A good grill can be made from a propane gas cylinder. And by doing it yourself, you can always do it as you need, and not decided by an unknown marketer.
- Most of the work was already done when the balloon was made.
- The gas cylinder has a thick wall and this will give the barbecue reliability and durability.
- The shape itself encourages you to make a lid, and this is additional protection from bad weather and the ability to warm the meat longer or even smoke it.
- The only fuel is coal. The dimensions of the cylinder will not allow making a barbecue for firewood.
- Excess weight and as a result limited mobility.
Preparation
Drawing
Cylinder selection
When making a barbecue from a gas cylinder, the first thing you are interested in is: will the skewers fit?
If we choose from cylinders with a maximum diameter, we get: 9.2, 18, 27, 50 liters.
Up to 12 liters, all cylinders are very small and are not suitable for grilling.
Tools
- Angle grinder “grinder”;
- Cutting, grinding discs and brushes for grinders;
- Roulette;
- Welding machine.
Step-by-step instruction
You can make a lot of things your own way and use other materials.
Open the valve and when the gas comes out, turn it off.
Pour water inside and leave for 1-2 days. This way you will protect yourself from liquid fractions that could remain, and the gas itself will be completely displaced.
Start with the pen. A strip of steel and 2 pieces of wood with rivets (you can use screws or bolts).
The handle will heat up especially at the welding site, so do it with a margin so as not to touch the sides when gripping.
In the end it should look like this.
Mark the cylinder:
Line along;
Mark the center;
Mark 6 holes on the center line;
Retreat from the edges to the next line and also mark 6 holes.
Drill the holes.
Cut off the lid. There is no special need to mark: at the places where the sidewalls of the cylinder are welded and, as it were, along the halves.
Weld the hinges.
Drill holes for skewers on the hinge side, and notches on the front side. Step 8-10 cm.
Carefully cut out the valve and weld the outlet. This is the future chimney.
From the opposite end, cut a hole for the blower.
Weld the handle. You can already coat it with varnish or paint.
For a convenient table, weld the fasteners. To ensure that the brackets are level, twist them with an angle or channel and weld them.
Attach a small piece of pipe to the outlet by welding.
Make a pipe and a mushroom.
Try it on, everything should fit well, without any play.
These are blanks for the lid stops. Can be done in different ways. It is important that the open lid can be closed without running around the grill. Reinforcement with a diameter of 6 mm is used here.
Weld the stops.
The vent door. Take the segment that was cut out of the balloon. The axle is a bolt, the handle is the same bolt. Upd: there is no need to make a blower (in practice we found out: either a grate or a blower).
Weld strong handles for carrying.
Burn off any remaining paint.
Weld the leg mounts. ½” water couplings were used.
This is a set of legs: low and, if together, waist-deep. There are threads for couplings on both ends.
Cut to size from half-inch pipe.
Few trips to nature are complete without barbecue or grilled vegetables. To prepare these dishes, it is usually enough to find a suitable place for a fire. However, often preparing barbecue is inextricably linked with going to a summer cottage or to a country house. Many people believe that a dacha without a barbecue is not a dacha.
If you approach the issue of creating a barbecue in your dacha creatively, you can also create a unique decorative element that will transform your suburban area. You can make a barbecue yourself using available means, such as a pipe or a gas cylinder. In this article we will tell you how to properly make a barbecue from a gas cylinder, and photos and videos will help you more clearly assess the complexity of the process and the result obtained.
Mangal is a favorite way of cooking various dishes on coals, which has been used by many people for a long time. All barbecues can be divided into three types:
The material for the construction of barbecues is varied. Stationary ones are often made of stone or brick. Portable and portable are made of metal. When choosing a barbecue, you need to pay attention to some nuances:
- the material must be heat-resistant;
- should retain heat well;
- Dimensions match your needs.
Craftsmen have come up with a lot of models of barbecues, the manufacture of which uses the most unusual materials at hand. Barbecues made from gas cylinders have become widespread.
Tools and materials
It is not known who was the first to come up with the idea of using old cylinders for this purpose, but the idea paid off. If you show a little imagination, such a design will become not only functional, but also a decorative acquisition. The grill will have fairly thick walls, which will allow it to serve for quite a long time. In order to make a barbecue, you need skills in working with welding, a drill and a grinder.
