fire barrel construction

maysbelle · Post by **maysbelle** » Sun Oct 23, 2005 10:42 pm

hello!

i am most interested in learning how to make a fire barrel, to bring some of the playa spirit to our backyard, and also to prepare (way in advance!) for next year's burn.

is there anyone out there who would be willing to give some tips for the proper construction of a fire barrel? (what tools to use, where to get the steel drums, what kind of drums, etc.)

any info would be greatly appreciated!!

thanks,
mabel

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 7:30 am

Steel 55 gallon drums are the most common, and designs are traditionally cut with a cutting torch... Drill and reciprocating saw will also work, but aren't as much fun. Actually, cutting on barrels is a good way to get acquainted with an oxyacetylene torch if you're new to 'em. Don't use old, rusty barrels, except for practice- They'll fall apart. In fact, they ALL fall apart, after you've burned in them for a while. Fire, after all, is just a "fast kind of rust". Also beware of fumes from the burning paint that's on 99.9% of steel drums. Around here there are lots of places to get used barrels, usually down country roads. This means that they've had a chance to outgas and detox, usually, but ALWAYS, ALWAYS look for indications of what the barrels used to contain before using them, and be wary of ones with the tops still on. Even with a couple of 3" openings in the top, they can become bombs if you just start cutting into them, even with a saw! Get as much info as you can!
I don't know what the DPW Standard is for burn barrels, but I like to cut drainholes in the bottom and put them up on bricks for better draft. And a wide, low opening at the bottom is helpful for removing ash and debris. And making a grating for the inside that keeps the fire up off the bottom will extend the life of your burn can.

maysbelle · Post by **maysbelle** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:15 am

hello!

thank you so much for your reply. that was very informative!!
i saw some barrels for sale on ebay for about $35 with shipping.
the advantage of buying one is that they used to contain salad oil...
so no unintentional explosions...
the disadvantage is having to pay :)
i did wonder about the paint on the outside--would you strip the paint or would wearing a respirator be enough?
also, do you leave the tops on?

great idea about the bricks!
:D have a wonderful day,
mabel

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 9:50 am

Paint that you don't grind, burn or strip off will either flake or burn off later. As for tops, I think it's easier with them off.
You can probably do better on price, depending on your location- It might take a couple of phone calls but it's hard to be too far from a source of barrels. Going rate for hereabouts is between 5 and 10 bucks per, CLEAN. If you DO go with the eBay ones, make sure they're clean if you're paying top dollar for 'em.
Will you be cutting with a torch?

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:45 pm

I don't have all the construction details, but one of my camp-mates made a small burn barrel out of the tub from a junked washing machine. It was really simple and worked incredibly well - the sides were covered in holes that provided great airflow but were small enough to keep the ashes contained. It looked like all he had to do was mount some removable legs to it, not sure if he had to do anything to seal up the bottom of it.

Apparently it did smell real bad on the first burn as whatever it was coated in burned off, but afterwards that wasn't an issue.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:56 am

Using a washingmachinetub is a good idea! The enamel's baked on, so it'd be somewhat resistant to oxidation...
What's REALLY hard to find around these parts are the little "pony keg" barrels- I'm guessing they're 15 or 20 gallon- They'd be a terrific "travel size" burn barrel. I see them used for trashcans in parking structures a lot.

maysbelle · Post by **maysbelle** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 8:15 am

hello!

we are still in the planning stage, so i have no idea what tools we are going to use. to robotland: what kind of torch would you recommend for the procecure?
what an inspired washing machine recycling idea :)

thanks to everyone for the wealth of information!
mabel

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 8:28 am

The torch I'm talking about is an OXYACETYLENE TORCH....And if you don't have one, or have a friend that has one, or can borrow one, then you're looking at a fairly substantial investment ($250 bucks, if you catch a bargain). They're handy as hell, but you'll also need safety gear and a safe place to work in. You might want to call around to local welding establishments, or even muffler places (lots of welders work there!) or truck rental/trailerhitch installation places (ditto!) and find someone who might cut out your designs for you for a small stipend and/or sixpack. Draw the design on with Sharpie marker or black paint, bearing in mind that this is like a stencil in a way, and you don't want any big areas held on by thin little sections that'll rust or break off and leave you with a big, open hole...
If you decide to invest in a gas torch, let me know and I'll give you some tips and point you towards good books and such. Unless you're well financed, you may not want to put this kind of money into a single project...
Another way to go: What's the nearest art school? There might be a metalworking or even jewelry class that needs an unusual project...Or an industrial trades/autoshop class at the local high school, even...

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 12:17 pm

I just got a patio burner/heater. Works great and looks nice. $13.OO @ big lot

maysbelle · Post by **maysbelle** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 8:54 pm

hello there robotland,

i will forward the technical information and see what my partner wants to do... he said he may want to invest in such equipment. otherwise, all the other suggestions are great alternatives.
first! i need to locate some clean barrels! :)

i'm finally going to have some time to do that.

and as a last resort, sounds like there's inexpensive patio burners at big lots!

thanks again,
m.