First Attempt at DIY fire pit

  • HTML tutorial

hey_poolboy

Rank III
Member

Enthusiast II

633
Peoria, IL, USA
First Name
Michael
Last Name
Robertson
Member #

46693

Ham/GMRS Callsign
Maximus
Our rig is a small M416 trailer with a roof top tent and we're pulling it with a 4 door Wrangler. There are only the two of us and the dog, but space and weight are still a high priority. I've seen the Ignik, and a few other ammo can fire pits and really like them more than the larger style. They are pretty much self contained, so you don't have to worry about fire rocks or the like being loose in the trailer. Rather than buy one I decided to make one. I'm sure I'll continue to tweak it a bit, but here's my first attempt.

Anyone else that has made their own.....has putting the air mixer in the can seemed to have the desired effect? I can hear it whistling, so It seems it's drawing in air, but I'm not sure if I should vent the base to allow more air flow.
 

Attachments

reaver

Rank VI
Member

Explorer I

3,680
Caldwell, ID, USA
First Name
Brian
Last Name
McGahuey
Member #

23711

Ham/GMRS Callsign
GMRS WRMV941
I've read that not adding an air mixer causes the firepit to smoke a bit. I used it inside my awning room (with an open floor, so it wasn't fully enclosed), and noticed that I had quite a bit of smoke.

I lost my Regulator hose, so I haven't had a chance to test it yet.
 

hey_poolboy

Rank III
Member

Enthusiast II

633
Peoria, IL, USA
First Name
Michael
Last Name
Robertson
Member #

46693

Ham/GMRS Callsign
Maximus
I had read that other places as well, but in interest of keeping the footprint small I opted to put my mixer inside. I'm just hoping that it can get sufficient air to do its job. Hopefully we can find out next weekend.
 

smritte

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

2,827
Ontario California
First Name
Scott
Last Name
SMR
Member #

8846

Ham/GMRS Callsign
KO6BI
I've made a few. In the DIY section somewhere is my build on them. I haven't updated it but I now do smaller holes and a few less.
I would say an air mixer is a must. Propane will give off soot if not kept hot enough. Mine is mounted inside the can.
My first fire pit is made from the bottom section of a 30 gal can. It worked well but was a bit big. When I made the ammo can, that's pretty much all I bring now.

Edit
Here's the two I made
Fire pit
Ammo Can
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: hey_poolboy

19mystic96

Rank III

Enthusiast III

830
Pacifica, CA, USA
First Name
Matt
Last Name
M
I actually just made one similar to yours. I added the air mixer. I'm getting soot that stays on the rocks and inside of the can, but nothing that's leaving (it seems) it was on under an EZup all last weekend and we had no black residue on the canvas or around us, just in the can.

I used a fluke temp gun and in spots it was close to 900* so I didn't bother to paint it. I'll likely ceramic coat or Cerakote it after I'm finished tweaking it exactly to my liking

IMG_4974.jpegIMG_4983.jpegIMG_4972.jpeg