wasilvers
Well-known member
Since we are all do-it-yourselfers I thought I'd post my latest project here. I'm going to be transforming a 55 gallon soybean oil drum into a Charcoal grill. Currently I have 270 sq inches of grilling space to work with which doesn't leave much room to sear and then cook on a warming side or even do enough food at one time to feed the family. Forget having anyone over for burgers. I figure a grill made out of a 55 gallon drum would give me a little over 800 sq inches of glorious grilling space.
Yesterday I used my propane torch to burn off the paint. A bit easier said than done. It was dark outside and I couldn't tell what was burned off and what was not. Whatever is left on the drum comes off easy with a flapper sander or wire brush though.
Then I used my chalk line and stood the drum on end. I snapped a line then measured 1/4 the way around the drum and snapped another line. I found a chalk line is not permanent, so had to use painters tape along the edge of the line. A 4" disk sander with a cutoff wheel attached makes quick work of the cuts and is easy to keep in a straight line.
I didn't cut all the way through each corner though, but left them intact. Then I placed two weldable hinges (found at the hardware store) on the top hinge and welded them into place.
I should stop here and say I have NEVER welded anything before. I always wanted to and when my father in law passed away, we had to clean out the garage and I brought a brand new hobart handler 140 to store in my garage. I had to read the manual, set up the machine, watch some youtube videos and give it a shot. I was pretty nervous, but after a couple spot welds for practice, I dove right in. I tacked the hinges in place, then decided just to try my hand at a steady weld. Surprisingly, I think I did ok for a beginner. Granted, I should have started with somthing not so visible as hinges on the outside of the grill, :lol:
So now it sits for the night, the door is completely cut out, the hinges hold it in perfect position.
I can't wait to try my hand at welding some more stuff!!!!
P
Yesterday I used my propane torch to burn off the paint. A bit easier said than done. It was dark outside and I couldn't tell what was burned off and what was not. Whatever is left on the drum comes off easy with a flapper sander or wire brush though.
Then I used my chalk line and stood the drum on end. I snapped a line then measured 1/4 the way around the drum and snapped another line. I found a chalk line is not permanent, so had to use painters tape along the edge of the line. A 4" disk sander with a cutoff wheel attached makes quick work of the cuts and is easy to keep in a straight line.
I didn't cut all the way through each corner though, but left them intact. Then I placed two weldable hinges (found at the hardware store) on the top hinge and welded them into place.
I should stop here and say I have NEVER welded anything before. I always wanted to and when my father in law passed away, we had to clean out the garage and I brought a brand new hobart handler 140 to store in my garage. I had to read the manual, set up the machine, watch some youtube videos and give it a shot. I was pretty nervous, but after a couple spot welds for practice, I dove right in. I tacked the hinges in place, then decided just to try my hand at a steady weld. Surprisingly, I think I did ok for a beginner. Granted, I should have started with somthing not so visible as hinges on the outside of the grill, :lol:
So now it sits for the night, the door is completely cut out, the hinges hold it in perfect position.
I can't wait to try my hand at welding some more stuff!!!!
P