New member here. As stated in my intro, this is my first Weber Kettle. I also have two Kamados - a Bubba Keg and a Goldens' Cast Iron Cooker.
My neighbor had placed a grill out at the curb with the trash. Trash day came and went, grill wasn't picked up. It sat for two more days and it was bugging the heck out of me. On closer inspection, I realized it was a Weber. Do I need a third grill? Not really. Do I hate seeing a Weber being tossed in the trash like that? Absolutely. Am I up for a restore? You bet. Oh yeah, and free is good!
It's an 18" Kettle, code DU (2002), in tough shape. I referenced the topics on this site about restoration and set to work. Never realized a razor blade, some #0000 steel wool and some of my auto detailing supplies would do the trick.
Before shots -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180831_164045_zpsg6xl8zcb.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180831_164045_zpsg6xl8zcb.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180831_164100_zpsabjgiasb.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180831_164100_zpsabjgiasb.jpg.html)
Legs aren't properly attached (axle flats are positioned backwards) and the legs are in the wrong locations, causing the handles to be improperly positioned and the grill to not be level. Cooking grate needs to be tossed. Charcoal grate is ok, but I replaced it with a new one.
It so happens I've had a Craycort Cast Iron grate hanging in my garage that I haven't used in years. I won't bore you with the cleanup, you've seen it before, but this cooker cleaned up quite nicely!
After pics -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180907_160803_zpsrtfapcqn.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180907_160803_zpsrtfapcqn.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180907_160852_zps2tlpfl5p.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180907_160852_zps2tlpfl5p.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180908_100848_zpsydvlenzo.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180908_100848_zpsydvlenzo.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180908_101027_zpslpdlihyg.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180908_101027_zpslpdlihyg.jpg.html)
My three grills (Bubba Keg has just been restored also) -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180913_130543_zps3a2lzmai.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180913_130543_zps3a2lzmai.jpg.html)
I also bought a Slow N Sear Charcoal Basket for the Weber, used it for the first time last night. Seems to work well. You'll notice in the pics there's also a tool rack hanging from the base.
To avoid burning my fingers on the vent control when gloves are not handy I fabricated this in my wood shop this morning -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180914_123254_zps4uyd7ll8.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180914_123254_zps4uyd7ll8.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180914_123323_zpsz2cmaz5l.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180914_123323_zpsz2cmaz5l.jpg.html)
It's Meranti wood, finished in Teak Oil. Friction fit. But now I'm thinking I should probably start on matching handles. I know they can be purchased, but there's great fun in making my own.
And that's it for this restoration and a Weber saved from the trash.
I'm happy to have joined the Weber family. And yes, it cooks every bit as good as I expected. Still some learning to do regarding vent control, but not much different than my other grills.
Thanks for checking out this post!
Regards,
-Dom
Very nice rescue and restoration!
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Nice save and restore!
Gorgeous. How do you like cooking with the Golden? They look pretty well built
Sent from my LG-LS997 using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
The Goldens' is wonderful! The thing is a beast. 20.5" diameter cooking surface. All cast iron, cast iron firebox, heats up quite well. And contrary to what many folks think, no it doesn't rust. And it'll never suffer a Humpty Dumpty moment.
The folks at Goldens' Foundry were a delight to deal with. They're new to the Kamado game, but really thought this cooker through. The cast iron half grates have fixed legs so they can be flipped upside down to get closer to the fire or right side up on their legs for the standard height. I bought an extra so it can be stacked on top of the grate and thin items like ribs will fit below, providing another half grate for cooking. There's an optional divider plate so I can do a Slow N Sear-like operation - cooler side with no lump, hot side with lump for searing. Their equivalent of a BGE platesetter is a searing plate, almost 20" in diameter, cast iron of course, nearly 3/8" thick which can be used either as a diffuser or for searing.
The biggest plus for me with this cooker is it's made right here in the US in Columbus GA. I had some issues with the first one I received, the shipping company dropped it, damaging it. One of the Goldens' VPs called me directly to get things straightened out. First thing on the phone - sorry you've had trouble, we're sending out another cooker. I didn't even have to ask. Great company to deal with.
This cooker will last my lifetime and then some. In 500 years someone will still be grilling on it.
I have a bunch of posts over in brethren on it.
-Dom
Excellent!!! Looking forward to seeing the handles you make
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
I made a prototype handle this morning that I really didn't like, so it was on to V2. My intent was to mimic the existing light grey handles as much as possible and for the vent lid handle to at least match the lid handle. I did cut out 3 blanks and will eventually replace all three handles. I'm not going for factory correctness, vintage restorations, etc. Handles like those are already available in the forum and the marketplace.
