Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: Uncle Al on April 30, 2016, 11:09:29 AM

Title: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: Uncle Al on April 30, 2016, 11:09:29 AM
I have been looking for a better work top solution than dragging my patio table over to the kettles when I cook.  I had an old IKEA butcher-block top that was collecting dust so I decided to repurpose it.  A little routing, sanding and some butcher-block conditioner is all it took.  I think they turned out really well!

CNC cutting out the parts:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/sg7upj.jpg)

Parts are cut (the two small parts are for a tortilla press):
(http://i68.tinypic.com/faugev.jpg)

Rounding over the edges and some sanding:
(http://i63.tinypic.com/124ykpi.jpg)

Bottom side detail showing the dado that keeps the top registered on the kettle bowl:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2ps2810.jpg)

Complete:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2nqhb7q.jpg)

Perfect fit on the bowl:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/35a802x.jpg)
Title: Re: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: Hell Fire Grill on April 30, 2016, 11:15:01 AM
Excellent idea!

What do you do with the lids when they're not on the kettle?
Title: Re: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: MacEggs on April 30, 2016, 11:22:06 AM
Another great idea for wood … Put to good use.  Outstanding !!
Title: Re: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: captjoe06 on April 30, 2016, 11:46:06 AM
stunning! 
Title: Re: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: pbe gummi bear on April 30, 2016, 12:16:52 PM
holy crap that is a great idea. Is that your personal shopbot?
Title: Re: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: WNC on April 30, 2016, 12:26:12 PM
Wow those are awesome! And the craftsmanship looks incredible! That would be so cool to have out on a cookout and impress your friends.
Title: Re: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: Uncle Al on April 30, 2016, 12:57:39 PM
Thanks everyone for the kind words!  ;D  This came together really quick.  I got the idea for this project last weekend.  I found the top material Wednesday, programed and cut on Thursday and put on the finish/took pictures today.


Excellent idea!

What do you do with the lids when they're not on the kettle?

Right now the lids are in the kettle's parking spaces on the porch.  I might could build a lid easel/stand.  Any ideas?


holy crap that is a great idea. Is that your personal shopbot?

Great eye to spy the ShopBot!  It is not my personal machine but I have full access to it.  I have been programming and cutting on it for 9 years now.  It is really an awesome machine!
Title: Re: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: Hell Fire Grill on April 30, 2016, 03:28:44 PM
Im sure with your tools and skills you could make something less red neck than mine, but it works. I can practically drop my lid into it without damaging the lid in any way. The holes for the dowels were drilled at about 45*.

 (http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w493/HellFireGrill/Webed/IMG_20151031_093240_227_zpswrrj9bbh.jpg)  (http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w493/HellFireGrill/Webed/IMG_20151031_093311_233_zpsjgbstgcd.jpg)

Title: Re: DIY kettle work tops
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on April 30, 2016, 03:35:24 PM
Amazing. All this time, I've never seen anyone turn a kettle into a real tabletop. Makes perfect sense though.

Next party's is at Uncle Al's. He got the kettles and by the looks of that outdoor shower, a pool somewhere.