UDS Build question

Jaskew82

Jaskew82

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Been looking for a 55 Gallon drum and finally found a good one. Was a quaker state oil drum but still has the top.

Can I cut the top off of it? Will that work? I can grind down any sharp edges to smooth it out but I want to know what you think.

Thoughts?
 
You absolutely can cut the top off the drum. Use a hacksaw blade in a sabre saw, or a drum deheader, or even a cold chisel and hammer. Shouldn't take more than 10 minutes whatever method you use. Be sure to hammer and file down any sharp edges.

Sterling
 
I used a 16 oz hammer and a 1/2" cold chisel to open my drums, real easy. But it is a bit loud!
 
Drill your intake holes at the bottom before you cut, especially if you are using a grinder. This because there may be residual oil inside. Even motor oil can vaporize with the heat created from a grinder. And oil vapor can be very explosive when contained. Maybe knock some other holes in the lid with a chisel and hammer first too.

Im not sure what other precautions can be taken for this, some water in the drum?

There was a kid at a school who was killed recently when cutting into a motor oil drum that exploded. someone posted the story.
 
Thanks for all of the advice guys. I will def punch some holes in the lid and drill my vent holes before cutting open the top!
 
Capozzoli said:
Drill your intake holes at the bottom before you cut, especially if you are using a grinder. This because there may be residual oil inside. Even motor oil can vaporize with the heat created from a grinder. And oil vapor can be very explosive when contained. Maybe knock some other holes in the lid with a chisel and hammer first too.

Im not sure what other precautions can be taken for this, some water in the drum?

There was a kid at a school who was killed recently when cutting into a motor oil drum that exploded. someone posted the story.
Click to expand...

I remember reading that. It was peppermint oil. Can't be too careful...
 
Maybe others will chime in but I am not sure you want to use a drum that had a petroleum substance in it. It tends to impregnate the metal and may not burn out. Just my opinion. Do you have a bakery in your area. I have a friend that runs a local bakery and I can get all the drums I want for FREE that had a food grade vegetable oil in them.
 
firefighter4634 said:
Maybe others will chime in but I am not sure you want to use a drum that had a petroleum substance in it. It tends to impregnate the metal and may not burn out. Just my opinion. Do you have a bakery in your area. I have a friend that runs a local bakery and I can get all the drums I want for FREE that had a food grade vegetable oil in them.
Click to expand...

I'd guess over half the UDSs out there, are made of a drum that contained a petroleum product. It burns out real easy, and you are left with a nice drum with no dreaded epoxy liner to deal with.

Most UDS folks I've heard or read of around these parts prefer a non-lined drum to start with, it's easier to clean out. If you're really worried about it, then I would suggest a trip to the local farm co-op for some overpriced greens :twisted::wink:
 
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