BBQ/Braai Table

My first bbq / braai project

Step 1: Find an Industrial Cable Reel

1. Once you have found your industrial cable reel, roll it into your workshop and smile.
2. Reason being: the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Step 2: Sand It Down

1. I decided to make a "sit/stand around" BBQ/Braai table.
2. Sand it down and get rid of all the nail heads and ends sticking out.
3. You might need to replace a few pieces of plank depending on the condition.

Step 3: Cut a Hole in the Centre

1. If you have seen one of these before you would know that there are 4 threaded rods running from one end to the other (top to bottom) to hold the reel in place.
2. You will need to tighten the nuts on these rods for the table to have extra stability.
3. When you are satisfied with the stability and the smoothness of it you will then need to cut a hole (Circle, hexagon) in the centre.
4. The hole will have to be within the centre of the threaded rods. In other words the rods will be on the outside of the circumference of the hole.
5. REMEMBER!!! Before cutting the hole you will need to decide on what size BBQ or Braai you want.
6. I found that a hole big enough to fit in a 57cm or 22.4in is just perfect.

Step 4: BBQ/Braai Stand Fit In

1. A nice neat cut and the BBQ/Braai stand will fit in perfectly.
2. You can either make the stand or buy one that you like. I opted to buy one.

Step 5: Varnish

1. When you are happy that you BBQ/Braai stand fits in properly you can then remove it and get ready to treat and varnish.
2. I treated with linseed oil and let it set in and dry for about 24 hours.
3. Once dry, I sprayed on the varnish.
4. I found that one coat did not really give it the effect that I wanted so I gave it about 3 coats of varnish.
5. Also, there are a lot of gaps within the slats. Make sure your varnish goes in properly, especially if your area is not under covers.

Step 6: Get Ready to CHOW DOWN

1. Let the varnish dry completely for a few days before using.
2. I let it set for about 2 weeks.
3. As you can see in the picture. I laced the cut edge of the table with a thick piece of foil.
4. This helps for a tight fit and also so that the wood around the stand doesn't burn.
5. Oh and if you wondering about cleaning... its quite simple as the BBQ/Braai stand simply lifts out.
6. Been using it for about a year now and it's one of the best things I have ever done for family and buddy BBQ/Braai time.