My charcoal basket for my small offset is rusting out. It's a modified SS veggie basket, need a new one bout every 2 seasons & can't find the baskets anymore.
I'd made a basket for hunt camp out of home depot 18 guage expanded metal, easy took less than 30 min.
Well I decided to make another out of Big Boy expanded metal ( easytofind @ amazon )
Ok plan was for 13 in base & 5&1/2 in sidewalls.
Well to make the cuts with my power saw & sheet metal blade ended up 14 or so by 5 in.
Almost through, only a few bends , and attach with bailing wire!
Put the sheet in a vise & thought I'd put my not insignificant weight on it & make the bend WRONG!
Tried beating with a hammer WRONG!
Small sledge hammer, a little progress but not going to work.
Ended making cuts in about 2/3 of joints & then was able to finish.
3 hours later got the sharp points bent or filed & finished.
Bleeding from 4 places, the sharp points went through may leather gloves!
I brushed my leg against the side whie beatin & banging & the points are like knife!
Ok it's finished! No stitches required.
Fits. My previous basket held 3 wood chunks , 6-7 lbs charcoal & would last for 5-6 hours depending on weather.
This one holds 5 wood chunks & 13-14 lbs charcoal!
I'm happy, but next time I'm buying one