Grinder and welding machine Tools you will need:
- legs (pipes or ready-made mechanisms, for example, from old sewing machines);
- Bulgarian;
- welding machine;
- drill;
- cylinder with a capacity of less than 50 liters;
- chimney pipe;
- loops;
- rivets.
Before starting work, carefully inspect the cylinder. Do not use cylinders that are too rusty.
Attention! Remember safety. No sparks are allowed during cutting. This may cause the remaining gas to explode.
Before cutting the cylinder, it is necessary to release all the gas from it without any residue. To do this, unscrew the valve with special keys and install the cylinder upside down. Wait until the gas is completely released. To control this process, use soap foam.
Unscrew the cylinder valve When there is no gas left, place the cylinder on its side and start cutting. The first step is to cut off the valve. While cutting, constantly water the cut area. Fill the resulting hole with water from a hose to the very top. Then drain.
Step-by-step instruction
The process of making a barbecue consists of several stages.
Sawing. The cylinder must be cut into two halves. This must be done along the weld, as close to it as possible. It is best not to cut off the side walls. They will serve as good fire barriers and help maintain temperature. When sawing, try not to damage the side rings, because they will serve as a support for the lid.
Sawing a cylinder Legs. The height of the legs depends only on your choice. You can screw on the legs from an old-style sewing machine, or you can use pipe scraps.
Legs can be equipped with wheels for ease of movement To attach the pipe, you need to drill four holes in the bottom of the grill, into which bolts are inserted so that the threads are on the outside of the grill. They can either be tightened with nuts or simply welded. Nuts are welded to the top of the pipes and screwed to the grill.
Advice. To make installation of the cover easy, firmly secure the grill to the ground.
Installing the cover. The lid on the grill is attached to hinges, which are secured with rivets and then welded. You can make the cover removable if the canopies are directed in one direction. It is necessary to weld the hinges, because under the influence of high temperatures the rivets can simply fly out. But to install the handle on the grill lid, only bolts will be enough. When choosing a material for a handle, remember that it must be heat-resistant. Additionally, you can make a limiter for the lid using chains or a corner. A chimney can be installed in the valve hole.
The lid can be secured with hinges Assembly. To prevent the grill from deforming under the influence of temperature, some craftsmen additionally weld a corner to the inner edges. It strengthens the perimeter and gives greater rigidity to the structure. In addition, it will serve as a stand for the grill and skewers. To prevent the ash from having to be raked out by hand, holes are drilled in the bottom of the grill. If there are no corners, the slots for the skewers are cut using a grinder.
Advice. For greater functionality and convenience, the internal space of the barbecue can be divided into two zones. In one part, make stands for the grill, and in the other, connectors for skewers. Install additional clamps at several levels - this will help you adjust the height of the grate above the coals.
The final touch will be coloring. This process is optional and is a personal matter.
Make recesses for skewers using a grinder Barbecue smokehouse
The main difference between the smokehouse is its tightness. The grill-smokehouse is made in the same way as described above, but a firebox is added to the structure. To do this, half of the bottom is cut off - this is the place for the firebox. The firebox itself is made of sheet iron or any other suitable material.
Barbecue smokehouse made of two cylinders of different sizes Some craftsmen make a firebox from smaller cylinders. The finished firebox is welded to the grill and the required design is obtained. A mandatory element of the smokehouse is the chimney. A ready-made chimney can be purchased at a store, or you can make it yourself.
Advice. For those who like to improve and are not afraid of difficulties, we can advise equipping the design with a motor that will independently rotate the spit.
You can start smoking after the grill has been heated with wood. If the smell of gas is very strongly absorbed into the cylinder, you will have to heat the grill several times until the smell completely disappears.
Do not forget that a smokehouse requires a chimney Brazier steam locomotive
The design, which is often called a “locomotive,” combines four functions at once: grill, barbecue, smokehouse and barbecue. It is made from several cylinders or pipes, each of which has its own purpose.
Outwardly, this barbecue actually resembles a steam locomotive, especially if you put a little effort into its design. For example, wheels can be made from elements of a cylinder or using forging. Additionally, the structures are equipped with retractable tables, grilles, and numerous details that have both a functional and decorative role. On one locomotive you can simultaneously fry barbecue, grill vegetables and smoke food.
