kettle lid idea

[Earache_My_Eye]

My UDS was built from an open-head drum, so, I have the flat lid and a bolt-on retainer ring. I have a 22.5" dome lid from a Weber knock-off grill that I've put to use by flattening the edge and using 3-4 pairs of vice grips to help seal it to the drum....it works, but, it's a pain in the arse to mess with...and it does leak some.

My idea was to cut the center out of the flat lid that came with the drum, all the way to the lip, and have someone wire weld the dome lid to it so I could use the retainer ring to seal the lid to the drum...does this make any sense?

I haven't checked to see how well the two lids would fit together...may have to remove the lip from the kettle lid first...?

Anywho...just bouncing the idea off you guys to get some input.

L8r,
Eric

[DDave]

I think that that is an EXCELLENT idea and if I do another UDS, I'd like to do it that way. In fact, I wish I would have done that on my first one. The original lid sealed so well lifting it off was like opening a refrigerator door. You really had to give it a tug.

I do think you would have to trim the lip off the kettle lid a bit to fit but man, you'd have a great seal and room to boot.

Dave

[Mikey]

The biggest issue will be keeping the lid flat while it's being welded. It will take a series of button tacks starting out in 12-6-3-9 o'clock positions first. Clamp it down to a flat surface, then continue with more button tacks until there is 1" gaps between the tacks. The 1" welds can now be made following the same basic pattern, skipping around until it's complete. Wiping each series of 1" welds with a damp cloth will reduce distortion. Yes it's doable and good luck with your project.

[Fishawn]

Weber has kind of a ceramic? style paint baked on them I think.... Would that weld to steel very well?..... (I have about ~NO~ knowledge of welding & metal fabrication, so if this is a stupid question or thought, please forgive me )

[Mikey]

Weber has kind of a ceramic? style paint baked on them I think.... Would that weld to steel very well?..... (I have about ~NO~ knowledge of welding & metal fabrication, so if this is a stupid question or thought, please forgive me )

That will have to be sanded off prior to welding.

[Fishawn]

That will have to be sanded off prior to welding.

Thanks Mikey..... I guess my thoughts were not a total loss...

Sounds like you might be onto something Eric!!!!

[Pandemonium]

I agree that keeping the lid from warping would be hard. mine warped bad when i welded on it, good thing i had spares.

[DDave]

I have about ~NO~ knowledge of welding & metal fabrication,

And I probably have less than that so I would just throw both lids in the truck, drive to Orland, and let Ponci's Welding have a crack at it.

Probably cost me a bit but if it can be done, I know them guys could make it work.

Dave

[Earache_My_Eye]

I have a couple spares, too....one Weber knock-off, and one Weber.

If it works well, I'll be looking for more open-head drums...

L8r,
Eric

[Pandemonium]

maybe if you just spot weld and move around and take it slow it will work?

[Mikey]

maybe if you just spot weld and move around and take it slow it will work?

That sounds vaguely familiar

http://www.smoked-meat.com/forum/sho...79&postcount=3

[Pandemonium]

That sounds vaguely familiar

http://www.smoked-meat.com/forum/sho...79&postcount=3

damn you caught me stealing your idea lol

[Mikey]

damn you caught me stealing your idea lol

[Pandemonium]

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWgrseU25i4[/yt]

[Mikey]