To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

BBQ Grille Grates - Anyone made any?

T

The Bean

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 24, 2021
Messages
1,800
Location
Delaware Valley (SE PA)
I've got these two that I don't use.
11.5" x 19"
15" x 25"
I'm going down to Middlesboro, KY on 81 in 2 weeks. I can make deal with you if these fit your need.
20241201_185243.jpg
I've also got this one, all welded flat stock 19" x 20". It fits my outdoor custom built stone bbq, but I replaced it with a piece of flagstone and set my Weber Q on it. Gas on.
20241201_185205.jpg

20220707_195028.jpg
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
L

larry4406

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
18,739
Location
Northern Virginia
Starting making the new Rev2 grill grates finally.....

Cut the A36 1" bar stock ends and beveled them using a belt sander. Each is 16.25" long.

Yesterday bought (6) 12' sticks of 3/8" diameter 304SS rod. Rod spacing will be reduced to 3/4" from 1" that I used on Rev1. Sticks were $35/each plus tax.

Next steps are to cut (42) 20" long grate rods. Should be around 4" of waste in the 12' sticks if my match is right. Thinking I will use my portable band saw with a new blade.

Will use a new abrasive belt to chamfer the SS rods.

Still debating if I should buy a 2 lb spool of 309 mig wire for the end rod tacks. I would not be using a tri-mix gas as was previously recommended. I am inclined to just roll with the argon/CO2 gas and 0.030" L-56 SupArc Lincoln wire I already have loaded.

IMG_4842.JPGIMG_4846.JPGIMG_4845.JPG

This is what Rev1 looked like with the 1" rod spacing.
1777986087726.png
Note how all but the end rods float. The end rods are welded to the bar stock. This locks the grate square while minimizing the total heat input.
1777986159572.png
 
B

BigMike782

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 19, 2008
Messages
1,812
Location
49120
larry4406 said:
Still debating if I should buy a 2 lb spool of 309 mig wire for the end rod tacks. I would not be using a tri-mix gas as was previously recommended. I am inclined to just roll with the argon/CO2 gas and 0.030" L-56 SupArc Lincoln wire I already have loaded.
Click to expand...
The down side is that the weld and heat affected zone will rust.
 
OP
L

larry4406

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
18,739
Location
Northern Virginia
Was a nice today today to piddle with this project.

Next step is cleaning and welding. Then burn off/season on grill.

Need a new wire wheel on the Craftsman. Was used when I bought it 5-6 years ago and it’s about spent. Did a nice job though on the bar stock.
IMG_4932.jpegIMG_4934.jpegIMG_4941.jpeg

1778017451437.png

IMG_4945.jpegIMG_4949.jpeg
 
Last edited:
B

Beerhippie

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 13, 2023
Messages
9,490
Location
Far NE Oregon
larry4406 said:
I think wide open, the 6 burners with infrared pegs the grill around 500F.

Worry temperature?
Click to expand...
Usually, with the stainless grades I use (304, 316), a dull red heat usually indicates the passivation is burning off. Changes in the color of the metal--like blueing headers--also are a sign. Whether or not it really matters in your application depends on you.
 
OP
L

larry4406

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
18,739
Location
Northern Virginia
Beerhippie said:
Usually, with the stainless grades I use (304, 316), a dull red heat usually indicates the passivation is burning off. Changes in the color of the metal--like blueing headers--also are a sign. Whether or not it really matters in your application depends on you.
Click to expand...
Thanks!

I think I am just gonna do some light tacks with the wire and gas I have.

The Rev1 grates are ok at the end connections to the square bars (all A36).
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
L

larry4406

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
18,739
Location
Northern Virginia
Beerhippie said:
^Beauty!
Click to expand...
Except veg oil is a poor choice!

Turns out it makes a mess.

AI

“Vegetable oil turns stainless steel gas grill grates black primarily because it polymerizes and carbonizes under high heat. Instead of creating a non-stick coating, the oil burns, breaks down, and forms a thick, sticky, or brittle black buildup, often called carbon buildup or creosote”

Yes. Mine. 😞. It was nice looking while it lasted.

Now need to cook something!

IMG_5085.jpegIMG_5086.jpeg
 
M

mike93lx

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,127
Location
Richmond, VA
larry4406 said:
Except veg oil is a poor choice!

Turns out it makes a mess.

AI

“Vegetable oil turns stainless steel gas grill grates black primarily because it polymerizes and carbonizes under high heat. Instead of creating a non-stick coating, the oil burns, breaks down, and forms a thick, sticky, or brittle black buildup, often called carbon buildup or creosote”

Yes. Mine. 😞. It was nice looking while it lasted.

Now need to cook something!

IMG_5085.jpegIMG_5086.jpeg
Click to expand...
Just run en through the bead blaster
 
G

GaryM909

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 11, 2016
Messages
1,509
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I have owned a Weber for about 15 years. It came with the stainless grills. I have
tried every type of oil on the grills and they are still black. The only time they were
shiny was when they were new.
By the way, the grills look pretty good.
 
OP
L

larry4406

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
18,739
Location
Northern Virginia
GaryM909 said:
I have owned a Weber for about 15 years. It came with the stainless grills. I have
tried every type of oil on the grills and they are still black. The only time they were
shiny was when they were new.
By the way, the grills look pretty good.
Click to expand...
Thank you - I am pleased with how the grates came out as well.

Yeah kinda my thoughts as well on the black, I am gonna just move on and cook on it as is. I plan to cook some jerk chicken thighs later today for dinner.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom