Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Mods, Tables and Customs => Topic started by: Bubblehead on September 14, 2017, 06:28:27 AM
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I am gathering parts to build a mini ranch and a matching 85 gallon drum smoker. Does anyone know how a lid bale will do on a drum? I think I have seen people with them before but can't remember.
I doubt I will get full range of motion but as long as it's close to the open angle of the older style lid bales (less clearance), I think it should be fine. I plan to have the bale located on the back side so I can just slide the lid backwards into it.
I appreciate any experience or opinions.
Thanks!
Jim
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I can try to help. Do you have some basic dimensions and sketches (or even look-a-like interpretations/pictures)?
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Are you using a 26 weber lid or are you wanting a bale to use with the flat drum lid?
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If weber lid, my guess is the bale would have to come way out further because of the drums straight sides
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My apologies, I didn't do a very good job explaining what I'm thinking of...
I've seen these obnoxiously priced tables with bales that look to be vertical when in use. I'm guessing the same could be done on a barrel? It looks like I could fashion a bracket similar to this?
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/14/Weber-Lid-Holder-2.jpg)
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Or you could go this route. Pretty sure they can be found cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/Weber-KETTLE-Smoker-stainless-release/dp/B00RNF1Y5K
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I have put them on flat lid drum smokers they aren't for me. It's gives too much back and forth. I've never put one on a Weber product though.
Any input on how well it fits/works on a 26er would be appreciated. It'd be far easier than dicking with a lid bail.
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@Bubblehead - I'm in the final phase of modifying my 85 gallon drum. Its a BDS 2739 Clone (Big Drum Smoker) Its got a 26.75" OTG lid and the main reason its not been getting the usage is due to the weight of the lid itself (and the flat drum lid) and the height of the drum (39" + 4'' dolly)
I got an Unknown BBQ hinge for the 22" kettle and stuck it on the lid. To be honest, I don't feel the a lid bale would work well on a drum.
When I swapped the Red 26'r into the Mini Ranch frame I added a lid bale, but after using it awhile I'm leaning towards the Unknown hinge on it as well.
I'll be posting some pics on my Left Hand Smoke facebook page this weekend. Feel free to hit me up if you have any build questions.
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@swamprb thanks for the information. I appreciate it. I have 2 unknown hinges just sitting in the garage. I guess I'll put them to use.
I'll definitely check out your Facebook page!
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the "problem" with a drum (I assume it's a vertical cylinder) is that on a kettle, the lid somewhat has room underneath. With a cylinder shape, the contact point of the lowest edge will hit the drum and it will be upright.
You may have to get some wire and some clamps and form up a few trials to see how you like it.
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I agree with the vertical side being an issue. Now that I look at that table more, it looks like they used a 26 bale for a 22 lid to get it enough room to work.
I'm going to reconsider the unknown hinges. Like I said, I have a couple in the garage, I'm just leery of drilling (more) holes for something that I may not like.
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Be mindful of that hinged lid. It may work but be side heavy or catch in a wind gust -I'm sure you are aware of all that. Let me sketch something up and post an idea I have. It may be more workable. And you know.. something else to consider.
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just another rough idea... Maybe I'm not following correctly though.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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You're following just as well as I am. I'm really just exploring options at this point. I have the 26er in my possession and the frame ordered for the mini ranch and I have an additional 26.75 lid for the drum smoker. That's really all right now.
I appreciate your ideas for sure!
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Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
Hey.. it's not my idea, I'm just an enabler!
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I've posted pics of my 85 gallon drum with the 26.75" OTG lid on my Left Hand Smoke FB page. Doing some test burns with a couple Firebasket setups
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@swamprb I just checked out your pic & video. You've convinced me to use the hinge on at least the drum. Maybe the mini ranch? I'll have to see how I like it/how it feels.
I've still got a long way to go with material gathering for both projects though.
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170916/56cc5ab817052baaaf124319730708a5.jpg)
The only thing holding me back from adding a hinge to the mini Ranch is the fact I love using the rotisserie on it
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Brian I love the post on that build. That is a sweet setup.
** Total RED Domination - 26" Mini Ranch Kettle **
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=63141&share_tid=27188&url=http%3A%2F%2Fweberkettleclub%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Findex%2Ephp%3Ftopic%3D27188&share_type=t
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@swamprb I just checked out your pic & video. You've convinced me to use the hinge on at least the drum. Maybe the mini ranch? I'll have to see how I like it/how it feels.
I've still got a long way to go with material gathering for both projects though.
To be honest, I'm not wild about the 22" kettle lid hinge on the 26.75" lid after using it for a few days.
Its a good design, but the weight of the 26'r is a bit too much IMO. The lid bracket need to be wider and taller (4 bolt pattern) to avoid lid flex and the possibility of causing the lid to get out of round. I'm going reinforce behind the hinge bracket and add a brace inside the lid.
Knowing this I'm glad I didn't add the hinge to the Red Mini Ranch
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I appreciate the feedback. Fortunately, I haven't started the build(s) yet.
