Stove for a cauldron from old car rims: a step-by-step guide with drawings and tips

Why a disk oven is the best option for a summer house and picnic

Old car wheels are not garbage, but excellent material for a homemade stove for a cauldron. This design costs almost nothing, can be assembled in a few hours and lasts for years. The main advantage is high heat transfer thanks to the metal body and the optimal disc shape, which naturally concentrates the heat in the center.

Unlike brick kilns, the disk design mobile: it can be transported in the trunk, installed on any flat area and even taken with you fishing. And if the metal is properly processed, the stove will last no less than its factory-made cast iron counterparts. In this article - unique drawings with dimensions for cauldrons 36–50 cm, calculation of materials and step-by-step photos of the assembly process, which you will not find in standard instructions.

But there are also pitfalls: the wrong choice of discs, welding errors or lack of corrosion protection can ruin all efforts. We will look at which discs are best suited, how to avoid deformation of the metal when heated, and which 3 critical errors 90% of beginners are admitted.

Which discs are suitable for the oven: selection criteria

Not every car wheel is suitable for the oven. Basic requirements:

• 🔹 Material: only steel wheels (aluminum and magnesium alloys melt at high temperatures).
• 🔹 Size: optimal diameter - 15–17 inches (for cauldron 36–42 cm). Discs R13–R14 too small and R18+ difficult to weld without deformation.
• 🔹 Condition: No severe corrosion, cracks or deformation. Ideal - wheels from GAZelle, UAZ or foreign passenger cars (for example, Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Passat).
• 🔹 Metal thickness: no less 3–4 mm. Thin discs burn out in 1–2 seasons.

The best options in terms of price/quality ratio:

Car make	Disk size	Pros	Cons
GAZelle (classic)	R16, 5×139.7	Thick metal (4–5 mm), cheap	Heavy, requires trimming
UAZ Patriot	R16, 5×139.7	High temperature resistance, suitable for large cauldrons	Difficult to find in good condition
Toyota Land Cruiser 80	R16, 6×139.7	Ideal shape, minimal corrosion	Dear ones in a showdown
Volkswagen Transporter T4	R15, 5×112	Lightweight, welds well	Thin metal (3 mm), suitable only for small cauldrons

⚠️ Attention: Never use discs from sports cars (for example, BMW M3 or Audi RS). Their alloys contain lightweight additives that release toxic fumes when heated. Also avoid discs with chrome plated — when welding, it burns out, forming toxic compounds.

Required materials and tools: complete list

Before starting work, prepare everything you need. Here is the minimum set:

• 🔧 Tools:
• 🔥 Welding machine (inverter from 160A) + electrodes 3.2 mm (for example, ANO-21 or MR-3)
• 🔨 Angle grinder (Bulgarian) with cutting wheel 125 mm and cleaning flap disk
• 📏 Tape measure, marker, hammer, clamps
• 🛠 Drill with a set of metal drills (from 4 mm up to 10 mm)
• 🛒 Materials:
• 🔩 2–3 car rims (see section above)
• 🧱 Fire brick (for example, SHA-5 or SHA-8) - 10–15 pcs. for the base
• 🔥 Sheet metal 3–4 mm (for bottom and lid) - size 50×50 cm
• 🔗 Rebar or rod 8–10 mm (for legs and arms)
• 🧴 Heat-resistant paint (for example, Certa or Bosny) - 1 bank

⚠️ Attention: if you are using discs from foreign cars with a central hole of more than 70 mm, you will additionally need a metal plate to cover it. Otherwise, the heat will go down and not concentrate on the cauldron.

Step-by-step instructions: how to weld a stove from disks

The assembly process is divided into 5 stages. Follow them strictly in order to avoid deformation of the metal.

Stage 1: Marking and cutting discs

1. Place the disc on a flat surface and use a marker to mark a cutting line - it should run along the rim, leaving the central part (approximately 2/3 from the original diameter). For the cauldron 42 cm optimal oven height - 25–30 cm.

2. Use a grinder to carefully cut along the markings. Important: do not cut the whole disc - leave it 2–3 cm uncut to avoid displacement of parts during welding.

3. Deburr the edges with a flap disc.

Stage 2: Welding the body

1. Connect two discs with the rim facing up, aligning the edges. Secure with clamps.

2. Tack weld at 3-4 points, then weld the seam completely. Use interrupted seam (segments by 2–3 cm at intervals 1 cm) to avoid warping of the metal.

3. To strengthen the structure, weld transverse bridges from scraps of reinforcement inside the body (see drawing below).

