THE ESSENTIAL OUTDOOR BARBECUE
(Page 2 of 2)
If frost heaving might be a problem (it probably will be in
most areas of the country), dig the footing several inches
deep and lay sand or gravel in the pit. After the surface
is smoothed, the blocks and firebrick can be set safely on
top.
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We chose to join the blocks with a surface bond because
that technique will make a successful mason of anyone;
Surewall surface bonding cement (manufactured by the W.R.
Bonsal Company, P.O. Box 38, Lilesvillc, NC 28091) is easy
to apply with a hawk and trowel, is water-resistant, and
can withstand bending and shear stresses remarkable well
because it contains shredded fiberglass strands. The
recommended 1/8"-thick coat has a white, fairly rough
texture, so you may want to add a tinted finish coat later.
Be sure to fill the concrete block cores with sand before
you cap them, as this will provide weight and an evenly
distributed heat sink to stave of stress and thermal
cracking.
The firebrick is merely stacked without mortar to allow for
expansion. Likewise, the metal plates should be cut to fit
loosely in their places for the same reason. Don't, by the
way, waste your money buying new steel; scrap prices are
much more attractive, and even though the metal's not
especially goodlooking when you buy it, it can be cleaned
up with a wire brush or a sanding cloth. You may even be
able to find a plate of the right size or get the scrap
dealer to trim a section for you. (A contoured lip or a
section of angle iron welded to the front plate will
prevent the door from falling forward, so keep that in mind
while you scrounge.)
Finally, don't be afraid to tackle the fabrication of the
sheet metal door (or the flue control, if you want one)
yourself. "Quick and dirty" is the byword here, and a
hammer and a pair of aviation snips will go a long way
toward seeing this tin-knocking job to completion. The 8" X
24" extension above the sliding-door panel can be either
riveted, welded, or—if you smooth down the
heads—bolted in place.
That's it in a nutshell. Look over what we've done, and
feel free to make any changes that might suit your needs or
particular style of cooking. But most of all, enjoy the
warm evenings to come.
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