I think that one of the most basic welding projects every novice welder should/can try is building a pit. At the time I made mine, I lived on a ranch where I had access to welding supplies and scrap metal. Aside from the large pipe that is the body of the pit, everything was scrap. And since I obtained the pipe by trading my step-dad something (I cant even remember what!), this project was essentially free.The first thing I did was make sure that the large pipe was cut square on the ends. After that I cut it into two pieces, one for the pit and the other for the firebox. For this small pit, the firebox is about half the size of the pit itself. Then I tack welded these two pieces together, overlapping about half way. After the pieces were fixed together, then I cut the end pieces out of sheet metal and welded them on either end. Now, the pit is one solid piece of metal sealed on both ends.
At this point, I worked on making the stand, so that it was off the ground for the rest of the project. I wanted the pit to be able to pivot around or turn so that I could keep it in line with the breeze for better air flow through the firebox. To achieve a pivot stand, I used a threaded pipe joint. First I found the center of gravity on the point on the bottom aspect of the pit, and welded the female threaded coupling there. Then I measured the male coupling, which was already on the end of a long piece of pipe to a length that, when assembled, would be an appropriate height for the pit when it was finished. Then the base was made so it would stand.
After that I worked on the doors. The key here is to cut the straight lines on the back side of the doors that the hinges will be on first, then weld the hinges in place before cutting the rest of the door out. Doing this will help make sure the hinges are on straight and save you a headache trying to balance the door in place while welding the hinges on. Then I made the handles and back stops for both of the doors. After that you can weld a small strip of metal around the door for aesthetic purposes or to improve the seal. I didn't do that for this pit.I then finished the firebox by cutting the door on the side in the same fashion. Here I also cut holes into the door and made a rotating vent damper. After using this pit for awhile I think my vents are a little too small for adequate ventilation into the box. I think its probably better to make them bigger, and then just adjust them smaller with the damper you make. I finished the box with a latch for the side door and a platform to place a pot or anything else you want to warm up/boil.
Then I cut the hole for the stack. I have a feeling that where you cut the hole may be a topic of debate, but I will say that if you cut it low on the pit, the smoke will have to fill the pit before it can exit (which is a good thing). I also made a small damper on the top of the stack as well. To finish the pit, I built grates for the body (to cook on) and the firebox (to put the wood on). One tip here is to make sure you put the rails low enough so that you have something to cook something large (like beer can chicken) without the chicken hitting the top of the pit.The finishing touches are the shelf on the outside, the temperature gauge, the handle on the stack to turn the pit, and finally the half moon-shaped scraper to clean out grease and ash. Spray painted with a couple coats of high temp paint.