You can buy a grill-steam locomotive ready-made, or you can make its analogue from empty gas cylinders It is best to paint barbecues with heat-resistant paint, because the temperature of the barbecue can reach 700 degrees.
Such barbecues have a fairly high efficiency. This is facilitated by both the closing lid and the material. Even with a small amount of coal, a well-heated cylinder body will give off the heat necessary for cooking for a long time.
Making a grill-steam locomotive Is it worth talking about external qualities? After all, with a little effort you can bring your wildest fantasies to life and make a real work of art from an ordinary nondescript cylinder that will decorate your yard or suburban area. And the photos and videos for this article will help you better understand the manufacturing process and, perhaps, choose the design of your barbecue.
Barbecue smokehouse made from gas cylinders: video
Today, a popular topic among summer residents and owners of country houses is the creation of all kinds of barbecues, smokehouses, barbecues, ovens, etc. People began to relax more with their families on weekends, going to the dacha to barbecue, what could be better than fresh air and deliciously cooked kebab))
But in order to cook everything thoroughly and efficiently, you need a barbecue grill, smokehouse, for example, the author made this miracle from old gas cylinders. At first, the master simply made a barbecue grill from a cylinder, then he wanted to improve his creation and he added another small 25 liter cylinder as a smokehouse firebox, and a large cylinder serves as a smoking chamber. The compartments communicate with each other, the small one is located at a lower level to form draft and the smoke independently passes into the smoking compartment.
A small cylinder can also be used as a barbecue or barbecue, only one grate can fit there, and there are 2 times fewer skewers, but in combination with a large cylinder you can increase the barbecue productivity per hour)))
So, let's look at what is needed to create a smokehouse-barbecue-barbecue?
Materials
1. gas cylinder 25 l
2. fittings
3. metal pipe 50 mm
4. sheet metal 2-3 mm (for damper)
5. loops 2 pcs.
6. pen holders
7. pipe 50 mm long 1.5 m
8. lid opening limiter (fittings)
Tools
1. grinder (angle grinder)
2. welding machine
3. drill
4. hammer
5. file
6. ruler
7. marker
8. pliers
Step-by-step instructions for making a smokehouse-barbecue with your own hands.
As mentioned above, the author already had a basic grill made from a gas cylinder (By the way, the site has previous material on how to make a grill and correctly cut a gas cylinder) But the master decided to improve his design and increase its functionality, and as a result, productivity , adding another small compartment to the existing barbecue.
An old 25 liter gas cylinder was taken as the starting material (see how to cut a gas cylinder on the website). The cylinder was cut in compliance with all safety regulations.
Then, in the end part, using a grinder, a technological hole in the shape of an ellipse was cut out, through which two cylinders will communicate.
After which the master proceeds to making the lid of a small cylinder, namely, he makes markings with a marker and makes a cut with a grinder along the intended contour, but there is no need to cut everything out at once. We make one cut and immediately weld the hinges and only then cut out the entire lid.
The hinges are welded on.
Another technological hole in the shape of a triangle is made at the opposite end of the small cylinder; it will serve as a blower and regulate the air flow into the combustion chamber.
On a large cylinder, a hole is also made in the end part for installing a chimney pipe.
Pipe diameter 50 mm length 1.5 m.
This is exactly what happens.
Handle holders are welded onto the small cylinder, and the wooden handle itself is made from a shovel handle.
A limiter made of reinforcement is also welded for a certain opening angle of the grill lid.
A damper is installed; it is slightly larger in size than the hole itself and serves to regulate the air supply and draft accordingly.
After the firewood burns, we turn the damper to minimum to maintain smoldering in the combustion chamber.
It is advisable to use alder firewood; they produce very aromatic smoked meats) The author smoked chicken wings and sausages and smoked them for an hour.
Periodically you should open the lid of the smoking chamber and check the condition of the product.
