Basic outline of the pig roaster
Your DIY pig roaster will consist of a roaster built with concrete blocks which will support the pig on a frame or holder while containing the fire. Concrete blocks are readily available, inexpensive, can be reused and allow you to dismantle the roaster for easy storage. Purchase 48 concrete blocks. Simple two- or three-core unit blocks will be fine.
At your desired location, make a row of four blocks end to end in a straight line, with the core holes pointing up. This will be the base for one side of the roaster. Make a row of two blocks placed end to end in a straight line at a right angle to the end of the block wall and outside the wall (see illustration) for the first end. Repeat at the other end. Make a row of four blocks for the other side. Make any necessary adjustments before placing the second row.
Once two rows of the roaster have been completed, cover the inside of the roaster with aluminum foil. This will help hold in heat. Once this has been done, lay an additional two rows on top of the roaster so that the final roaster is four blocks high.
Basic outline of the pig holder
You will need a strong frame to support the pig during roasting. Use only aluminum or steel; do not use galvanized metal for any surfaces that will come in contact with the food. Do not underestimate the weight of a whole pig: most pigs for home roasting weigh between 50 and 150 pounds. You will need two identical holders that resemble ladders, each roughly 7 feet long and about 42 inches wide, with five cross-supports spaced about 13 inches apart (see illustration). The holder will sit on top of the roaster. Aluminum fence posts work well for the long poles along the side. Steel rebar works well for the cross supports. Use strong wire and pliers to attach the rebar to the posts to create the pig holder. When you have placed the pig on the holder for roasting, wire the two holders together to keep the pig held securely.
