Allen M

> Ron and All,
>
> I finished assembly of my RK drum roaster today and I burned
> it in and I'm ready for my first roast!
> I used a 35k BTU Char-grill model from Home Depot and I'm using
> Ron's gear drive motor which is sweet. The drum spins fast and
> smooth and should be quiet enough to hear first crack.
> I located my thermometer about an inch too high but other than
> that, I think this is going to be a great little rig. Tip:
> If you choose a Char-grill Pro thermometer like I did, use a
> "step bit" to drill the ~7/8th hole for the threaded mount.
> Step bits are expensive (about $35) but I use them almost everyday
> at work to drill holes of all sizes in sheet metal. It cuts
> through the Char-grill lid like butter.
> When I fired it up, the first thing I noticed was the large amount
> of heat that it puts out which is a big contrast from my Rosto.
> I realize this isn't quite a fair comparison, but I can already
> tell that I'm going to enjoy roasting outdoors in winter. I played
> around with the controls while performing the break-in and the
> controls are sensitive but very responsive. I'm surprised how
> quickly the temperature can shift and then hold steady.
>
> Putting one of these together is not difficult, but there are a
> few considerations that give it a little twist over buying a pure
> appliance. I ended up pulling out my dremel tool to cut off the
> "foot pegs" of the flame diffuser to lower it about an inch. Now
> it is perfect and enabled me to put the drum down low closer to
> the flame.
>
> When ordering, I told Ron I wanted the motor on the left side, but
> I changed my mind during assembly. I really like how Ron designed
> the hardware to be re-configurable. It was a simple matter to change
> the motor and switch over to opposite hand. All the holes were
> pre-drilled for mounting either side.
>
> I would like to thank Ron for his help along the way. It is
> evident that he really cares about his drums and drum customers.
> I will reserve further comment and praise until after such time
> that I get to sample the fruits of his and my labor. More pictures
> to come.
>
> Allen