The barbecue is an integral part of organizing trips to nature, relaxing in the countryside and receiving guests in a country house. It has become a tradition for many families to gather together at the table to the fragrant smell of cooking barbecue. However, more and more often, men (and we know that they are the ones who prepare the best kebabs) do not so much compete in the quality of cooking meat as they brag about the functions and appearance of the technical “filling” of this process - the barbecue. Many people are no longer so interested in buying a “leaky box with legs”, but want to make something special. A brazier made from a gas cylinder, although it seems, at first glance, like ordinary scrap metal, copes with its tasks much more effectively than other industrial designs. In this article, we will consider in detail all the stages of work associated with the self-assembly of the finished product, including preparing the cylinders, marking them and cutting them, and also provide useful tips for working with such homemade equipment.
When looking at such a work of art, you don’t immediately realize that this multifunctional grill is made from recycled materials
Advantages and disadvantages of a DIY barbecue
Gas cylinders are perfect for “rebirth” into barbecues and, in general, into any structures associated with heating. They are made of durable steel, have standard sizes, and are easy to find in the country house and garage or bought literally at a bargain price.
Advantages of a barbecue from a cylinder:
- Universal design. All models of gas cylinders are unified. There are not so many varieties that “something could go wrong.” Accordingly, finding a couple or three identical containers for creativity with a grinder in your hands will not be difficult.
- Heat resistance. The metal will not burn or deform even after prolonged contact with open fire.
- Multifunctionality. In such a grill you can cook not only kebabs, but also bake vegetables, as well as smoke and fry.
- Safety. After cooking, you do not need to extinguish the coals with water. For these purposes, it will be enough to simply close the grill with a lid.
- Large volume. In such a homemade grill you will feed not only yourself, but also a large company. Especially if you spend energy welding a multifunctional unit.
- Availability. The main thing is to have a welding machine and a grinder at hand. This is a relevant point, because the price of a barbecue made from a gas cylinder, even taking into account the overpayment for some elements, will ultimately be lower than the cost of a purchased model.
One of the advantages of a homemade barbecue is the ability to create a mobile model, which, if you really want, can carefully and unnoticed by guests, along with snacks and you, move to another part of the garden For work, it is better to take a 50-liter cylinder. They have ideal dimensions for making a barbecue: its diameter is 30 cm and its length is 85 cm.
There are not many disadvantages, but they are also worth mentioning:
- In winter, the metal will cool down very quickly, so to invite friends to a barbecue, you’ll have to chip in for firewood. Since maintaining the desired temperature in the grill will be much more difficult.
- Unsightly appearance. If you don’t spend a certain amount of money on buying special heat-resistant paint, very soon your barbecue will lose its presentation.
- Toxicity. Before using a barbecue made from gas cylinders, it is necessary to get rid of any remaining rot and dirt that may have accumulated on the inside of the cylinder over many years. Therefore, before starting all work, the cylinders are carefully opened, and all parts are calcined over a fire, and only then do they begin processing and clean off the dirt.
How to prepare a drawing for making a barbecue with your own hands from a gas cylinder
Despite the fact that barbecues made from gas cylinders are considered to be quite simple devices in their design, before resorting to any work, it is better to draw a drawing. Pros do this using special 3D programs. For beginners, simple drawings of a barbecue made from a gas cylinder with standard dimensions are suitable.
Diagrams for marking the main technological holes and the design of a standard barbecue, barbecue, and smokehouse made from gas cylinders
On the drawing of a do-it-yourself barbecue made from a gas cylinder, you must indicate the dimensions of each component, which will help to correctly and accurately make the markings, and, consequently, cut all the parts. Such calculations will help determine how much material is required for the work, as well as understand in advance the options for attaching different structural elements.
One of the main mistakes of beginners is that they forget to mark the place under the ash pit. That is why you should not refuse to create such a “hint” that will help to correctly organize all stages of work.
At this stage, it is important to decide whether your design will perform one function or combine several. For example, for a barbecue you need to additionally cut out the lid. And for a full-fledged smokehouse you will need not two, but three cylinders.
What tools and materials are needed for the job?
To cut a cylinder, arm yourself with a gas cutter or grinder. During the work process, you should ensure that you have the following materials and tools:
- Steel pipe with a diameter of 100 mm with a 90° elbow (for a chimney).
- Corners for fastening elements and strengthening the structure.
- Hinges – you can use elements intended for doors or furniture.
