Well after seeing Jay's as well as Big Mista's awesome results with drum smokers I decided to try my hand at building one. Trial and error was the the theme for the weekend, but overall pretty happy with results.
Burning out free drum.
Found a grate from old BBQ to use as bottom of firebox, used old angle iron as frame and picked up some expanded metal for the sides.
Added wire handle and 3" spacers on bottom.
Fits nice in barrel.
After a few beers, I decided to trim Weber lid to fit into barrel ring. Metal shears cut it with no problem... but wear safety glasses as ceramic coating flies as you cut.
Cut out middle and set lid into rim and brazed it together.
Added air intake (as well as two more 1" nipples on other side with caps for extra air if needed).
Test fire.
Test chicken.
So far I'm into this project $34.00 and still need a paint job. I fired it up with all three 1" vents open and it climbed to 450 degrees. Shut down two and used ball valve to settle in at 275-290 with no problem as I cooked the chicken. Only screw up was my decision to "burn off" the paint of the barrel lid rim and it warped badley. Hard to get it sealed so I may try that part again.
Painted picture to follow........