and easy to clean FB from a Washing machine drum cut the bottom off the drum this saves loads of time as you don't have to mess about cutting lots of holes, then take an 18.5 cm BBQ grill and fix it to the original open end of the drum, afix bolts for legs and Bob's yer Aunties Brother.
Forgot to say cut slots (vertical) into the the top of the Basket and fold these into the drum with pliers so that there are no sharp edges!

Cheers
Si

[dangerousdowning]

Has anyone made one like the Proq excel, where you can take it apart in sections?
is it not a bit of a mission, if you need to top up the fuel?

[YetiDave]

The inherent design benefit of a UDS is that it isn't modular - it's so airtight that it's ultra fuel efficient. You won't ever need to top up on charcoal or wood if you build your fire right and you'll always end up with leftover fuel if you're generous with it. If I filled my charcoal basket mine would run for days. That's why I'd recommend one over a Pro Q, as you'll save so much money on both fuel and the cooker

[dangerousdowning]

For the charcoal basket, i was maybe thinking of one of these - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BBQ-Barbecue- ... 4897.l4275

with an expanded steel mesh round the outside, to look something like this - http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o101 ... CT0030.jpg

And now contemplating if this will make a good doner, giving me a lid and grill - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BENTLEY-ROUND ... 56661ec2d2

[dangerousdowning]

So I've picked ip the barrel. Thinking that if i take an angle grinder to the outside edge of the lip, i can still use the lid?
Also hoping that not too much of the paint comes off after the burnout.

[gingerchris]

You'll probably find that the pain will burn off if you get the fire hot enough. It's sad to see a decent paintjob go but at the same time it's awesome watching a hot fire burn