fire irons

[trapper704]

I'm going to make a set of fire irons, and am debating on 3/8 or 1/2 in. sq. steel. Any one have any pros or cons for either? This will be my first set so am open to ideas. I've seen several different designs, I would welcome any input. thanks

 

[wulf]

believe this or no but I have made a complete set
using 1/4" rod and tested it with some heavy pots
of lead and it held up fine...most make theirs out
of 3/8 or 1/2" and that also works well however it
is heavy..That part is OK if you have a truck to
deliver all of your needs but it you have to pack
in then the 1/4" will be appreciated...when I packed in any distance I left all that extra stuff
at home...You can't argue with opinion.....Wulf

 

[necchi]

Wulf makes a good point, it all can be made to look pretty, but you'll know the differance right away with the heavier stuff.
Even if your just packing the trailer for vous' fire irons and cooking gear is alot of weight.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I have made many sets over the years using what ever the local scrap yard had "in stock". I would not go with anything over 1/2 inch. Most I made with 3/8. If you are considering a set for treking you could go with 1/4 but I never have. I did get so 5/16th once that worked quite well. :hmm: I really miss the old metalics recycling yard. When they closed three years ago they "mined" the old yard with a backhoe after the bulldozer cleared most of the metal. They recovered an additional 675,000 lbs of steel and cast iron. Some of the engine blocks were eight feet deep! :bow: :bow:

 

[napolean]

I've built tri-pod types for BIG pots o chile out of ½", 3-piece cross bar types for general camping from 3/8",With several different length "s" hooks. And a 2 pc. squirrel roaster of ¼" with a reversable spit. One end pointed and the other end with a crook to hold small pots or billie boilers for packin.
Jon D

 

[mazo kid]

My set was made of 1/2" stock but 3/8" would work just as well. Most weight will be on the grill anyway; the heaviest we hung on the cross bar was a 2 gallon pot for heating water.