Firebox Hinges made easy

[Jonnyrod]

Here is my take on some simple, strong, and easy to make, hinges for the firebox. You can make the the same thing outta some cold rolled carbon and be in business. I made these out of a combo of 316 and 304 stainless as that is what I had laying around and I don't plan on working on this box for a long time. I built them using the same methods as you would with carbon steel to show how easy it is. I only used a porta-band, a grinder, a scratch start Lincoln in stick rod mode, and basic measuring tools.

I started with a drop of 1/2" pipe, a piece of 3/16" X 1&1/2" flat bar, and a short stick of 1/2" round stock.


I decided to go with 2 hinges, 6" long each. This would cover the the 24" linear inches of my firebox 50%. I cut 4 pieces of pipe and round stock to 3" each and 2 pieces of round stock at 6"


I beveled all the bar stock before I cut it to length to make it easer to handle. Here is the pipe welded to the bar stock, I left a run of round stock INSIDE THE PIPE when I welded it to prevent distortion.


After letting my work completely cool, I flipped it over and welded the other side. I ran a quick bead with a low profile so I wouldn't have to grind it too much to make it lay flat. This isn't a big deal with carbon as it cuts pretty easy.


I stuck the two pieces of round stock into two of the hinge bodies and cap welded them.


I will weld the hinges with the half inch round stock to the door looking down. This will allow me to remove the door for whatever reasons need be by just lifting it on or off.



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http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42423

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62257

'A welder is only as good as his last weld'........

[k.a.m.]

Jonny, those are what I make for firebox doors and oven doors I love them. I use an old framing square
to align the pipe and plate while tacking together. It also helps me reference my upper and lower pieces
as far as which way the hinge will fit on the door by flipping the framing square left or right on my table.
I started using them on the R/f build and love them.
I am thinking of a slightly different design on them for a curved door on my next build.

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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[Bdub]

Where would a novice like me pick up the pipe for this style hinge? Could I use gas pipe and a bolt? I've got Home Depot and Lowe's around here. Also a plethora of hardware stores. I'll be working on my firebox door soon and really like this style hinge. Thanks
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Mini Offset (under construction)
Brinkmann Trail master Limited Edition
Weber Silver Gasser

[k.a.m.]

Bdub, I use SCH80 1/2'' seamless pipe that I get from my steel supplier. You should be able to use black iron pipe and rod from Home Depot or any hardware store, your tolerance might be a little loose so you will need to adjust your hinge when tacking in place so your door dose not lean inward on you.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[Jonnyrod]

You can use the stuff from a hardware store with no problem. If you use a bolt and black iron pipe, you can put some small tacks on the bolt at the top and bottom where it fits inside your pipe. You may have to grind the tacks a little but it will take up the slop between the bolt and the pipe. A little anti-seize on the bolt will help with the rust later. The cool thing about metal is if you screw it up the first time you can cut it off, grind it, and try again. Practice makes perfect.
_________________
http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42423

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62257

'A welder is only as good as his last weld'........

[Bdub]

Thank you k.a.m. and Johhnyrod. I really appreciate your help and suggestions. Bruce
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Mini Offset (under construction)
Brinkmann Trail master Limited Edition
Weber Silver Gasser

[Jerk Pit Master]

What's the best way to keep these hinges lubricated, especially for grills and smokers (food grade)?

I've had my hinges seize up so much the tack weld broke upon opening?

[ggarner]

Depending on the thickness of the material, I believe you would be able to drill a hole in the middle and fit it with a zerg fitting so you can grease it.

[pyronoel]

I was having trouble finding mating pipes/rod around me for a repair I was doing to a trailer for someone, and went to the tractor supply store and found a pin/bushing that worked nicely for about $2 per hinge
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FNG Smoker

[Jonnyrod]

[Jerk Pit Master]

Thanks!

I'll give the following a try.

Never-Seez White Food Grade Compound w/PTFE - NSWT-14 SALE PRICE: $15.99
Original Price: $24.52

http://www.csnstores.com/asp/superbrowse.asp?clid=3273&caid=&sku=OLJ1008&PiID=2975857&refid=FR49-OLJ1008_2975857
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Jerk Pit Master
"Eat Jerk. Be Happy, Mon!"TM
www.GourmetIslandBBQ.com

[Jonnyrod]

[k.a.m.]

Jerk Pit Master, i like that. I did not know it existed. Thanks.
I would use the zerk though as the temp rating on the anti seize is only 475°. You might burn out your
anti seize before your welded out. With the zerk you can add the anti seize after the hinge is cool.
I have used zerks before on a build and they work great but you need to make sure the pin is not to long to touch the zerk.
These hinges were SCH80 1/2'' pipe and I had to shorten the pin for the zerk.

_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker