Ugly Drum Smoker

[EPP]

Hi im putting together a UDS, but having difficulty getting expanded steel to construct a fire basket however I have come across someone selling stainless steel washing machine drums these are full of holes and would seem to be perfect as a fire basket has anyone else used one of these just out of interest......cheers

[keith157]

If you have a look at Cyderpig's posts, and I believe Strechie as well they are full of useful advice. I's seriously worth putting the kettle on, and working your way through their posts. What I can say is Cyderpig aka Si, does have several in his parts bin ready for use.
Take the time, have a read then pm either/both for any further information.
Apologies to anyone else posting UDS designs & advice, I know you are out there somewhere

[kwazulu]

I would have thought that the washing drum would work without any issues, but personally I would be concerned about the size of it and getting it in and out of the drum without hitting the bolts which support the grates.

I am also doing a uds build at the moment. Have you searched yell.com for metal fabricators in your area? I found one locally to me and was planning on getting my expanded metal from them but it was going to work out at about £35 -£40 for a basket diameter of 430mm and height of 200mm. I am on a tight budget for my build so I am on the scrounge at the moment from reclamation yards and recycling centres; oddly, the scrap metal place which is less than half a mile from my house would not sell me anything. Also, just did a search on the B&Q site and they stock some sheets, here is an example http://www.diy.com/nav/build/building-m ... mm-9284116. Gary also posted http://www.meshdirect.co.uk which may be useful.

[CyderPig]

Get a Grip Gents!!!
Washing machine drums work very well!
The whole UDS thing, is make it with what you have got!
Use shorter bolts!
Play!!!!!!
This is the fun of making a smoker, that could cost over£300 quid for next to nothing!!
Use the bottom of an old BBQ.
Half an old beer barrel.
An old stockpot, drill , cut some holes ,put it on legs you have got a fire basket.
Cheers
Si
PS Think outside the box!!
Old shopping baskets, add legs!! I made my 1st fire basket like this, just add bolts washers, it don't have to be round., it don't have to be space age silicon construction, this is a redneck cooker!!!!
Use what you have got, and make it work!
Use ,play and BBQ.
Spend your money on the meat, not the consruction!!!!!

Rant over.
Si

[kwazulu]

next time I'll keep quiet. sorry.

[CyderPig]

SPEAK OUT!!!!!!
This is what the forum is about, we share information!
As Keith say's, there are no stupid requests, or questions, just ask!!!!
Si

[CyderPig]

Apologies To Kwazulu.
I meant no offence.
Si

[Gary Morris]

I'm in the process of making an external firebox, the first one is made from 2 a10 baked bean tins, with a few holes and some plumbing, but I think it won't be solid enough, so I've decided to make a firebox similar to AMPS. I've ordered some 'oil rig heat resistant 1mm heavy duty wire mesh from
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130929950351? ... 1438.l2649 or you could try

http://www.meshdirect.co.uk/cart.php