A few questions on welding up a BBQ

[k.a.m.]

ggarner, a 7014 1/8'' is a pretty big rod for 1''x 1'' x 1/8'' angle. That is a lot of flux to disperse in a corner. I would drop to a 3/32'' You can also try a 3/32'' 6013 they are a shallow dig rod that puts down a nice finish, it does require more rod manipulation than a 7014 but not a hard whip like a 6011.
Also when I tack my pieces together I tack the two extreme outside corners ( The vertical and the horizontal) from there I weld to the inside corner so I do not have a cold start in the corner. Tacking at these points also ensures that the pieces cannot roll on me. I hope this helps.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[ggarner]

Got some more work done today! Finished mounting the front rack so here are some pics.

Here is the rear view


Side view


Where the front shelf attaches after the welds were ground off


Front view


Tomorrow, time permitting I am going to try and get the bottom shelf put in.

Then on Monday I will hopefully get the expanded metal cut and welded in. Then I can start working on the 2 pillars to hold the grate so it can go up and down.

Thx for the suggestion k.a.m.! I ended up picking up some 7018 that was 3/32 and used that for the inside corners and it worked pretty well. Ended up getting that because my blade broke on my saw when I was working yesterday and when I went to the store the guy checked the price on the 7018 and it was only 2.50 for a 5lb box so i said what why not! HAHA

Garrett

[Wreckless]

[k.a.m.]

ggarner, that is some nice work right there. Your frame work is coming along nicely. I will be watching for more updates.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[ggarner]

I just picked up some 7018AC rods this afternoon and as you said, the difference is night and day! Wow these are way easier to use and much easier to get started. When I ran my test beads I noticed a lot of porosity at the start of the weld so i just sat in the puddle longer at the start with a couple of wiggles and it solved that problem.

Not really a smoker related post but I picked up some 6011 rods to check them out, and was pretty impressed with the penetration and how these bad boys burned through everything (although the appearance leaves a little to be desired). I got them because I am welding up a frame for a friend to hold some rolls of paper (~2,000lbs) per roll. Thinking I will use the 6011 for the root pass and then cover it up with either 7014 or 7018. I am using 3x3x1/4 square tubing for the build.

[Wreckless]

Glad they are working for you. Far from being an expert at any of this, I just know what I know as seen from the perspective of been there done that in the last year or so. Where to get decent steel or pipe, what a hammer doesn't work well on, etc. The 6011 is a great rod if you were refering to an existing frame with less than perfect conditions. Very good penetration and all positions. It does require a whip in and out of the weld pool technique for a good weld however. If the steel is new, I see no reason not to use the 7018, it is a deep penetrator too and it doesn't require learning a new technique. I do know that my machine or me or both make a lot nicer vertical weld with the 6011. I really hate vertical and will flip whatever I am working on when possible for trade of a horizontal, flat, even overhead weld. My $.02 worth as seen thru the eyes of non hired hand welder, get er done guy. The bad boys will be along shortly I assume to set the record straight for any BS I may have stated I.E. k.a.m, seattlepitboss, just to name a few, many others.
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Backyarder
Smoker Grill
Trailer Rig

[ggarner]

So finally after work slowing down a bit I got a chance to work in the BBQ.

I only have 1 pic taken with my camera phone, but I will try and remember to bring my real camera tomorrow to get some new pics as she is should be finished up.

Since my last update I have:

Made the grill and welded on the expanded metal
Made the C-channel support for raising and lowering the grill
Pieced out the harbor freight comealong, and tapped holes for remounting it to the uprights
drilled the holes for the 1/2" pipe to raise and lower the grill
welded on the cog and the hand wheel onto the pipe.

Here is a pic of the dissasembeled grill in the paint booth at work... so instead of working today I just went to town on the BBQ



Still left to do is cut the pipe to size, fab up the lower shelf and add a stop on the pipe so there is little linear travel. Should have it all finished up tomorrow so more pics to come.

[k.a.m.]

ggarner, your cooker frame lokos great. I look forward to more pics and progress.
You can run your first pass with the 6011 on the tubing, what I would do is take down the 6011 pass with a grinder to smooth out the root then cap off with the 7018.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[ggarner]

Well I got her almost totally wrapped up today. Only thing left to do is make the rack for inside the drum that the wood will sit on.

Here are the pics:

The rack lifted and locked in place


Full shot:


How the grill is attached to the wire and how the frame that stedies the grate so it doesnt move. I used 6" of large unistrut and then persuaded it with the hammer until it fit very well in the C channel. Then I used a piece of angle iron the attach that to the grill top.



A close up:


The cog and hand wheel installed. It works really well. This was all pieced out from a harbor freight come along. I drilled out the cog to fit over the 1/2" pipe and then tapped the channel so that I could bolt the assembly in.

[k.a.m.]

ggarner, I love it. That is an awesome looking grill and you did some fine work on her. I will be watching for the first cook. Very nice work indeed.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[ryan cassidy]

Agreed... Awesome Grill! Great Job!

[BLACK ANGUS]

Great looking grill. Real guality work.