- Barbecue grill.
- Rivets, bolts and other elements.
A welding machine and an angle grinder are the main tools when working with metal. What tools and additional devices will be needed when working on creating a barbecue from a gas cylinder:
- welding machine;
- electric grinder;
- electric drill;
- drills designed for working on metal;
- clamps with which you can fix metal components;
- metal ruler;
- electrodes with a diameter of 3−4 mm;
- cutting and cleaning discs for grinders;
- scriber;
- core;
- adjustable and gas wrenches;
- set of wrenches.
How to make a barbecue with your own hands from a gas cylinder - step-by-step instructions with photos
Before proceeding with any manipulations with gas cylinders, it is necessary to empty it of any remaining gas. Even in an empty container, there almost always remains a suspension of liquid hydrocarbons, which can explode upon contact with air.
How to properly prepare a propane cylinder for making a barbecue
| Illustration | Description of action |
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The first stage is removing the valve. First of all, you need to fix the cylinder on the ground. To do this, we “grab” it to the stop. Next, attach the gas key. |
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We increase the “thrust” with the help of a steel pipe like this, it plays the role of a lever. We do this very carefully. |
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After the valve is open, fill the container with water, or soapy water, and leave our container for several days. |
During this time, the water will have time to dissolve the liquid hydrocarbons, we fill the container again and drain it again. Now our cylinder is safe. And the next stage of work can begin.
How to mark and open a gas cylinder
If we are talking about a standard 50-liter cylinder, in these designs the outer diameter of the container is 96 cm. This value should be divided into four parts. When performing these actions, you will get a value of 24 cm. The marking should be done along the longitudinal seam. It is recommended to measure all distances from this line. This rule ensures even markings without distortions.
You will need to measure 24cm from the seam on both sides and draw lines. The main thing is not to cut them out along the entire circumference and leave a part sufficient for constructing the base of your barbecue.
Side seam marking option 
After cutting “according to the marks” you get the following blanks: We process the edges as evenly as possible to ensure maximum sealing of the barbecue container
At the place where the valve was present, a pipe should be installed, through which the smoke will be removed.
Preparations for the future chimney To ensure that the heat in your barbecue is distributed evenly and there are no leaks, you need to weld strips of steel strip at the joints of the lid and body.
This is how you can improve an ordinary cylinder using a pair of grates, an angle grinder and metal corners If you have not welded a corner for skewers inside the cylinder, you can insert it into the side parts of the grill.
To do this, you will need to make slits using a grinder. The ends of the skewer will be located in them How to make legs for a barbecue
High legs will also require additional fixation, which is provided by a welded corner. It should be placed on the outer perimeter. Attaching the legs can be very simple and a little extravagant.
For the manufacture of legs, angles or conventional welded pipe structures welded to the structure are often used. The main thing is to ensure the stability of the grill.
How to weld lids and handles and assemble the entire structure
The cover is usually created at the first stage of work on the grill or barbecue. After processing the edges, it is almost the first element attached to the main structure. The most difficult moment is not so much to attach the hinges, but to ensure a tight fit of the structure. Sometimes a thermometer is attached to the lid.
The hinges are welded at the beginning, but the handles are most often fixed after the final painting of the product. To ensure that the grill lid does not open all the way, you need to weld a piece of a 10×10 square onto the counter part of the curtain, which is located on the cylinder itself.
Such limiters allow you to control the tilt angle of the lid and protect the hinges from breaking. Mark the holes and slots for the skewers. We weld the barbecue guide. Don’t forget to decorate our “blower” a little.
It is better to provide holes in the base of the structure in advance. They will rid your grill of dust and dirt and remove excess moisture during rain. In addition, additional holes will provide additional traction.
How to paint a grill
If you think that you can paint a barbecue with regular paint, then you are very mistaken. Under the influence of high temperatures, a regular coating will turn into soot after the first heating. There are two quite obvious solutions. The first is to leave everything as is, and the second is to spend a certain amount of money on special heat-resistant paint.
However, before you run to the paintbrush and paint store, you need to do one very important thing. Burn some wood in our barbecue. This is done in order to destroy the remaining gas substances and degrease the structure.
