UDS build kits

[dataz722]

I'll have to let others comment on price but I think it's fair. I just found a place near Indy that has refurbished, unlined drums for $31 and new ones for $57. I'm trying to find out if they were food-grade on the used ones.

I'd probably be interested. I'm assuming I would need a thermometer? Anything else?

If it is refurbished then you are good. They will probably have no way of telling you what was in them before but it can't (well shouldn't be at least) anything toxic. Refurb is "like new".

You would need a thermo, grate(s), and a drum. There are tons of other options too but this will get you something a little more than the "basic model".

 

[bob1852]

With the kit all you would need for tools would be a drill, a step bit (I am looking into trying to get them wholesale but that won't be until I know this is going to be somewhat popular), a pair of pliers, and a wrench or socket set. Other than that you would need grates (homedepot, lowes, walmart, etc), a 55 gal drum, and a thermometer.

Exactly - this I could handle...

All that other stuff I'm too lazy to figure out and shop for at a bunch of different places.

Hence the reason I bought my sightglass kit from Bobby_M and my weldless valves from bragainfittings.com....

 

[JohnTheBrewist]

Data, I think if you can package all that for $40-50, you've created a very good deal. If I hadn't built mine already, I'd have paid for a kit like that just to save some time.

After I build the square basket, I'll post some pics. If I can find some SS zip ties locally, I'll use those, so it should come out like your potential kit.

Good Luck!

Moose

 

[dataz722]

Believe it or not the SS zip ties are 3x+ the cost of the steel for the basket. They are expensive as hell. I have some inquires into some companies about wholesale but who knows when I will hear something and what the min order would be. I am planning on going to pick up a sheet of expanded Sat and try and build one with just bailing wire or similar and see how it holds up.

 

[FoundersBrew]

I'm not much of DIY'er at all - sightglass on the kettle, and weldless fittings on kettle/MLT, etc. is about all I've been good for.

I would be willing to pay for the kit with good instructions.

I'm willing to pay a little more for someone else to do the work.....

That's why I've never pursued a UDS; why do all that work when I can get something NIB for a few hundred...

AZ, there is not a smoker out there you could buy for $200 that would out perform one of these drums. I had a smoker I paid $1200 for and after I built my drum, I rarely used it.

I think Data is putting together a great deal for someone interested in one of these! Not having to go and gather all the parts is value in itself.

 

[Hugh_Jass]

Ok here is what I have so far. All hardware is either stainless or plain steel. Nothing is zinc coated/galvanized/hot dipped etc.

------------------------------QTY
Air control
3/4" 2" Nipples--------------3
2 Caps---------------------2
3/4" Ball Valve--------------1
Magnets for top------------5
Conduit nuts---------------6

Grate Mount
2" 1/4" 20 Bolts-------------3
1/4" nuts-------------------6

Round Fire Basket
Expanded Steel 24x12-------2
1" 1/4" 20 bolts-------------4
Nuts-----------------------8
Fender Washers-------------8
Fender Washers for base-----6
Nuts for base----------------6
3" 1/4" 20 bolt---------------3
Zip Ties/wire-----------------4

Square Basket
Expanded Steel 12x12--------5
Zip ties/Wire----------------24



I am looking at a price somewhere in the $40-$50 range. You would have your choice of which basket style you would prefer. It would also come with detailed instructions and I would probably make a video walkthrough too.

Thoughts?




Huge thanks to menkemoose and everyone else for their advice.

I'm in for at least one. If you'd like, I'll send an e-mail out to our brew club. I know there's a few that have expressed interest in building a UDS. This may be the catalyst for them, as it is me, to actually build one.

 

[dataz722]

I'm in for at least one. If you'd like, I'll send an e-mail out to our brew club. I know there's a few that have expressed interest in building a UDS. This may be the catalyst for them, as it is me, to actually build one.

That would be huge if you could do that. I would probably even throw in some sort of discount if enough were interested.

 

[dataz722]

Well this is going to happen, at least in a limited fashion if nothing else. I am ordering everything today to be able to put together 10-12 kits. Depending on how it goes I will put in more orders for about 50 more and go from there.

Unfortunately, it does look like the price is going to be closer to the $50 mark instead of the $40 until I feel comfortable enough to put out the money for some very large orders. Sorry.

 

[integrator]

I was going to say that a large group-style buy might bring prices down for everyone (just get people to prepay) but it might be good to get the process down. I'd like to get one of the first kits and help work out some of the kinks. Given I need to verify that I can get the drum - sending email now.

 

[dataz722]

I was going to say that a large group-style buy might bring prices down for everyone (just get people to prepay) but it might be good to get the process down. I'd like to get one of the first kits and help work out some of the kinks. Given I need to verify that I can get the drum - sending email now.

Thanks, I think there are quite a few places around Indy to get some drums. I am going to try and at some point get a list together for everything I can find around the country but that will take some serious time.

 

[Hugh_Jass]

A couple of options in Indy presented via Brin/Page

http://www.recycle.net/trade/rs190518.html

http://www.indydrum.com/products/open-head-steel-drums

 

[integrator]

Thanks, I had the second one open already! and the first one actually ends up being the second one. I found a place in Terre Haute also.

 

[RDWHAHB]

Looking for a drum here. This is the response from a seller. I was trying to find an unlined. Should I believe him that it will ash this easisly? I doubt it.

Unlined steel drums are not available in the food industry because just about everything reacts with mild steel. If you're looking to make a BBQ or smoker, the first time you bring a barrel up to temp the lining in any steel barrel will turn to ash. The coating on the inside is red.