It was more of a challenge to myself, pushing the boundaries of my woodworking abilities. Although I've made Adirondack chairs and outdoor tables from the Meranti wood, custom handles like this are a fun endeavor.
I'm not quite done yet, the pictures show that a lot more sanding is needed as well as some final shaping. Once I'm satisfied with the look, I'll apply the final finish of Teak Oil. And then make 2 more sets for the base! I did use power tools for a lot of the work (miter saw, band saw, spindle sander, router table). The recess on the bottom of the top handle was all carved by hand with a chisel. This is not my area of expertise, but was quite a lot of fun even though it was time consuming.
Some pics -
The two pieces -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180915_202023_zpswvw7v6wt.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180915_202023_zpswvw7v6wt.jpg.html)
Original top and my version -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180915_202047_zpskmj37znz.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180915_202047_zpskmj37znz.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180915_202109_zpsvfomtebc.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180915_202109_zpsvfomtebc.jpg.html)
Original bottom and my version -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180915_202148_zpsi23ngpqa.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180915_202148_zpsi23ngpqa.jpg.html)
And finally, a somewhat poor picture in the dark showing how it will mount -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180915_201907_zpshquywlvk.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180915_201907_zpshquywlvk.jpg.html)
I haven't decided whether to leave the top completely intact (not drill a hole through it) and mount it from the bottom with a SS wood screw or drill completely though both pieces and mount with a screw and nut.
Anyway, that's it for the day. Any further use of power tools this late in the day isn't a good idea, so I'll get some more done on this tomorrow.
Thanks for checking in on this post.
-Dom
NICE!
You better make sure ther aren't any holes in your fence...if your neighbors ever see that grill again they're likely to want it back.
Yep, they might!
I decided to use a threaded insert into the top piece, will fasten it from underneath. I wasn't all that keen on drilling through the handle, prefer keeping it looking as smooth as possible . I'll continue working on it today, there's lots of sanding cleanup to do to remove all the bandsaw marks. Will post pics later today as I progress with the finishing.
-Dom
Sent from my SM-T377V using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
That is really cool!
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
After some more sanding and shaping today I was finally pleased with the look.
Here are the two pieces mated together -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180916_144817_zpso7jrusoi.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180916_144817_zpso7jrusoi.jpg.html)
Compared to the original Weber handle -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180916_144836_zpsbuuqvnyj.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180916_144836_zpsbuuqvnyj.jpg.html)
With about 4 coats of Teak Oil. It doesn't start to develop that marine gloss until about 7 or 8 coats of oil. The fastener isn't installed yet, but here's what it will look like on the Kettle -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180916_180512_zpsxfiw3dmt.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180916_180512_zpsxfiw3dmt.jpg.html)
And a view from further back -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180916_180527_zpsn15pqegl.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180916_180527_zpsn15pqegl.jpg.html)
It's got some decent heft at 1 1/2" wide. I'll continue applying Teak Oil and start on the 2 remaining handles.
Thanks for checking out this post.
-Dom
Nicely done!
Very nice restoration, I like your handle recreation, that's really unique!
I agree. Kind of neat on how it ties in the old materials & the new shape.
Quote from: 1ROW on September 17, 2018, 04:18:57 AM
Very nice restoration, I like your handle recreation, that's really unique!
Nice save! You gave that grill new life! Looks awesome..
Thanks all, for the kind words. This was a fun project, saved a perfectly good Weber from the landfill and most importantly, is fantastic to grill on.
I continue to make progress on the additional handles. The other two blanks are cut -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180917_143911_zpsptlozc79.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180917_143911_zpsptlozc79.jpg.html)
and the first one has received about 6 or 7 coats of Teak Oil, I've lost count. But this is where that marine gloss starts to appear. It'll probably be another week before I'm completely done.
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180917_152358_zpsh3kbpfpn.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180917_152358_zpsh3kbpfpn.jpg.html)
Regards,
-Dom
Very cool handles. Nice job on your restore.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
First off, welcome!
I am very impressed with this restore. You have a beauty 18 OTG there.
Skill and patience are what that's needed to make this handle by hand, and it appears you have both. Great job!
Nice job on the custom handles.
Making more progress. All three handles are cut, shaped and in the finishing step.
