by assateague » Wed May 29, 2013 9:43 am
Here's what I used, although I don't think it's exactly carved in stone.
-Grill rack (people say Weber, but I found one for far cheaper that is heavier gage and the same size- 21 1/2")
-3 3/4" black pipe close nipples
-2 3/4" black pipe caps
-1 3/4" ball valve (loosen this up a few times, and with a little WD so you don't pull the nipple out while turning it)
-3 1/4"x 1 1/2" machine screws, with nuts (for resting the rack on) Don't use 4, or it'll wobble. Use 3, and it will always balance
-If you don't have a lid for the drum, you'll need a piece of 18ga steel (got mine from Lowe's) Or you can use a Weber kettle lid, but I didn't have one, and am happy with the outcome
-Garage door handle (for the lid)
-Something to vent the lid.
-Thermostat for smoking. I don't have the link handy from where I ordered mine from, but TK has it
-2 cans of high temp flat black paint (optional)
-Step bit (optional, but recommended) for drilling the holes at the bottom for the air intakes
-Pack of JB Weld (optional) for securing the nipples at the bottom after they are threaded in. Better safe than sorry, and the ball valve does put quite a bit of torque on the nipple while turning it
-Expanded metal enough to make a basket 10" high and 12" in diameter. I got a piece of scrap from a sheet metal shop down the road, which was 15"x 72", and had plenty.
-Some metal for the legs. I used scrap, but I've seen peole use little chunks of angle iron, to keep the fire basket at least 3" off the bottom.