Thinking of doing a UDS Build

[Tyrone1Wils]

Hi guys, new to the forum just looking for some advise.

Planning on building a UDS as recommended by keith157.

I have found these on eBay for a barrel which is around £27 delivered to my door. Would this be okay to use as a UDS providing i burnt the barrel out before using etc.? Also would the lid be okay to use on the UDS? or would it be better to get a lid from a webber or equivalent?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/205-LITRE-45- ... 3ccb393116

Also what would be the best way to burn out the drum so its safe to use?

Cyderpig mentioned in a thread that using Radiator Enamel is okay to paint the barrel with, any ideas on where to get this in black?

Last question i can think of is have any of you guys got any links to your own or other peoples build logs or something so I can take a look at it for help.

Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks for any help.

[Tiny]

Hi fella,
There are several old threads on here relating to uds building, I think there is a website called something like smokerbuilder.com that covers pretty much all you need to know which a few of the more practically minded chaps use. As for the radiator paint I think eBay is your best bet.

cheers
Tiny

[keith157]

We'd much rather you asked if needed then did without asking and had problems. There are a lot of places (The Range for one) that do Black hi temp paint for BBQs BUT only paint the outside just burn off whatever is in the drum, clean it up by all means but leave it "au natural".

[kwazulu]

I saw this fantastic UDS on Youtube the other night and I found the build diary for it last night. I am intending to model my UDS on this one. Take a look -> http://mancavemeals.net/the-uds/

Hope you find it useful!

On a related note, would folks recommend getting hold of a drum with removable lid to start with or is it ok to cut the lid out and go from there? Does it matter?

Gian

[BigG]

Firstly, don't waste money on radiator paint as there's really no need, I've used black BBQ spray paint from B&Q and a black high heat spray paints from Mcganns but even these are a luxury for a UDS, from my experience the low heat used for smoking have never effected cheap standard black car spray paint, so it's the cheapest option and ONLY ON THE OUTSIDE! Have a massive fire of wood in it first to strip it to almost bare steel. Wash it, scrub it then season the inside well with cooking oil and season it a couple of times with a small burn using your chosen wood or charcoal. It's easy I spend a fortune on a self build but not necessary. Try and get a barrel with an open top lid and ring clamp. If your struggling I may be able to get one up here in Northampton.

[BigG]

May be of interest

http://www.bbbqs.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=2442

[BigG]

Have a look at my thread here too

http://www.bbbqs.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1834

[CyderPig]

Hi All
A UDS is all about simplicity,a no messing about simple cooking pit, no frills just a work horse, throw away when broken, but that doesn't happen unless you let them rust out or get eaten out by the lye produced from the ash, and water getting into the drum.
Easy to build,easy to use, hold temps well and I use mine more than I use my WSM.
Burn out well at the start and season before use.
So many threads on the internet on how to build and all are good.
Check out the US site http://www.smokerbuildersforum.
About the paint on the outside, just use radiator enamel,£1.00 atin at Proper Job or something of the same type, these baby's don't get hot enough to warrant UHT paint.
Cheers
Si
PM if you want to know more as I am building a new trial version to enable me to cook hot and fast as well as low and slow.