Furnace drawing with dimensions

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```

┌───────────┐

│ Kazan │ Ø42 cm

└─────┬─────┘

│

┌─────▼─────┐ Height: 28 cm

│ │

│ Disc 1 │ ┌─→ Welding seam

│ │ │

├───────────┤ └─→ Jumpers (Ø8 mm reinforcement)

│ Disc 2 │

└─────┬─────┘

│

┌─────▼─────┐ Base (brick or metal)

│ │

└───────────┘

```

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Step 3: Installing the Bottom and Legs

1. Cut a circle from sheet metal with a diameter of 2–3 cm larger than the oven diameter. Weld it to the bottom.

2. Weld 3–4 legs made of reinforcement to the bottom (height 10–15 cm). For stability, the legs must diverge at an angle 10–15°.

3. Drill in the bottom 8–10 holes diameter 5–6 mm for traction.

Stage 4: Making the lid

1. From the third disk (or sheet metal), cut out a lid with a hole for the cauldron. The hole diameter should be 1–2 cm less than the diameter of the cauldron so that it does not fall through.

2. Weld a handle made of reinforcement to the lid.

Stage 5: Corrosion Protection

1. Clean all seams and surfaces with a wire brush.

2. Apply heat-resistant paint in 2 layers (the first layer is a primer, the second is a topcoat). Dry at least 24 hours.

Top 5 manufacturing mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that shorten the life of the stove or make it unsafe. Here are the most common:

1. Using thin disks (≤2.5mm). When heated, they become deformed and the seams separate. Solution: take wheels from trucks or strengthen the structure with additional stiffening ribs.
2. Improper ventilation. The absence of holes in the bottom leads to poor draft and smoke. Solution: drill holes with diameter 5–8 mm in a circle at a distance 2–3 cm from the edge.
3. Welding without gaps. If you weld the seam in a continuous line, the metal will lead. Solution: Use a broken stitch or pause to cool.
4. Lack of thermal insulation. The stove heats the ground underneath, which can lead to a fire in dry grass. Solution: Place a sheet of metal or refractory brick under the stove.
5. Use of paint not for high temperatures. Regular paint fades and releases toxins. Solution: buy specialized formulations marked "up to 600°C".

⚠️ Attention: if after the first heating the stove begins to “breathe” (the seams diverge when heated), immediately cool it and re-weld the seams from the inside. This is a sign that the metal is too thin or the welding was done poorly.

How to light a stove correctly: tips from the experts

Even a perfectly welded stove can be a disappointment if it is not lit correctly. Here are proven recommendations:

• 🔥 Fuel: use dry firewood (birch, oak, apple tree) or briquettes. Conifers produce a lot of soot.
• 🌬 Kindle: First light a fire on paper or dry brushwood, then add wood. Do not use lighter fluid - it gives the food a chemical taste.
• 🕒 Warm-up time: The oven should heat up gradually. First 10–15 minutes keep the flame low, then increase the intensity.
• 🍲 Preparation: Place the cauldron only after a uniform red glow appears on the walls of the oven. The optimal temperature for pilaf is when the wood burns down to coals.

📌 Secret from Caucasian chefs: To prevent the dish from burning, place a layer on the bottom of the oven coarse river sand (2–3 cm). It evens out the temperature and protects the metal from direct flame.

⚠️ Attention: Never extinguish the stove with water! A sharp temperature change leads to metal deformation and cracks in the seams. Let it cool naturally or close the lid, blocking the access of oxygen.

Drawings and modifications: 3 options for disk furnaces

The basic two-disc design isn't the only option. Here are three more proven modifications:

1. Stove with chimney (for enclosed spaces)

If you plan to use the stove in a gazebo or garage, add a chimney from a pipe Ø80–100 mm. It can be welded to the top of the body or made removable with clamps. Pipe inclination angle - 30–45°.

2. Height adjustable oven

To do this, instead of rigid legs, weld telescopic stands from pipes of different diameters (for example, Ø25 mm and Ø32 mm). This will allow you to raise/lower the oven depending on the size of the cauldron.

3. 2 in 1 BBQ oven

On one side, weld a grid of reinforcement (cell 2×2 cm), and on the other leave a hole for the cauldron. This way you will get a universal oven for barbecue and pilaf.

Download drawings in PDF

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[Link to archive with drawings (3D models and dimensions for AutoCAD)](https://example.com/disk-pech-drawings.zip)

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FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use wheels from passenger cars (for example, VAZ 2107)?

Yes, but only if their thickness is at least 3.5 mm. Discs from VAZ 2107 (R13) suitable for cauldrons up to 36 cm, but require reinforcement with additional stiffening ribs. For large cauldrons it is better to take discs from GAZelle or UAZ.

What kind of welding machine is needed for disks?

Enough power inverter 160–200A (for example, Resanta SAI-190 or Svarog ARC 200). Use electrodes for welding 3.2 mm (for example, ANO-21 or UONI-13/55). If the metal is thicker 5 mm, take the electrodes 4 mm.

How much does it cost to make such a stove?

If you already have tools, the costs will be:

• Discs - 0–1000 ₽ (can be found for free on disassembly sites)
• Electrodes - 300–500 ₽
• Heat-resistant paint - 600–1200 ₽
• Metal for bottom/lid - 500–800 ₽

Total: 1400–3500 ₽ (3–5 times cheaper than factory analogues).

How to increase the service life of the furnace?

4 key rules:

1. After each use, clean the oven from ash and soot with a wire brush.
2. Renew the heat-resistant coating once a season.
3. Do not use the oven at temperatures below -10°C - the metal becomes brittle.
4. Store the oven in a dry place, covered with a tarp.

Is it possible to cook such a stove without welding experience?

Yes, but it’s better to practice on unnecessary scraps of metal. Main difficulties:

• Burn through the metal (solution: reduce the current on the welding machine).
• Uneven seam (solution: move the electrode at an angle 15–20° and evenly).
• Disc warping (solution: weld short seams with cooling breaks).

If in doubt, contact a professional welder - the work will cost 1500–2500 ₽.