How to Make Firepit Barrels
A firepit barrel is a quick, easy project and a durable addition to the patio or backyard. Because most firepit barrels sit at least partially underground, the barrel will need several air intake holes around the circumference and along the bottom. The intake holes also allow water to drain quickly, preventing the firepit barrel from rusting when not in use. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy-leather work gloves
- Welder's helmet and full protective leather wear
- Black, permanent marker
- Yardstick or tape measure
- New, 55-gallon metal barrel with metal lid
- Power drill with 1-inch diameter, titanium-coated bit
- Cutting torch
- Right-angle grinder with 24-grit wheel
- 3 round stones, 4-inch diameter or larger
- Round grill, 2 inches smaller in diameter than barrel
- Round grill, 2 inches larger in diameter than barrel
Instructions
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1
Don welding helmet, protective leather wear and heavy-leather work gloves. Open all doors and windows of your shop and work in the doorway or outside.
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2
Use a black, permanent marker and a yardstick or tape measure to draw a line around the circumference of a new, never-used, 55-gallon metal barrel at your desired firepit height. If you intend to use the firepit barrel to barbecue or as a smoker for large wild game, keep the barrel at least hip-high. It is extremely hazardous to cut into a used barrel unless you are certain that it is free from any chemical or other residue.
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3
Light the cutting torch. Cut along the black line with the torch until the barrel is the correct height. Use a right-angle grinder with a 24-grit wheel to remove any burrs and smooth any sharp edges.
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4
Use a power drill and a 1-inch diameter, titanium-coated bit to drill air holes about 6 inches apart around the top, middle and bottom of the barrel.
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5
Place barrel in desired firepit location. Place three or four large, round stones about 4 inches or larger in diameter, in the bottom of the barrel. This will allow air to flow underneath the fire.
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6
Place the smaller round grill inside the barrel, on top of the stones. Place the larger round grill on top of the barrel.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep a large, fully-charged ABC fire extinguisher nearby when cutting, grinding or polishing metal.
According to Welding Tips and Tricks.com, "No oxy fuel safety information would be complete without mentioning that you should never ever cut into a tank or container without knowing what was in it."