It is better to burn the grill outdoors or indoors, where it will be as safe as possible. The surface of the grill can be covered with different materials:
This is what our grill looked like after painting Let us add that the barbecue model discussed above is the base for many similar designs. Most craftsmen improve their homemade products with additional cylinders, thereby expanding the functionality of the device.
What else can be made from a gas cylinder - manufacturing nuances
Based on a gas cylinder, you can make dozens of variations of grills, barbecues and smokehouses. For convenience, we will briefly describe some of these devices:
- Outdoor grill from a gas cylinder. The simplest type of construction from a gas cylinder. Even a schoolboy can make such a grill.
How to make a smokehouse from a gas cylinder
Let's look at some of the features of making a smokehouse from two cylinders.
Illustration Description of action 
The base for a barbecue smokehouse made from a gas cylinder can be a stand for an old sewing machine or a welded structure like this. 
We think through options for mounting a retractable or folding table in advance. The design may vary. 
Prepare the cylinders following the instructions above. We cut each of them like simple barbecue roasters. It is better to make a smokehouse from a gas cylinder yourself according to the drawings. 
The only difference is that you need to make a hole in the firebox for a “blower”, which will allow you to control the smoldering process of the coals. Which, in turn, will create the smoke necessary for smoking. 
And we made such a multifunctional smokehouse from a gas cylinder with our own hands. Do-it-yourself barbecue from a gas cylinder
We discussed in detail an example of making a barbecue from a gas cylinder in this article. If you still have questions about how to make a barbecue grill yourself from a gas cylinder, watch this video:
Do-it-yourself kebab maker from a gas cylinder
The role of a kebab maker can be played by any of the homemade products discussed in this review. Even an open grill will cope with this task perfectly. However, it should be remembered that most often such structures are not protected from wind or rain.
How to make a grill-steam locomotive from a gas cylinder with your own hands
This is one of the most difficult and most time-consuming tasks that true masters of working with metal set themselves.
A beginner cannot create such a design. A “homemade product” of this type is capable of solving several problems at once: it is a grill, a smokehouse, a grill, and a barbecue. Each compartment performs its own task. Such barbecues have high productivity due to their sealed design; there is practically no heat loss.
If you decide to create a grill-steam locomotive, then from this video you will learn how to cook a grill from a gas cylinder.
Features of using barbecues assembled by yourself
Before you decide to create or purchase such a product, pay attention to some points:
- First of all, understand that any structure that works with fire is potentially life-threatening.
- Ask yourself in advance where the product will be stored during the cold season.
- Study the principle of operation of the barbecue and its features. Each structural element has its own purposes.
- Prepare all materials for work in advance.
- Do not leave small children unattended near power tools, much less around the cylinder.
- Consider the option of buying a barbecue from a gas cylinder if you are not entirely sure whether you can finish the work yourself.
And it’s quite possible that already this summer your neighbors in the area will be eager to take a selfie with such a work of art
It’s hard to imagine a holiday at the dacha or a weekend in a country house, when friends or relatives gather, without meat smoking on the fire. Buying a high-quality barbecue or smokehouse is very expensive, and products made from thin metal sheets will not last long. Making a barbecue from a gas cylinder with your own hands is the solution for the home craftsman.
Features, disadvantages and advantages of the design
A DIY gas cylinder grill has a number of advantages over factory-made “products”:
Low price. Often, an old cylinder from a gas stove, “until a better situation”, is stored in the garage of a thrifty owner. Used containers can be purchased at gas equipment service centers or scrap metal collection points. It will cost several hundred rubles. For manufacturing you will need a minimum of tools and consumables.
Long service life. Gas cylinders are made of steel with a thickness of at least 3 mm - this guarantees a minimum of 10–15 years of intensive use, while inexpensive factory grills are designed to last for 2–3 years.
Versatility of use. In the tightly sealed interior, you can fry or bake any food. After improvement, a smoker is obtained from two gas cylinders for hot smoking of meat and fish. Thus, a smokehouse, a kebab maker is made from a gas cylinder, and they replace a gas grill with it.
Mobility. The installation of two or four wheels makes the device mobile; it can be transported alone to any place on the site. Ease of use. You don’t have to wait for the coals to smolder, but simply close the lid and start the feast. Small tricks in the form of draining fat, a thermometer and a draft regulator allow you to enjoy cooking, and the process itself can be controlled.
