There are several methods of cleaning out the oil drum before cutting it into a barbeque cooker for smoking food. The most common method used by do-it-yourself barbecue enthusiast is to light the oil barrel and let the oil burn. Once the oil is completely burned up, the inside of the drum can be pressure washed with soap and water.
For a more “green living” method of eliminating the oil, buy some natural base kitty litter and pour it inside the barrel. Roll the barrel around allowing the kitty litter to soak up the oil. Repeats as needed, then dispose of the used kitty litter at a local recycle location.
Cutting and Welding the Oil Drum
Cut a lid 3-foot long by 2-feet wide out of the body of the oil drum. Drill a hole in the middle of the lid for the thermometer. Weld one hinge the length of the lid to the oil drum lid. Weld the lid and hinge to oil drum. Weld one or two handles to the lid depending on personal preference. Behind the lid off to the left side of the lid, cut a hole about 3" in diameter and weld a smokestack. Weld angle iron inside the oil barrel at the desired height to hold the grill racks.
Firebox or Heat Source
Build the firebox out of ½" gauge metal plate cutting it to be 24" square. Cut a hole in what use to be the top of the oil barrel, and use the cutout as the door to the firebox. Weld the door on with hinges. Cut a 6" long x 3" wide hole in the side of the firebox connecting to the oil drum.
A traditional barbecue grill can be used instead of building a firebox. Take the air vent out of the top of the grill, and attach a electric dryer vent hose. Drill a hole in the end of the oil drum smoker the diameter of the vent hose and attach to the new barbecue smoker.
Building the Barbecue Smoker Base
Build the smoker base legs out of metal fence posts, 2-feet long. Use angle iron and well the angle iron to the top of the legs for the oil drum to sit on. Weld the oil drum to the new frame. If using a firebox, then weld two legs to the front-end of the firebox, and weld the backside to the oil drum. Weld the smokestack in place. Fire up the oil drum smoker to ensure all the welds are solid.
Building a barbecue smoker out of an oil drum is not a hard task, but will take time to do right. If you do not have experience with a welder, then the cost will be a little higher since you will need to hire someone who knows how to weld steel.
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