I sell this all year for smokers and bbq's...

(if that is your intended use).

 

[dataz722]

Looking for a drum here. This is the response from a seller. I was trying to find an unlined. Should I believe him that it will ash this easisly? I doubt it.

I have always gotten mine unlined so this is all hearsay, but I think the red liners are the most difficult to get out. With all liners you will want to burn it out as hot as you can get it. Drill your holes first then toss a bunch of old wood in there and light it up. The hotter the better. Many liners will flake off with enough heat but you still do need to get in there with a steel brush and get any of the stubborn stuff. I have heard though that the red ones sometimes need a grinder to really get them off.

 

[RDWHAHB]

I think I'll look around for an unlined one. I used to have one that I gave away to a scrapper. Didn't know about UDS then.

I will be interested in a kit. Probably not the first round tough.

 

[JohnTheBrewist]

Looking for a drum here. This is the response from a seller. I was trying to find an unlined. Should I believe him that it will ash this easisly? I doubt it.

Nope. Not that you can't burn it out, but it's not that easy. Lots of good info Here

 

[dataz722]

Unlined can be difficult to find unless you find a company that sells refurbished drums. I wouldn't want a used unlined one.

 

[Hugh_Jass]

I'm an admitted noob when it comes to these things. From what I've read the red liners are difficult to burn out.

There's this place in Denver

http://www.containerbuyers.com/

EDIT: Their website isn't the greatest, so I called them to ensure the link was legit. Spoke with Shawn in the warehouse (ex. 5). He said they'd sell to an individual on one or two quantity. They sell both lined and unlined open head drums. Also indicated you to stop buy to pick one out at their warehouse.

 

[RDWHAHB]

What process do they do to refurb? Quite honestly I doubt much happens. Hot water? The refurb label makes things sound better, but unless it is new you don't know what was in it. Even new ones are likely from China and shellacked in lead. Whatever I use I will likely try to heat it up pretty hot to burn things off.

Maybe I should get a lined one and head up to some BLM land with a truck full of wood. Heat that sucker up proper. My suburban nieghbors wouldn't like the burning part too much.

 

[dataz722]

What process do they do to refurb? Quite honestly I doubt much happens. Hot water? The refurb label makes things sound better, but unless it is new you don't know what was in it. Even new ones are likely from China and shellacked in lead. Whatever I use I will likely try to heat it up pretty hot to burn things off.

Maybe I should get a lined one and head up to some BLM land with a truck full of wood. Heat that sucker up proper. My suburban nieghbors wouldn't like the burning part too much.

True, it is piece of mind I guess and it is much easier. I do take a big assed propane torch to it to season it first though.

 

[JohnTheBrewist]

What process do they do to refurb? Quite honestly I doubt much happens. Hot water? The refurb label makes things sound better, but unless it is new you don't know what was in it. Even new ones are likely from China and shellacked in lead. Whatever I use I will likely try to heat it up pretty hot to burn things off.

Maybe I should get a lined one and head up to some BLM land with a truck full of wood. Heat that sucker up proper. My suburban nieghbors wouldn't like the burning part too much.

It probably depends on the refurb place, but at least some superheat them to burn out, sand blast and repaint. I've seen videos of people using a weed burner torch to burn them out, which you could later use as a charcoal starter.

I ended up buying a new drum from Mcmaster since I have an office close by.

 

[dataz722]

Ok, another update!!!

As I am getting all the orders in to the various companies and figuring what my paypal costs are going to be it looks like the price will be $47.50+ actual shipping. That is not set in stone yet but unless there is something unforseen I don't think it will change.

 

[Hugh_Jass]

Ok, another update!!!

As I am getting all the orders in to the various companies and figuring what my paypal costs are going to be it looks like the price will be $47.50+ actual shipping. That is not set in stone yet but unless there is something unforseen I don't think it will change.

When it is set, e-mail me @ drinknkoolaid at gmail dot com. I'll send payment for mine and/or others from the club (nobody has gotten back to me yet )

 

[dataz722]

When it is set, e-mail me @ drinknkoolaid at gmail dot com. I'll send payment for mine and/or others from the club (nobody has gotten back to me yet )

Thanks and like I said let me know how many are interested and we can probably work out some sort of discount.

Just to let you know though, if it is a large order it might need to wait until my second batch. I am only getting enough stuff now to make 10-12 kits this time. Depending on how this goes and if I can find a wholesaler for the plumbing parts I will be getting enough for 50-100 kits the second time around.

 

[dataz722]

And if anyone needs help finding drums let me know and I will see if I can find anything in your area for you.

 

[Myrdhyn]

Per our brief exchange in the briskett thread, I need to try and track down a drum and I'm not having much luck finding one within a 3+hour drive radius.

 

[dataz722]

What city are you in?

 

[Myrdhyn]

Doh, didn't realize I didn't put that in my post. Huntsville, AL

 

[dataz722]

http://www.americanlisted.com/alaba...al_and_plastic_drums_20_madison_11263548.html

That one is saying it is in Huntsville. If that doesn't work let me know. I found a couple more but they are all a decent drive.

edit- nevermind, I just noticed that is a closed head one. It might be worth a call though to see if he has any or knows where you could get open head.



This is the 2nd closest I have found so far.
http://www.americanlisted.com/alaba...rums_food_grade_14_jacksonville_10906917.html

I will keep looking though.

 

[dataz722]

This might be worth a try for anyone looking for one

http://www.materialhandlingnetwork.com/categories/Drums___Equipment.aspx