First proper BBQ

[PaulC7]

Yes it's another gas bottle to BBQ conversion but its long over due.

Most bbq's i've cooked on have been disposable ones while the food has been ok but the positions i've been in are not the best, also a few times i had placed them on my mums best plastic patio table.


Then I took a black and decker workbench and fixed a cheap metal BBQ to it and it worked well but just didn't last long.

And that brings me to a gas bottle bbq, after looking at various projects on here I decided although my welding skills still sent great the more than suitable to have a go at making this.

Found a suitable bottle which has got a bit of age to it, has the old 051telephone number on it.

Took an hour to fill with water then left over night and started work on it this afternoon.

 

[PaulC7]

Finally got to do some work on it after leaving full of water for best part of a week.

I've cut we're it needs cutting made some ears and legs now I'm grinding off the exterior paint...

But I'm stuck as to what's the best way of cleaning the interior... Any ideas?

 

[dippy]

I found its easier just to get a fire going in it. Oh and watch for it warping

 

[PaulC7]

A fire worked nicely and only took a light sanding.

Ears welded on, lid now tacked in place ready to fit the hinges, legs welded but slightly off centre.

Currently has a nose fitted which is half a small paint tin, a bit messy trying to tack it on but needed to see if proportions were ok and they are so have left it for now.

 

[Paul.]

Pictures rotated,

 

[PaulC7]

Pictures rotated,

Thanks for that... They are the right way up on my phone but the forum rotates any pics I upload.

 

[dippy]

I think you might find that if you dont grind more of the paint off, then the new paint will flake off. Also i think these bottles are zinc coated. I made this mistake and were the paint flaked off, there was a white powder coating

 

[PaulC7]

I had to stop as my hands were getting sore, I will be going over it again once its all put together which I'm not looking foward to doing.

Still not decided on colour I'm thinking pink as it is a pig but the missus thinks black so will wait and see

 

[dippy]

As you can see in the pic, the white powder before painting

 

[dippy]

Didnt know you could get pink in VHT paint

 

[PaulC7]

I don't think pink is available so was hoping I could find a paint specialist but I would guess it to be expensive.

I've not had any white powder showing while removing paint... So far

 

[dippy]

I think you might be able to get arga paint, but dont know what temp it will stand

 

[norlander]

the missus thinks black so will wait and see

Black it is then .

 

[PaulC7]

More progress today.

After acquiring a large metal item I then stripped it down and began making a tail and a mouth.

The nose I used half a paint tin and got it very badly tacked in place once I find something else for the nose I will swap it over.

As for the eyes once I find where I placed the 1" nuts I bought they will be fitted.

Then I need to drill air holes in the bottom and start work on the grill.

 

[PaulC7]

A nice day again so made more progress... Well it's almost finished.

Couldn't find the nuts I had so used the oval metalwork that was once the legs of the supermarket trolley for the eyes.

I then decided instead of just adding a section of metal around the inside to hold the grill I would make a frame that way it can support a pan or other large heavy item.

The grill is made using the basket of the trolley just cut to fit a little loose, I've also stuck a small piece of round bar at an angle on the frame to stop the grill from sliding about.

Need to fit a chain for the lid and paint then its all ready in time for the weekend.

 

[PaulC7]

Decided to use a dog collar from the pound shop but was a whole lot tricker to tack in place with the rod sticking to it occasionally and needing to be cut off but after sometime I somehow got there.

Then gave it two coats of paint and left over night.

For a first go at fabricating I'm pretty happy with it, only design problem was the face its on the wrong side so when starting the BBQ smoke comes out its A-hole... Kids think its funny.

Just thinking of adding a shelf to the lid as it gets quite warm it would be a good place to keep food warm instead of the usual method of leaving it on side to burn or taking off to go cold if no one wants some.

Shall be making another soon but with a little more care with a view to selling it as I've had a few people see it and are quite keen on it.

All together the total cost for the build is £6...

Bottle... Free
Supermarket trolley... Free
Paint £4
Hinges... £1
Chain... £1

 

[magnet]

that's a cracking job..........................well done

 

[bobw1]

I think that looks superb! Really like the face, such a happy looking pig.

 

[PaulC7]

Thanks.

I'm just not happy with the welding, still got a lot of practising to do so with future ones im just going to tack everything and find something more suitable for the nose, but for me and my kids its perfect.

Collected a few more bottles and scrap metal and had an order for a large one, just got to work out the hinges and stand then I can make a start on it.

Hopefully have it done in two weeks.

 

[dippy]

Here is a idea for a outdoor woodburner or bbq I found on net.