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Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: HoosierKettle on October 17, 2016, 06:21:58 PM

Title: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 17, 2016, 06:21:58 PM

Been working on an 18 I dug out of the trash missing everything below the bowl. One touch replacement is in on order.

I didn't have an 18" and I wanted a bigger portable grill than my smoky Joe but I also wanted to use the 18 on my patio without putting it on a table top. Storable add on legs was my answer. Still in the early stages but it will definitely work.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161018/dea906a526ed44d496708a85b8393a8e.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161018/04fc3bb20db12828c426f0e7ed883d83.jpg)


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 17, 2016, 06:23:26 PM

It can double as table top or normal height so next outing I won't have to use valuable table space or have to bend over.


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: pbe gummi bear on October 17, 2016, 10:09:18 PM

I really like the execution of the leg extenders. Nice job!

Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: RottiGuy on October 18, 2016, 12:57:55 AM

Looks good!!

Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: Travis on October 18, 2016, 03:07:16 AM

That a good idea. Good thinking right there


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 07:15:13 AM

I had a loose fit between the 1" and 3/4" aluminum. I used a scrap piece of aluminum house trim and attached with foil tape. Seems like it really did the trick
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161018/0eb62bb6dc47a1c8a112ab05fcdb93c3.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161018/b32e3f0703209a4bf7f19ee3882e4f4d.jpg)


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 08:26:49 AM

Some more refinement. I had to label the legs with colored tape. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161018/1fb2864d9e25d13e12d697946a59fb12.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161018/5f317f6775bf8031a54917cdc3a4e4b6.jpg)


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 08:27:52 AM

I used anti seize on the leg sockets. That won't cause a problem with odors inside the kettle will it?


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Title: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 05:42:10 PM

Working in an ash pan now. I freehanded this version of an old school ash pan out of some scrap. I think with a little effort I could make it respectable. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161019/8e2cd1b879718157ad4a750e404ddec0.jpg)


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: Travis on October 18, 2016, 05:47:44 PM

What did you use?


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 05:54:49 PM

It's a secret. [emoji16].  If I built a simple press I could crank out exact replicas. If anyone is interested I might pursue that further.

For this I simply made one slit to the radius and overlapped to form a "china man's cap". Not pc but that's what it's called for my work application as a roof exhaust cap.


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 05:55:37 PM

To answer your question it's aluminum like what would be found on the fascia and window trim on some houses.


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: Travis on October 18, 2016, 05:59:34 PM

You should see how it wears or hold up after a lot of cooks. I bet there could be a market for that!
Good going man!


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 06:05:41 PM

Thanks!  Keep in mind that this is a crude free hand version. I have no templet. That would make it easier.

I think this will hold up fine but it needs to be a little thicker probably. I have almost unlimited supply of scrap in various metals and thickness so I'll play with this a bit more.


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: JDD on October 18, 2016, 06:42:01 PM

That is cool, I think your on to something.

Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: Mr.CPHo on October 18, 2016, 06:54:26 PM

Yeah, I'd be interested too.  I could send you a 22" as a template.  Give me a couple weeks and I should have a spare 18" to "loan"[emoji6]


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 07:23:15 PM

Thanks. Yeah a template would be great. I actually have an original ash pan on my 22 so just the 18 and a 26 if anyone has one.

I ended up making a different ash pan for this transformer. The twist pan interfered with my bolts that hold the leg pieces together. I'm calling this done for the time being until my 1 touch comes on Thursday.  Definitely more function than form but this is my experimental kettle.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161019/19f01cdb93774e24331a57604cbca79c.jpg)


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Title: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 18, 2016, 08:07:23 PM

If you guys share templates with those who are missing ash pans, anyone could make the simple cheater version. All that's required is to track down some scrap aluminum from a sheet metal or commercial roofing shop and tools required would be left cut tin snips, straight cut snips, small sheet metal screws or rivets. By making a slit, you create the bowl shape instead of presses or stamped like factory.


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: Travis on October 19, 2016, 03:26:01 AM

Thanks for the info Hoosier. It's a great idea and much better than switching pans from kettle to kettle or nothing at all.
That twist style looks great


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 21, 2016, 09:49:39 AM

She's a cooker not a looker but I'm glad I saved it from the trash. My first cook on this or any 18. I can tell I'm going to like this size.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161021/7ee7b83bd2133607119f1840c34d6a95.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161021/ff3c6c2877d43376c18b47a8a22ac079.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161021/20dc5eed73895885cf047547dc2a59eb.jpg)


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Title: Re: 18 transformer
Post by: HoosierKettle on October 21, 2016, 09:52:15 AM

I didn't think about this when I made the legs 7" long but it allows the lid to hang on it's hook. Only has a 1/4" clearance to the table though.


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