British BBQ Society Forums

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

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

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.

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

next time I'll keep quiet. sorry.

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

Apologies To Kwazulu.
I meant no offence.
Si

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