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180919_161157_zpskh6zxmir.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180919_161157_zpskh6zxmir.jpg.html)
As mentioned, they'll attach from the rear as I didn't want the screws to be visible. However, I can see why Weber puts the screw right through the handle. It's going to be a tad difficult working an offset screwdriver behind the handles on the kettle base, there's not much room to work with. My oversight. But once they're installed, they'll look nice. Depends on how much cussing I do during the install.
I wound up having a change of heart re: the multiple coats of Teak Oil. Sometimes, and this was one of them, when I reach 6 or 7 coats, the stuff takes forever (days!) to dry. I got tired of waiting, scraped and sanded it all down to almost bare wood on handle #1. Applied a single coat of oil to each handle and am using a spray Minwax Spar Urethane which is seen in the picture. I hope this stuff dries overnight and I can get these installed tomorrow.
Then I can get back to grilling with this kettle!
-Dom
Finally, some pictures of the handles on the Weber! I've got to say, they came out pretty decent and were a lot of fun to make, combining my two favorite hobbies of woodworking and grilling. Installation wasn't too bad, I kept the cursing to a minimum. Attached with Stainless Steel screws.
Enjoy the pics.
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180920_130052_zpsimr38tqs.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180920_130052_zpsimr38tqs.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180920_130141_zpsnyv8cmk2.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180920_130141_zpsnyv8cmk2.jpg.html)
Thanks for following along on this restoration!
Regards,
-Dom
Quote from: lunchman on September 14, 2018, 11:46:55 AM
New member here. As stated in my intro, this is my first Weber Kettle. I also have two Kamados - a Bubba Keg and a Goldens' Cast Iron Cooker.
My neighbor had placed a grill out at the curb with the trash. Trash day came and went, grill wasn't picked up. It sat for two more days and it was bugging the heck out of me. On closer inspection, I realized it was a Weber. Do I need a third grill? Not really. Do I hate seeing a Weber being tossed in the trash like that? Absolutely. Am I up for a restore? You bet. Oh yeah, and free is good!
It's an 18" Kettle, code DU (2002), in tough shape. I referenced the topics on this site about restoration and set to work. Never realized a razor blade, some #0000 steel wool and some of my auto detailing supplies would do the trick.
Before shots -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180831_164045_zpsg6xl8zcb.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180831_164045_zpsg6xl8zcb.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180831_164100_zpsabjgiasb.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180831_164100_zpsabjgiasb.jpg.html)
Legs aren't properly attached (axle flats are positioned backwards) and the legs are in the wrong locations, causing the handles to be improperly positioned and the grill to not be level. Cooking grate needs to be tossed. Charcoal grate is ok, but I replaced it with a new one.
It so happens I've had a Craycort Cast Iron grate hanging in my garage that I haven't used in years. I won't bore you with the cleanup, you've seen it before, but this cooker cleaned up quite nicely!
After pics -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180907_160803_zpsrtfapcqn.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180907_160803_zpsrtfapcqn.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180907_160852_zps2tlpfl5p.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180907_160852_zps2tlpfl5p.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180908_100848_zpsydvlenzo.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180908_100848_zpsydvlenzo.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180908_101027_zpslpdlihyg.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180908_101027_zpslpdlihyg.jpg.html)
My three grills (Bubba Keg has just been restored also) -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180913_130543_zps3a2lzmai.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180913_130543_zps3a2lzmai.jpg.html)
I also bought a Slow N Sear Charcoal Basket for the Weber, used it for the first time last night. Seems to work well. You'll notice in the pics there's also a tool rack hanging from the base.
To avoid burning my fingers on the vent control when gloves are not handy I fabricated this in my wood shop this morning -
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180914_123254_zps4uyd7ll8.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180914_123254_zps4uyd7ll8.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l50/lunchman77/Grilling/20180914_123323_zpsz2cmaz5l.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/lunchman77/media/Grilling/20180914_123323_zpsz2cmaz5l.jpg.html)
It's Meranti wood, finished in Teak Oil. Friction fit. But now I'm thinking I should probably start on matching handles. I know they can be purchased, but there's great fun in making my own.
And that's it for this restoration and a Weber saved from the trash.
I'm happy to have joined the Weber family. And yes, it cooks every bit as good as I expected. Still some learning to do regarding vent control, but not much different than my other grills.
Thanks for checking out this post!
Regards,
-Dom
I've been lazily putting off making wood handles for my vents for too long. Fine, I'll do it!
Awesome recovery job on that Weber. Sad to see them get tossed to the curb the way they do sometimes. I am not 100% innocent of that either. Most folks don't know you CAN get parts and fix these things up.