Decorative. There are many drawings on the Internet for making barbecues from a gas cylinder with your own hands; some models become a decoration for the site.
Homemade products also have disadvantages:
- To use it in winter, you will need a lot of firewood or coals - large cylindrical barbecues quickly cool down in the cold.
- At the initial stage of manufacturing, it is necessary to strictly observe safety measures to prevent the explosion of residual gas or condensate.
- By choosing a small container, you end up with inconvenience when using it - the grill will not fit enough firewood.
Tools for work
To work, you will need the usual set of tools of a master “crazy hands”:
- An angle grinder (grinder) is needed to cut the stand if you use a household gas cylinder. Cut out the cover, fit additional parts, seals, cut pipes or fittings for the frame of the device, clean and sand the weld seams - all this is done with a grinder.
- An electric drill is useful for drilling seats for skewers, holes for air flow and mounting bolts.
- Two adjustable or gas wrenches with a handle extension for turning on the tap.
- Welding machine for joining parts.
- Tape measure, ruler, measuring corner for marking the parts of the future barbecue.
Consumables and construction materials:
- cutting, cleaning and grinding wheels for grinders;
- metal drills;
- electrodes;
- door hinges made of ferrous metal;
- profile pipe for the base;
- metal strip for door seal;
- chalk or construction marker for marking;
- thermal paint to give an attractive look.
Preparatory stage
At the initial stage, to make the work go faster, they prepare tools and purchase components.
Cylinder selection
Cylinders with a capacity of 50 liters have the optimal capacity. Large “barrels” are uneconomical in fuel consumption and are heavy, and smaller ones will require short skewers. It is possible that one refueling of firewood will not be enough to bring the meat to readiness. A small cylinder is used to make a barbecue for a small family.
It is better to refuse to buy cylinders that are completely rusted - with regular use they will quickly burn out. You won't be able to fix dents on the body yourself. Therefore, if increased demands are placed on appearance, then such cylinders are also not worth purchasing.
How to carry out processing and protect yourself from explosion
Old propane containers always contain gas residues or liquid condensate (gasoline). Cutting with a grinder can cause an explosion of the air-gas mixture. Therefore, before starting work, take measures to prevent a possible accident:
- drain the liquid propane fraction;
- displace remaining gas with water;
- prevent the flow of oxygen into the internal cavity of the workpiece.
Sequencing:
- The cylinder is turned upside down and the tap is opened. Propane is heavier than air, so through the valve located below, the remaining gas will evaporate faster. This will take about a day.
- Unscrew the valve. You will need two adjustable wrenches - one to keep the cylinder from turning over, the second to unscrew the tap. Place the container on its side; a larger key will be needed to keep the container from rolling. This tool is used to fix the tap connection point and press it into the ground. Use the second key to unscrew the faucet using a pipe extension or hitting the key handle with a heavy hammer.
- Through the hole for installing the tap, fill the container to the brim with water. It is better to use a liquid with soap diluted in it - this way you can achieve cleanliness of the inner walls.
Scheme and drawing
Before starting work, you need to make drawings of a barbecue from a gas cylinder with dimensions. Drawings will be needed so as not to make mistakes when cutting out holes. The diagram must indicate:
- door dimensions;
- base height;
- installation locations for hinges and handles.
From one gas cylinder you can make a regular open grill or a structure with a lid. The first model is made by sawing the cylinder lengthwise into two parts. Next, all you have to do is use a grinder to make slits for fixing the skewers. Let's take a closer look at the instructions for making the second model.
Marking
It is convenient to mark with a block of chalk or a permanent marker.
Each cylinder has welded seams - it is convenient to navigate along them when marking.
To mark a cylinder for a barbecue:
- We measure the circumference of the balloon. It is convenient to do this with a tape measure or sewing meter. Dividing the result by four, we get the distance from the longitudinal seam to the cutting points. We mark them with chalk and a ruler.
- From the seams that secure the side walls, we retreat 1.5–2 cm to the center of the cylinder and draw even circles.
- We mark the locations of the slots for fixing the skewers; a distance of 8–9 cm is considered optimal.