So....... anyone have any ideas? I'm still leaning toward the lid bale or a modified version of it. I found some picture of drums and WSMs with Slide Asides on them. I would think a lid bale with some thread spacers to get it further out would get me there?
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I appreciate the feedback. Fortunately, I haven't started the build(s) yet.
So....... anyone have any ideas? I'm still leaning toward the lid bale or a modified version of it. I found some picture of drums and WSMs with Slide Asides on them. I would think a lid bale with some thread spacers to get it further out would get me there?
I've seen a lot of drums and WSM mods and never any slide asides with the rollers and rear brace.
Even the Weber 8411 that hangs off the bowl lip follows the contour of the bowl and on a drum would seem like it will stick out-I have one at home and should probably try it, but I ain't feeling it.
My Master-Touch Cajun Bandit won't accept the lid when the center section is in place.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_6344.jpg) (http://s163.photobucket.com/user/swamprb/media/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_6344.jpg.html)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_5768.jpg) (http://s163.photobucket.com/user/swamprb/media/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_5768.jpg.html)
Another option I've seen on a FB group was using the Acorn Kamado hinges on a 22" WSM. It would also work on a drum with a Weber lid.
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Have you seen hell fire grills "slide aside". Looks like a perfect application for it.
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Another option I've seen on a FB group was using the Acorn Kamado hinges on a 22" WSM. It would also work on a drum with a Weber lid.
AHA! You've been in my head! I was laying in bed obsessing last night and thought about trying this. I have an Akorn Kamado (terrible product, BTW) and was thinking about getting an additional hinge as it would be beefy enough to do the job. I wonder about range of motion though.
Just to add up front, my wife bought the Akorn for my birthday a few years ago so I can't just tear it down for parts. I'd love to get rid of it but my wife would be butt-hurt and I really don't want to deal with that. She means well....
Have you seen hell fire grills "slide aside". Looks like a perfect application for it.
I haven't seen that one, I'm going to check it out today though. Thanks!
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$20.60 delivered for the Akorn hinge. I hate to pull such a blasphemous maneuver like this but I am trying to make this look like it was on purpose and I want it to work well.
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@swamprb I just checked out your pic & video. You've convinced me to use the hinge on at least the drum. Maybe the mini ranch? I'll have to see how I like it/how it feels.
I've still got a long way to go with material gathering for both projects though.
To be honest, I'm not wild about the 22" kettle lid hinge on the 26.75" lid after using it for a few days.
Its a good design, but the weight of the 26'r is a bit too much IMO. The lid bracket need to be wider and taller (4 bolt pattern) to avoid lid flex and the possibility of causing the lid to get out of round. I'm going reinforce behind the hinge bracket and add a brace inside the lid.
Knowing this I'm glad I didn't add the hinge to the Red Mini Ranch
I don't really have any way to weigh them for comparison, @swamprb, but do you think the 26er dome is that much heavier than a 22.5 WSM? I'm looking for a CL stainless steel table that I can use for my 26er and was planning to add a hinge.
BD
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@Big Dawg
If you look at the pics or vids of the lid on my drum it doesn't raise up 90* and the weight on the hinge bracket really is too much for it
I have a wsm hinge but haven't installed it. On others I've seen and played with it seemed more heftier.
I inquired about them on 26'rs and Jason Whitcomb sent some pics of some in action so they are in use
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Have you seen hell fire grills "slide aside". Looks like a perfect application for it.
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Can't seem to find this? Do you have a link?
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Can't find it either. Send hell fire grill a message for a picture. His version is simple but you could jazz it up however you like. It's completely different than any option your exploring.
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Well. Now I'm curious. Anyone have link?
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If your looking for something with class...you better pass.
This wood piece of junk works very well, you can practically drop it and it'll catch the lid every time, safely with no rim rash.
Im planning to build another one out of better junk when my hands are cooperating again.
(https://i.imgur.com/9Q8e1G9.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/ToqjJlG.jpg)
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Hell fire that's it! I love the idea and plan on making one that hooks on my performer because I despise the lid bale.
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Perfect and simple.
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I don't mind the bale in my 26 because I still have 180 degree access. I think I just hate performers. Not sure what that dinky table has to offer that a real table doesn't. This is happening now by the way [emoji3]
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170927/d7c08677a52a98d17ea3ac3eeca5e12b.jpg)
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I'm still messing with this project. I have everything, I've just been a bit busy. Anyway, I have another question. Does anyone know if the 26.75" lid bale is consistent with the NEWER 22" lid bale as far as clearance. Meaning does the lid open as far on the 26er as it does on a 22 with the newer bale.
I'm still Undecided on the hinge. I have a hinge from an Akorn and the Unknown hinge sitting on my desk at work but I can't get away from the thought of using a bale.
I have a new style 22" bale and we have a LOT of open top 55 gallon drum at work. I can mount it up and check with a lid off one of the 22's, I just want to know if the clearance will be similar so I can decide if it will work to my liking (or at all)