Modern Steel Fire Pit

In this Instructable I'll show you how I made this modern steel fire pit. It was my first full metal project (most of my others include woodworking).

Be sure to watch the video above, and if you like it please subscribe to my YouTube channel! And if you like the Instructable please vote for me for the Metalworking Contest at the end of the post!

Supplies

1/8" mild steel plate

1/8" mild steel square tube

1/8" mild steel bar

Step 1: Gather Materials and Supplies

The materials for the fire pit are pretty basic. Just some 1/8" plate steel and square tube. I also used some round bar for a grate.

Tools/Consumables Used:

Diablo Steel Demon 7-¼” Metal Blade - http://bit.ly/2J7geDW

Diablo Steel Demon 14” Metal Blade - http://bit.ly/2RM9gs7

Lincoln 140 MP Welder - http://bit.ly/31Z93Xb

Slow Speed Chop Saw - http://bit.ly/31Z93Xb

Large Right Angle Magnets - http://bit.ly/31Z93Xb

Small Right Angle Magnets - http://bit.ly/31Z93Xb

Edge guide - http://bit.ly/31Z93Xb

Gorilla Grip Gloves - http://bit.ly/31Z93Xb

Supplies:

1/8" plate steel

1/8" square tube

1/8" round bar

Step 2: Cut Metal Plate to Size

I started by cutting the plate steel down to size with a metal blade in my circ saw. The design is very basic with a 24x24" top opening.

I cut two sides to 10x24 and left them rectangular.

Then I cut the other two sides with 45 degree angles on them. This would give me the sloping sides

Lastly I cut a piece to fill in the bottom.

Step 3: Cut Square Tube for Legs

I cut the square tube to size for an A-frame style leg. The angle on the legs splayed out 15 degrees.

I made the cuts on my slow speed chop saw and matched all the angles for clean corners with no open ends except the bottom.

Step 4: Weld the Fire Bowl & Grate

I used some setup magnets to hold the sides together and welded them with 0.25 MIG wire.

I worked my way around the bowl until I had all the sides attached and then laid in and attached the bottom.

To hold the wood off the bottom I welded up a grate from 1/8" bar. This sits on some small triangular standoffs I welded to the bottom of the fire bowl

Step 5: Weld the Base and Attach to Fire Bowl

Next up I welded the base together using the magnets to hold everything in place.

I added two stretchers between the leg assemblies for some extra support and strength.

Then I welded the base to the fire bowl using a set of wood blocks to hold it where I wanted it.

Step 6: Finish Up

I added some drainage holes in the fire pit to get rid of any standing water and called it a wrap!

Be sure to watch the video above for more details, and if you like it please subscribe to my YouTube channel!

And if you like the Instructable please vote for me for the Metalworking Contest below!

Comments

[emmeand]

I love this design but I’m missing something really basic - Can someone please help? Two sides are 10 inch X 24 inch and each end is 10inch X 24inch with 45 degree angles at each end. When I mark these angles it leaves a base that is just 4 inches in width! This does not look right as the video images show a base that is far wider than that. Can you please send the actual dimensions of each piece? Sorry if I’m missing something really basic but I can’t make it work when I sketch it out. Thanks in anticipation! Cheers

[dcm0009]

I realized our mistake when I went to make this. His sides are 10x24, his ends cant be. Due to geometry which I'm poor at his ends would have to be roughly 7 inches tall. I ended up cutting mine at 10" and 35 degrees to get the 10" bottom but that means I need 12.25" sides. Good thing I'm new to this and not building it for some one other than myself. Lol

[dcm0009]

I agree, it appears he Mark's 45 degree angles on there but it would only give you a 4" bottom. He says his bottom is 10" in the video and you would need a 35 degree angle to achieve that. Hope this helps even though its 9 months later.

[Johannes Windstra]

Is there a drawing available, to make this fire bowl.
Thanks

[fixthisbuildthat]

No, I did not put one together, sorry

[dcm0009]

That's kind of the point of instructables. To help others know how to build it. Measurements are key to that.

[bobtravlinsimmons]

Are all 4 sides 10 x 24?
What is the size of the bottom plate?
A quick drawing with sizes would be very helpful.

[jessyratfink]

I love the look of this pit!

[fixthisbuildthat]

thanks!