With the onset of the warm season, the issue of organizing quality recreation in nature becomes relevant for many motorists. A barbecue from a car disc This is not just a budget solution, but a stylish and durable accessory that will last for decades. Unlike thin-walled store counterparts, a stamped steel disc is able to withstand extreme temperatures and does not deform over time.
Creating such a design with your own hands requires a minimum set of tools and basic skills in working with metal. Steel disk from a car or truck has an ideal wall thickness, which ensures uniform heating and long-term preservation of heat. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of transformation of unnecessary parts into functional brazier.
Choosing the Right Disc for the Crystal
The first and most important step is to find the right source material. For the creation of high-quality cladding, steel stamped discs are best suited, since cast aluminum Alloys can behave unpredictable when heated. The ideal candidate is a disk from a truck or minibus, since its diameter allows you to comfortably place skewers.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the metal. If you plan to use a drive from an old car, make sure it doesn’t have any through corrosion or deep cracks. Stamped steel It tolerates heat treatment perfectly, but the loose metal from rust will quickly burn out. Freight options often have a thicker bottom, which increases the life of the product.
⚠️ Warning: Never use light alloy wheels with high magnesium or zinc content for making cladding, as they can emit toxic fumes when coal is burned.
When choosing a size, focus on the number of people you plan to cook for. For a small company of 3-4 people, a standard one is enough. R15-R16 from a car. If you like big meals, it is better to find a disc R19 or R20 from commercial vehicles, which will allow you to fry meat immediately on 8-10 skewers.
Essential tools and supplies
For the successful implementation of the project, you will need to prepare a working toolkit. The main tool will be a corner grinder, popularly known as Bulgarian. There will also be a welding machine if you plan to weld legs or additional structural elements.
The list of necessary equipment and materials is as follows:
- 🛠️ A corner grinding machine with metal discs for cutting and cleaning.
- 🔥 Welding inverter and electrodes (or wire for semi-automatic).
- 📏 Roulette, metal marker and marking core.
- 🎨 Heat-resistant paint or composition for metal swelling.
Do not forget about personal protection. Working with metal generates a lot of sparks and sharp shavings, so goggles And tight gloves are mandatory. If you use an old disc with bitumen or rubber residues, you will also need a respirator to protect your respiratory system from burning during primary firing.
Use cutting discs of maximum thickness (1.6 mm or more) for smooth cutting – thin discs often “walk” and can burst when working with thick metal disks.
Preparation and primary surface cleaning
Before you start cutting, you need to carefully prepare the surface. Older discs are often covered with a layer of dirt, oil and rubber residue. Mechanical cleaning with a metal brush on a Bulgarian will help remove the main contaminants and assess the real condition of the metal.
If there is a welded balancing plate or loads on the disk, they must be cut off flushly. Smooth surface It is important not only for aesthetics, but also for the even distribution of heat. After mechanical cleaning, it is recommended to wash the part with water with the addition of a degreasing agent or an alkaline solution.
There is an effective method of cleaning from old paint and rust - thermal. You can make a small fire of dry firewood in the center of the disk. Under the influence of high temperature, the old coating will burn out, and the rust will peel off. After cooling, it will be enough just to knock on the metal to remove the scale.
| Type of pollution | Deleting method | Tool. |
|---|---|---|
| Old paint. | Burning or cleaning | Burner/Brush |
| Rust | Mechanical clean-up | Bulgarian with a disc |
| Oil and fat | Degreasing | Solvent |
| Rubber residues | Cutting and burning | Knife/Fire |
Technology of cutting and forming the bowl
The most important step is to turn a closed cylinder into an open bowl. A standard disk consists of two parts: the rim itself and the central element. You need to cut off one of the sides. Usually cut off the front part with holes under the bolts, leaving the whole rear side, which will serve as the bottom of the grill.
Marking the cutting line is best carried out along the inner circle, retreating from the edge of about 1-2 centimeters to save the side. This will prevent the charcoal from pouring out when cooking. Cutting should be done slowly, preventing the metal from overheating to avoid deformation of thin walls.
⚠️ Attention: When cutting the disc with a Bulgarian, firmly fix the part with rods or vise - free movement of the metal can lead to a bite of the disk and injury.
After the excess part is removed, the edges of the cut will be sharp and uneven. They must be carefully cleaned with a petal disk or file. Security Above all else: the future grill should not have barbs that can be cut during operation or cleaning.
☑️ Post-cutting check
Air supply and leg installation
For high-quality burning of coals, a constant supply of oxygen is required. In factory conditions, there may already be technological holes in the discs, but for the grill, they are often not enough. It is recommended to drill or cut a number of holes in the bottom of the bowl, just above the bottom.
The diameter of the holes for blow-up It should be 10-15 mm. Too large holes will lead to rapid burning of coals and ash rash, too small will not provide the desired traction. It is optimal to place them in a circle at the same distance from each other.
If you make a stationary cuff, the legs can be welded directly to the side. For the mobile version, it is better to make a removable design. You can use a profile pipe, curved with the letter P, which will be put on opposite edges of the disk. The height of the legs should be comfortable for work - usually 70-80 cm from ground level.
The secret to perfect traction
If you notice that coals are long flared, try to increase the diameter of the blow holes or add a second row of holes in the shakhmat order just above the first.
Finishing and painting
The bare metal will quickly be covered with rust under the influence of precipitation and high temperatures. Special coating is required to protect the surface. Ordinary enamel will not work, as they will burn at the first use. You will need heat-resistant paint that can withstand heating up to 600-800 degrees Celsius.
Before painting, the surface should be degreased. Paint is applied in 2-3 thin layers with intermediate drying. Pay special attention to the inside of the bowl - it is she who is subjected to maximum thermal shock. Some masters prefer not to paint the inside, but only to calcinate it before the first use.
An alternative to painting is roaring or oxidation, but at home it is easiest to use ready-made aerosol compounds for grills and stoves. Black matte coating Not only does it protect metal, but it also looks aesthetically pleasing, hiding traces of scoop in the future.
The use of heat-resistant paint with the marking "up to 800 ° C" extends the service life of the grille by 3-4 times compared to conventional enamel.
Operation and safety regulations
A finished car disc barbecue is a massive and sustainable product, but it requires proper handling. Before the first ignition, it is recommended to conduct a “idle” furnace so that the remains of technical liquids burn out and the coating is polymerized. During operation, make sure that the grill stands on a non-combustible base.
Do not put water on the hot coals to extinguish them. A sharp temperature drop can lead to microcracks in the metal, especially in the places of welds. It is better to let the coals burn on their own or fill them with sand / earth.
Clean the bowl of ash regularly. The accumulated moisture in a mixture with ash creates an aggressive environment that accelerates the corrosion of the bottom. If you keep the clasp outside, cover it with a lid or covering material during downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use cast discs for a grill?
Using cast aluminum discs is not recommended. Aluminum has a lower melting point and can deform or lose strength when heated. In addition, some alloys emit harmful substances when heated.
Do I need to make holes in the bottom of the grill?
Do holes directly in the bottom (center) is not worth it, as ash and small coals will pour through them, soiling the site. Holes for thrust (blow) are made in the lower part of the side, slightly above the bottom.
Is it better to cut the disk: gas or Bulgarian?
For home use, a Bulgarian with a metal disc is better suited. Gas cutting requires special skills and equipment, and also leaves a rougher edge that is harder to handle. The Bulgarian gives a more neat cut.
What is the best height of the side?
The optimal height of the side is 10-15 cm. This is enough to hold the coals and not let them fall out, but it provides good air access to the meat and convenience of turning the skewers.