Made some more baskets

[MacEggs]

When I first started using a Weber kettle, I did not use baskets.  In fact, I didn't even know about them.

After seeing photos of baskets, plus some pics of homemade baskets, I decided to make some of my own.

Some of you may recall these threads:

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/been-doing-some-fabricating-(pic-heavy)/

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/grilling-bbqing/a-couple-trials-using-homemade-charcoal-baskets/


Last year (2017), and I had carved up a beat-up 22" kettle salvaging as much as I could. 
The ring was there all winter in my garage just staring at me .... I knew that I had to do something with it.






Well, I ended up making three baskets out of that ring.










I also carved up another beat up kettle.  This time an 18" economy kettle. 

This basket is not quite half, but close.





I now use baskets nearly 100% of the time.

I have been inspired my many over the years, so I hope to pass along some possible inspiration. 

[addicted-to-smoke]

 Very cool. I have an extra 26 bowl that might meet a similar fate.

[JEBIV]

I have been inspired, what a great use of old beater parts kettles

[cwmfour]

Nice work!!!


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[captjoe06]

So creative.  I think my fave would be the last pic.  Imagine you could go quite a while with that setup.
Would love to hear how long you could get out of that without replenishing coals.

[stubblebum]

Can you measure how deep that ring you started with was? Also, do have any idea how much was cut off the top of the ring before starting. I just picked up a roadside kettle to do this. I am trying to figure out how much to cut off top and bottom to end up with the best shape. I am also thinking of adding a stainless steel mud pan as a water reservoir.

[MacEggs]

Can you measure how deep that ring you started with was? Also, do have any idea how much was cut off the top of the ring before starting. I just picked up a roadside kettle to do this. I am trying to figure out how much to cut off top and bottom to end up with the best shape. I am also thinking of adding a stainless steel mud pan as a water reservoir.

I cut just below the top of the cooking grate strap, so 2-3/4" down from the lip.  Then 4-3/4" below that first cut.

Personally, I don't think a water reservoir is necessary, but it's your basket, so go for it.  Good luck!

[stubblebum]

I already have the mud pan and it is not being used anymore so I will probably try it. Even if I didn't have it they are fairly cheap at a place like Menards or Harbor Freight.

[HoosierKettle]

I already have the mud pan and it is not being used anymore so I will probably try it. Even if I didn't have it they are fairly cheap at a place like Menards or Harbor Freight.

Is your mud pan welded?  Mine is riveted and not water tight. It works well and doesn't leak with mud in it but if I remember correctly it leaks with straight water in it. Good idea though. Hopefully it works. Let us know.


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[HoosierKettle]

Pictures online do look welded. Excellent idea. I'll check mine out. Maybe I remembered wrong. This could be the thing to complete the Marty bigger better basket for low and slow.


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[addicted-to-smoke]

Mud pan?

[HoosierKettle]

Drywall mud pan.


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[addicted-to-smoke]

Oh that kind of mud pan. That's a big reservoir!

[stubblebum]

Mine is from Menards and it is welded.

[stubblebum]

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/drywall-tools/masterforce-reg-14-stainless-steel-mud-pan/33414/p-1444423331924.htm