- Dividing the length of the longitudinal seam into three parts, we outline the places where the lid hinges will be welded.
Manufacturing
The preparatory activities have been completed, you can start making the barbecue.
Sawing
The first cuts are made with the cylinder filled with water. The liquid will not leak out if you put the tap in place without tightening it too much. For ease of cutting, the container is laid on its side, secured from turning with pads under the walls. You can cut with a grinder or a jigsaw with a metal file.
The first option is preferable, since the walls are thick and the files quickly fail. When using a jigsaw, pre-drill a hole in the seam to the size of the file. For air circulation, transverse through cuts are made with a grinder in the lower part. The length of the holes is 8–10, and the distance between cuts is 10 cm.
How to cut out the lid and holes for skewers
When cutting out a hinged lid, there is one trick - first make a longitudinal cut on the side where the hinges will be located. It is better to weld them immediately, so the lid will be installed exactly in its place. The same advice applies to attaching the handle - while the future cover is stationary, it is easier to weld brackets or make holes for bolts. Next, the lid is completely cut out around the perimeter. After the hinged lid is made, grooves are cut to a depth of 1 cm to secure the kebab skewers.
Installing the lid and handles
The material for handles can be reinforcement, but it is better to buy a ready-made wooden handle with metal brackets.
For ease of use and to prevent burns, a distance of at least 8 cm is provided from the lid to the handle.
The handle is welded or bolted through pre-drilled holes. If the cover is installed as recommended above (before complete cutting), then there will be no difficulties with precise fitting. Along the perimeter of the cover cutout, strips of metal are welded from the inside or outside, which will ensure “sealing” of the structure when closed. The strips are pressed to the base with clamps or a crocodile and secured by welding.
It is advisable to weld a corner with a 32 mm flange along the cut from the inside. This will strengthen the structure, and the corner shelf will become a support for the barbecue grill. For ease of fixation in the open position, two stops are welded “in place”. They are made from a corner or bent reinforcement. For ease of cooking, a thermometer is installed in the lid, which can be purchased in online stores. For installation, drill a hole of the required diameter.
Legs
In a simple version, the legs for the barbecue are made from sections of reinforcement or profile pipe with a cross-section of 20–30 mm. The legs can be welded directly to the cylinder, but it is better to make a stand. To do this, strips of metal are bent along the outer diameter of the cylinder and welded to the legs. For structural rigidity, the vertical posts are welded around the perimeter with horizontal cross members.
Chimney
The chimney is useful when cooking with the lid closed. To make it, you will need a 90° elbow and a piece of pipe 1 m long. The diameter of the products is 80–100 mm. A hole is cut in the side of the cylinder into which a corner is welded. Then it is extended with a straight pipe.
Coloring
An attractive appearance is given to the product by dyeing. This increases the cost of the design, since special paint is required.
Paint selection
You cannot paint the grill with regular paint - after starting the fire it will burn and the finished structure will turn black. Special silicone paints are used that are resistant to high temperatures. Paint for central heating radiators is not suitable for barbecues. The coolant in the batteries is heated to 80–90°C, and when wood burns, the walls of the barbecue can heat up to 300–500°C.
Painting methods
Before painting, clean the seams, remove the remaining old paint, paying special attention to places with traces of rust. The prepared surface is washed with solvents. Only the outer surface of the grill is painted - an open fire inside will burn off the paint in any case.
Before the first use for its intended purpose, the finished structure is burned at idle speed. Substances released from paint can be toxic.
Use Cases
Having made additional devices, the grill is turned into a multifunctional device. In the simplest case, a barbecue is grilled on coals with the door open - the cuts to secure the skewers have already been made. A grill grate is made from two refrigerator shelves connected crosswise. The supports for it are the amplifier corners welded inside the cylinder.
To prepare pilaf, use a cauldron, which can be placed on a specially welded stand. A grill with a closed lid is perfect for hot smoking fish. In this case, sawdust is poured from one of the edges.
A home craftsman can make a barbecue from a gas cylinder in 1–2 weekends. By spending a little more time and looking at examples of finished products, you can make a multifunctional device. It will serve not only for cooking, but also for decorating the interior space of the yard.