Outdoor fireplace
MANUFACTURING INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions are like a recipe for roasting chestnuts – the process is tried and true, but allows for some freedom in execution. Instead of watching TV series, you will here enjoy the most natural "program scheme" – the dance of flames and the crackling of firewood. For many, gazing into a fire is as meditative as staring at a television screen, except here, there's no risk of the remote control batteries running out. At Center Rog, we value creativity and manual skills, so building such a fire pit is an excellent mini-project for home. Upon completion, you will have enriched your knowledge of welding, measuring, and marking, and mastered skills like plasma cutting, grinding with an angle grinder, and assembling a relatively complex structure. During construction, a duty mentor will be available at every step to ensure the product is high-quality and safely made.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
- Measuring and Marking Tools (tape measure, square, protractor, marker or scribe)
- Plasma cutter or angle grinder
- Metalworking chisel
- Angle grinder with cutting and grinding discs
- Welding machine (MIG/MAG or TIG)
- Magnetic squares and clamps for assembly
- Drills, hole saw, and drill press
- Protective equipment (safety glasses, gloves, FFP2 mask, hearing protection)
MATERIALS
Work Processes and Training:: Manufacturing the fire pit requires completed training for the multi-purpose station and training for MIG/MAG or TIG welding. This project is especially suitable for anyone wishing to gain additional practice welding thicker materials and performing longer welds. You can purchase the material (steel sheet) from the laboratory.
- Mild Steel Sheet 4 mm – approx. 1 sheet 800 × 1000 mm
- Small steel washers
MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE
- Marking: Precisely scribe the trapezoidal shapes that will form the pyramid onto the sheet metal. Double-check all measurements. Use a white marker, chalk, or a scribe for marking. Obtain the dimensions from the project plan.
- Cutting the Sheet Metal: Place the sheet metal on the plasma cutter grid. Set the appropriate plasma amperage and cut the pieces. Cut the pieces slightly larger than the final dimension to allow for later adjustment by grinding. Turn on the extraction system before cutting. To achieve the cleanest cut possible, use a straightedge and magnets to hold it in place. A steel angle profile has proven to be an excellent aid for straight cuts. Always wear leather gloves and proper eye protection!
- Edge Preparation: Remove slag with a metalworking chisel, deburr the edges, and check the dimensions. Correct any deviations greater than 2–3 mm by grinding. Perform a dry assembly of the pieces using magnets to check the fit.
- Assembling the Pyramid: Position the three trapezoids using magnets and tack weld them. Leave a small gap between the plates for better weld penetration. Then, complete all welds fully.
- Making the Base: Place the welded pyramid onto the sheet metal and trace its outline. Cut out the piece, deburr the edges, and drill several holes for air supply and water drainage. Then, weld it to the bottom edge of the pyramid.
- Grinding: Grind the weld surfaces and the edges of the pyramid to prepare them for leg attachment.
- Making the Legs: From the leftover trapezoid cuts, select the three most aesthetically pleasing triangular pieces. Grind and clean them of slag.
- Leg Assembly: Tack weld the legs to the base of the pyramid, check the alignment, and correct if necessary. Then, weld them securely. Weld small metal washers to the bottom side of the legs.
Author: Gregor Stražar (Center Rog), year: 2025. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. More information: CC-BY-NC 4.0