First Pit Build

Custom manufactured BBQ Pits, Do-it-Yourself projects, parts and ideas.

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Petaluma Pit
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First Pit Build

Postby Petaluma Pit » Thu Feb 01, 2018 11:51 pm

Hello there - I stumbled onto this forum while getting ready for my first custom build. I’m currently sourcing the materials and have started with 6’ of 18” diameter pipe for the CC and FB sections. I can’t seem to access the calculators to get the CC and firebox sized correctly out of that 6 foot section. Is a lid on top of the firebox section really necessary? I’ve seen many pictures of builds without them...

Any advice greatly appreciated

Andy
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby OldUsedParts » Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:37 am

Howdy, Andy, and Welcome - - - lots of members that are Pit builders here so sit tight and I'm sure your questions will be answered soon. :tup: :salut:
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country—Victory or Death. William Barret Travis - Lt. Col. comdt "The Alamo"
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby k.a.m. » Mon Feb 05, 2018 8:05 am

Welcome to the forum Petaluma Pit. :D

Here is a link to the pit Calculator. Just plug in your desired cooking chamber size and then start plugging in firebox sizes. if you know how long you want your cooking chamber I will be glad to plug in what I would do.
http://www.feldoncentral.com/bbqcalculator.html

As for a top load firebox. While I do not care for them sometimes on round fireboxes they come in handy for re-fueling. I do prefer 20" pipe as a minimum and really shoot for 24" on cooking chambers but you work with what you can get. :D
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.



My Hybrid cooker.
Competition trailer #2.
Petaluma Pit
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby Petaluma Pit » Mon Feb 05, 2018 10:56 am

Thanks! I was able to gain access to the calculator and started my build this weekend... even got the kids to swap their video game controllers for a tape measure. Bonus.

Any specific recommendations for paint? or will any hi-heat BBQ paint at the hardware store do?
Petaluma Pit
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby Petaluma Pit » Fri Mar 02, 2018 12:50 am

B6AA8725-7120-4FF2-A987-F2083F6A0C0C.jpeg


No torch… used the cutoff wheel and the jigsaw with a metal blade....
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby Mattm » Sun Mar 04, 2018 7:03 pm

How thick of steel is that 1/4" , did the jigsaw cut it easy?
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby k.a.m. » Mon Mar 05, 2018 7:23 am

Petaluma Pit wrote:Thanks! I was able to gain access to the calculator and started my build this weekend... even got the kids to swap their video game controllers for a tape measure. Bonus.

Any specific recommendations for paint? or will any hi-heat BBQ paint at the hardware store do?

Rustoleum BBQ black is a good choice and can be found at most hardware stores.
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.



My Hybrid cooker.
Competition trailer #2.
Petaluma Pit
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby Petaluma Pit » Mon Mar 05, 2018 3:32 pm

Mattm wrote:How thick of steel is that 1/4" , did the jigsaw cut it easy?


Hey there Matt - it is indeed 1/4" steel and is surprisingly easy to cut when using the Bosch metal jigsaw blades after cutting a nice deep grove with the cutoff wheel. For the doors of the cook chamber, and to cut the firebox section off the main section, I used a Sawzall with a metal "Diablo" blade for those long, straight cuts and it worked great....
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby Mattm » Tue Mar 06, 2018 10:09 pm

Nice, and it's alot cleaner cut then it would be with a torch. I'll have to try that on mine. Thank you
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby Petaluma Pit » Sun Mar 11, 2018 2:19 pm

For kicks, decided to use Allen Bolts to fasten the 1.25” flat bar to the firebox door...
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby OldUsedParts » Sun Mar 11, 2018 3:44 pm

:tup: :salut: makes a nice clean unit :cheers:
I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country—Victory or Death. William Barret Travis - Lt. Col. comdt "The Alamo"
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby colerhyce » Thu May 03, 2018 6:30 am

Hi Guys I am from south Africa so Metric is my game and cubic inches my downfall. I am also struggeling with trying to calculate the opening between fire box and cooker . could somebody perhaps help me???? pls????? thanks in advance
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby dwilliams35 » Thu May 03, 2018 9:39 am

colerhyce wrote:Hi Guys I am from south Africa so Metric is my game and cubic inches my downfall. I am also struggeling with trying to calculate the opening between fire box and cooker . could somebody perhaps help me???? pls????? thanks in advance
. We’re probably going to need some more information, like sizes you’re working with, etc...
Petaluma Pit
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby Petaluma Pit » Thu May 03, 2018 9:59 am

Almost done - haven’t posted pics in a while... any good ideas for getting the corners of the doors to lay flat?
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Re: First Pit Build

Postby Copasspupil » Tue May 08, 2018 12:29 pm

Like it especially the Allen screws. Looks very industrial with them. Home stretch soon.
Danno

'66 GT350S clone
Custom built smoker named Seal Team
Santa Maria Grill names GrumpyD'sBBQ
Weber stainless gas grill when I want to cook a hotdog

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