Planning to build a UDS (2 actually)

[PyroBoris]

So I got hooked on the smoking bug last year after buying a Landmann Tennessee smoker. I've only used it 5 times so far, and having battled primarily with temperature control and a lack of space, I've decided that already want/need something better!

The plan is to build a UDS for myself, and I'll also be making one for my future brother in law as a 30th Birthday present. I have been reading many many UDS build articles and I have an initial question or two:

1. I've read a lot about not using galvanised/zinc coated parts. I'm pretty sure that galvanised parts are cheaper than stainless steel, so that being the case, would anyone see any issue with removing the zinc coating by way of a vinegar bath?

2. I can source tapered open top steel drums (ex fruit juice) for about £7. For a little but more they include a lid plus locking collar. These are clean but lacquer lined. I see there are debates about what to do here as well, and as I'd like the inside to be clean steel, my plan is to burn it out and then sand blast it back to bare metal. Will this work do you think?

Any advice, opinions would be most welcome!

[PeanutZA]

Not sure about the vinegar bath but the posts iv read strongly suggest avoiding galvanised stuff. Personally I wouldn't use it as alternatives are easy enough to source.

A recent post suggests you only need to do a good burn in the drum, and then season. Sand blasting won't hurt but will add time and cost.

Have you looked at smoker builder website?

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[PyroBoris]

Thanks PeanutZA.

I'm definitely keen to make sure I have no zinc going on in the UDS, which is why I was wondering about removing the zinc coating with acid (vinegar). So all that would be left, I'm assuming, is plain steel. Another option would be to go for brass fittings? Which I can also easily get and are pretty cheap too.

The smoker builder website was a great heads up, can get lost for hours in there!!

As for the drum, I'm still waiting to get a price back so fingers crossed. I'm fairly certain it'll be a lined one, so will give it a fine 'ol burn out. I've got a sandblasting kit in the garage so might as well give it a whirl as there's no cost implication at least! Although if it's going to take forever I will rethink my plans!

[PeanutZA]

Am very jealous. I don't have the skills or tools to make my own but would dearly love to

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[CyderPig]

Black iron fittings. ie Caps and Nipples
Brass or steel for the ball valve.
Stainless nuts and bolts, washers etc.
Cheap grates from B+Q.
Drill holes in correct places
Add temp gauge.
Drill holes and burn out drum before adding any of above.
Season and use.
Ugly drums don't get that hot so don't worry about the liner.
Cheap radiator enamel for the outside paint £1.00 per tin, two do the job.
Check out Strechie's post.

Si

[CyderPig]

Get the grates from Homebase.
Si

[stretchie_]

Bl
Check out Strechie's post.

Cheers Si.

Yeah, if you click my username, top left in this post, then scroll down to 'Search users Posts' on of my first threads includes a write up of my build including what I bought and how much it cost me a year ago. Hope it helps

[PyroBoris]

Muchas Gracias gentlemen!

Si, that's a most helpful run down of what's needed and an excellent heads up re Homebase! My initial plan was to butcher a 22" Kettle BBQ from Fleabay (only £20), I may still do this and with the additional homebase grill I've doubled cooking space for not many pounds!

Out of interest, can you get the radiator enamel in anything other than white?

Stretchie, I've read the post and got the pdf, excellent work Sir!

By the way, I've been hunting around for appropriate thermometers, and fleabay seems the cheapest. Has anyone got theirs from here and are they any good?

Planning to start building soon, hence all the questions (for which I apologise). I appreciate the help from you guys and will post up some pics.

In the meantime, here's a nice rack



Bought both racks for a tiny bit over £10. Removed the membrane, coated in brown sugar about 45 mins before coating with Memphis dust and chucking into the smoker at about 220-230f. Foiled with apple juice mixed with more dry rub after 2.5 hrs (I gave it bit longer than 2 hrs, as the temp fluctuated a bit). unwrapped after another hour or so and let it finish for about 45 mins. 22 ribs in total, demolished in about 5-10mins. Beef ribs next

[ed.]

here is a link to my build.

http://www.bbbqs.com/Forum/viewtopic.ph ... ble#p24607

hope this helps

[PyroBoris]

Nice build Ed! And thanks for the link

A couple of nights ago, I serendipitously acquired a 22" Kettle BBQ that was headed for th tip, so the gathering of parts phase continues!