Page 1 of 1

First Pit Build

Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2018 11:51 pm
by Petaluma Pit
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

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:37 am
by OldUsedParts
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:

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 8:05 am
by k.a.m.
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

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 10:56 am
by Petaluma Pit
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?

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2018 12:50 am
by Petaluma Pit
B6AA8725-7120-4FF2-A987-F2083F6A0C0C.jpeg


No torch… used the cutoff wheel and the jigsaw with a metal blade....

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2018 7:03 pm
by Mattm
How thick of steel is that 1/4" , did the jigsaw cut it easy?

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2018 7:23 am
by k.a.m.
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.

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2018 3:32 pm
by Petaluma Pit
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....

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 10:09 pm
by Mattm
Nice, and it's alot cleaner cut then it would be with a torch. I'll have to try that on mine. Thank you

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2018 2:19 pm
by Petaluma Pit
For kicks, decided to use Allen Bolts to fasten the 1.25” flat bar to the firebox door...

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2018 3:44 pm
by OldUsedParts
:tup: :salut: makes a nice clean unit :cheers:

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Thu May 03, 2018 6:30 am
by colerhyce
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

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Thu May 03, 2018 9:39 am
by dwilliams35
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...

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Thu May 03, 2018 9:59 am
by Petaluma Pit
Almost done - haven’t posted pics in a while... any good ideas for getting the corners of the doors to lay flat?

Re: First Pit Build

Posted: Tue May 08, 2018 12:29 pm
by Copasspupil
Like it especially the Allen screws. Looks very industrial with them. Home stretch soon.